A prepared woman, doesn't wait until black Friday to start on her Christmas plans or shopping. So with the fall of summer, :) I am starting to think of my own holiday plans.
One tradition I started with my kids years ago was to make one of their gifts some favorite convenience or fast food they don't normally get. I make lots of things from scratch but one of my fondest memories was a proud quote from my first child after visiting a friend. "Mom, we had macaroni and cheese for dinner and there wasn't a bit of real cheese in it!" That Christmas each child got a few boxes of mac n cheese in their stocking and they were thrilled.
As an adult, most of us don't really like the taste of prepared food as well as homemade, but kids taste things differently. So now is the time to start using your coupon savvy to collect some special convenience food if that is a rare treat in your house or for grocery boxes to share with those who might need them. Getting an entire package of Oreos is also a big favorite at my house.
My son in law works for the postal service, December is the busiest month for them, everyone works overtime and no one is allowed vacations. So I made him a "lunch advent" with 25 of his favorite microwaveable soups or lunches, which is a big help for their food budget for the month. He didn't have to worry about no time to go out, or make his own, but could just grab it and go or even keep them in the car. You can pack them in holiday lunch bags or add little amusing favors or comics to brighten a busy day as well.
