from cynthia ewer
Week Nine at the Holiday Grand Plan, Pantry Week, finds us still in the kitchen.
This week, we focus on food storage, the pantry and any additional closets. Taking time to declutter, deep-clean and organize these storage areas will pay off when holiday baking begins.
Holiday prep chores this week see us begin to address Christmas cards, continue to work on holiday gifts, and start thinking about Thanksgiving dinner.
Pantry Week
Cleaning/Organizing Area: Pantry and Closets
Pantry / Additional Closets
Holiday Prep
Make one batch of Holiday Goodies.
(I don't do this until end of November - we have thieves Make one extra meal for freezer again labeled HOLIDAY MEAL.
(I start this next week) Buy two canned food items from menus (get 2 of each item, one to use and one to donate to food drive).-
( i start gathering my baking stuff, extras for closet of dog food/cat food/laundry detergent etc. so that we don't have to go to the store when people are crazily shopping) Buy 1/8th of TO BUY gifts. Save all receipts, note return policy before buying. Ask for gift boxes.
(I have a long 3 x 5 card file and have my receipts under xmas receipts) Wrap and label packages. If needing to ship, get some shipping boxes now and store packages in them.
Work at least 1 hour a day on homemade gifts.
Start addressing Christmas cards and writing Christmas letter.
Find family photo suitable for inclusion with Christmas card.
(we need to plan this) Involve the whole family. Do not seal cards yet, keep them in a box in alphabetical order, as you think of things that you want to say to them pull out the card and add a note.
Send invitations for Thanksgiving.
(i don't do this as my d sis in law does thanksgiving) Prepare for special needs-extra beds, babies?
(this is the week I make up cards for tips for helpers) Buy extra batteries (check gifts).
(dh always does this) Order turkey.
(I am making a turkey next monday as to try my moms turkey)