Lessons learned 2025

[Lori K]

This was the 2nd year in a row that things did not go as planned. But we all made the best of it.

What worked:

• The gifts were all purchased, wrapped, and under the tree by Christmas Eve and everyone seemed to love them (well, those that have opened them; I still have to get together with DBIL and his GF; she's been down with RSV, so we won't be getting together until late next week).
• Groceries that needed to be purchased were all in the pantry in advance, and what needed to be purchased was kept within budget.
• Food pantry deliveries were made and fit into the budget with some savvy shopping and weeding from my own pantry.
• The house was nicely decorated, though not to the extent that it previously was ... but that was OK and no one seemed the wiser.
• Cookies were all baked and boxed up for gift giving, and there were plenty left for dessert after Christmas dinner and for me to take with me on my road trip.

What didn't work (and why):

• Gift selection felt harried. While appropriate gifts were purchased, I felt rushed. Time was spent with DD and their pup, while she focused on her health and DSIL completed his required travel to fulfill contract obligations that could not be rescheduled. My focus was on DD, not on gift selection. I need to do better next year in keeping a list of ideas and purchasing in advance of the holiday. Lots of gift cards ...
• I overcooked the ham (again). Perhaps I need to rethink the Christmas Day menu (or learn how to cook a spiral ham without it drying out).
• I'd teased my guests that I'd be hosting a "de-decorating party" after dinner and would be enlisting their help. That didn't happen. Luckily, DD offered to come down on the 26th and help me pack up Christmas and get bags and boxes packed for FL, load the car, etc. This enabled me to get out of Dodge before the weather changed. Still, that was a lot of stress that I really didn't need. Need to re-think that!
• With that in mind, Christmas Eve has been a bust in recent years. Last year, I was down with the flu. This year, the entire household who has hosted us for the past 30+ years was down with it. So, dinner was a bit of a scramble. I stopped at my favorite Chinese restaurant for carry-out. Do-able but was an added expense I hadn't planned on.

 

[sweetpumkinpye]

This was the 2nd year in a row that things did not go as planned. But we all made the best of it.

Even though I struggle when plans change I think we are all quite good at adapting when we need to.

 

[Minta]

I overcooked the ham (again). Perhaps I need to rethink the Christmas Day menu (or learn how to cook a spiral ham without it drying out).

I cover mine with foil when baking and take the foil off during the last 30 minutes and that's when I apply the glaze every 15 minutes.

 

[missjane]

I cover mine with foil when baking and take the foil off during the last 30 minutes and that's when I apply the glaze every 15 minutes.

It's common for spiral cut hams to be dry because most people cook them too long. They're done when you buy them, so all they really need is to be heated through, not actually "cooked."

 

[housewife2]

I’ve read everything that everyone wrote and I agree with some of the things . it felt a little different for me this year because of them putting things out so early. I’m always excited to see what’s coming out but when you look at it once ahead, it puts a little damper and then working in retail can be stressful at times people don’t have the money and they’re buying it anyway . I wish they would wait until at least September before they put it out, but we already have valentines which is OK since that’s next month and then we have Easter out but that’s just the way it goes and if someone said the older your kids get it is a little bit different. My two youngest grandchildren enjoyed it as always, but all and all I did enjoy being with my family and thankful for my kids and grandkids. I’ve lost so many family members and of course they’re always remembered more at the holidays..

 

[sweetpumkinpye]

Faye, it must be a challenge working in retail. Always having the next holiday out and never really enjoying the current.
I am glad that your grandkids had a great time.

 

[mrskringle]

I'm thinking about how I want next year to go. We're adding a granddaughter and a daughter in law to the mix. We're close to her family as her Dad is our Pastor and they've become dear friends, even before our kids got engaged. We've begun to combine the two families for holidays, so there are about 18 of us currently.

What worked:

~Knowing well in advance what the budget was and what everyone was getting.
~Wrapping gifts as they arrived or were purchased.
~Letting everyone who was invited contribute to the meal.
~Toning down on the decorations a little. This year it was just the tree and a few Knick knacks through the house.

What didn't work:

~Allowing the in-laws to host. They have become less flexible with age. The awkwardness and embarrassment that results is absolutely not worth it. Going forward it will be my daughters or me.

I'm sure there will be more as I reflect.

 

[sweetpumkinpye]

I'm thinking about how I want next year to go. We're adding a granddaughter and a daughter in law to the mix. We're close to her family as her Dad is our Pastor and they've become dear friends, even before our kids got engaged. We've begun to combine the two families for holidays, so there are about 18 of us currently.

mrskringle, thank you for sharing.
What a joy it is when our families get on so well and we can all enjoy the time together.

 

[Myron's Mom]

I'm thinking about how I want next year to go. We're adding a granddaughter and a daughter in law to the mix. We're close to her family as her Dad is our Pastor and they've become dear friends, even before our kids got engaged. We've begun to combine the two families for holidays, so there are about 18 of us currently.

What worked:

~Knowing well in advance what the budget was and what everyone was getting.
~Wrapping gifts as they arrived or were purchased.
~Letting everyone who was invited contribute to the meal.
~Toning down on the decorations a little. This year it was just the tree and a few Knick knacks through the house.

What didn't work:

~Allowing the in-laws to host. They have become less flexible with age. The awkwardness and embarrassment that results is absolutely not worth it. Going forward it will be my daughters or me.

I'm sure there will be more as I reflect.

How nice that you have combined families for the holiday! A lot to look forward to with a dil and a grand baby.

 

[Lolwlias]

My biggest issue over the years has been forgetting where I put gifts.

 

[sweetpumkinpye]

My biggest issue over the years has been forgetting where I put gifts.

I understand that. I have never really come up with a foolproof way to keep track.
My gift closet last year was a mess, stuff everywhere and when it came to wrapping I was missing items, it was very frustrating. Something that I really need to work on this year.
If any one has any hints please let us know.

 

[Myron's Mom]

I use large plastic totes to store gifts (except for food) they are kept in the basement where I store my wrapping supplies. Totes are labeled for son, husband or other. As I fill one up it is stacked in the corner. Food type gifts are kept in the spare bedroom in boxes. That way I know exactly where everything is.
I keep a list on my phone of what has been purchased or made. I also take pictures of items, that way I know what color print shirt etc I’ve bought.
This past year with all of Rick’s issues I didn’t do a good job with my lists but at least everything was stored properly.
As I wrap everything goes back into the totes. A week or so before Christmas the totes full of gifts will be moved to the main floor office for easy access on Christmas Eve when Santa comes.

 

[missjane]

I write notes in my planner.

 

[Minta]

We store Christmas gifts in 2 large totes in our bedroom closet. We also have a shoe box for each person on the shelves in our closet and they hold their stocking stuffers.

 

[sweetpumkinpye]

Thank you for your suggestions.
I have 2 boxes for each person, 1 for gifts and 1 for stocking fillers and generally this works. Last year I had problems with storing the items that did not fit into the boxes and that's when it became a problem. I think I have a solution for this year so will see if it works.

 

[halimer]

I put gifts in festive shopping bags that I then use to give people their gifts. This is particularly useful when i give gifts to people at the Hanukkah party since they have to then leave and take them home.

 

[sweetpumkinpye]

3 months in and a change of seasons for me so I am reading over this again so that I keep things fresh in my mind.
I have rearranged my spare cupboard, moved DrillDance stuff up and bought extra totes down so that I can store overflow Christmas items. I am doing a washing basket for Mum and filling it with all sorts of things. Dish liquid, toilet paper, clothes powder etc. I know it won't all fit in the gift closet and I am trying to avoid the mess I got myself into last year. Fingers crossed that it is a good solution.