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jcp is Deb Marlowe's winner from Monday! Congratulations!
Louisa Cornell, ladydawgfan, KateS and Kelly Ryan are the winners of Fun Contest Saturday!
Lori Austin's (aka Lori Handeland) An Outlaw in Wonderland has been named one of Publisher Weekly's Best Summer Books of 2013!!
A big CONGRATULATIONS to Goddesses Lori Austin (Lori Handeland) and Sabrina Jeffries for being named as RITA finalists for their historical romances BEAUTY AND THE BOUNTY HUNTER and A LADY NEVER SURRENDERS!
Sign up for our newsletter by filling out the JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER form in the right column of this page!
Louisa Cornell, ladydawgfan, KateS and Kelly Ryan are the winners of Fun Contest Saturday!
Lori Austin's (aka Lori Handeland) An Outlaw in Wonderland has been named one of Publisher Weekly's Best Summer Books of 2013!!
A big CONGRATULATIONS to Goddesses Lori Austin (Lori Handeland) and Sabrina Jeffries for being named as RITA finalists for their historical romances BEAUTY AND THE BOUNTY HUNTER and A LADY NEVER SURRENDERS!
Sign up for our newsletter by filling out the JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER form in the right column of this page!
We asked the Goddesses what little bits of holiday wisdom they wanted to share with everyone, here is what they came up with.
What bits of holiday wisdom do you have to share with us all as we rush around this weekend? As an early holiday celebration, we are giving away BOOKS!
We have FIVE titles up for grabs, one to each of five randomly chosen commenters.
PROVOCATIVE IN PEARLS by Madeline Hunter
DON’T LOOK DOWN by Suzanne Enoch
SNOWY NIGHT WITH A STRANGER which has stories from Sabrina Jeffries, Julia London and Jane Feather
HOW TO CAPTURE A COUNTESS by Karen Hawkins
THE LOST RECIPE FOR HAPPINESS by Barbara O’Neal
49 Comments on “Some Last Minute Holiday Advice”
You can track this conversation through its atom feed.
With the exception of this year (boo-hiss!) we usually buy at least one Christmas gift for someone at the same time we buy their birthday gift. That takes a lot of stress out of the whole shopping thing. This year we didn’t do that and we are going bat-crap crazy. Next holiday, back to the routine. And for those lucky people who seem to have most of the birthdays between Sept & Dec (waves hand wildly), but the birthday gifts early as well.
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 4:48 am.
With regards to food, get other people to bring a dish to share. Not only does it save you cooking that particular thing but it also cuts down on the storing of the damn thing because you can send it home with whoever brought it when they leave (it also cuts down on your washing up too!)!
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 5:39 am.
At the end of the holidays, we already pick the name of the person we have to buy a gift for next year. That way you a whole year to search for the perfect present.
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 6:06 am.
Stefanie, when we were younger and everyone went to Grandma & Grandpa’s for holidays we did that as well. We had two sets of names,kids & adults the appropriate group each drew a name from the hat. All the family pooled together to buy the Grandparents one big present that everyone agreed on at the Easter gathering. With a family the size of ours we couldn’t buy for everyone; mom was the oldest 10 (all but one had kids) and I had 78 first cousins and no idea of the count on second & third cousins.Until Grandpa bought the local school we all had to eat in shifts or go up to their cafe.
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 3:26 pm.
wow great ideas ladies – yeah great ideas
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 6:18 am.
Bags. Bags and tissue papers are a MUST. Takes the wrapping into an easier task.
Potluck holiday meals are a great way to save time in cooking. We are doing it this year and it takes the stress off the hostess.
Have some trivia games to extend the fun for the holidays. We do it in showers/parties, so why not during the holidays.
The family enjoy some food at midnight during the two holidays this month. Buenas Noches meal of some hot cocoa, bread, and meat (hot dogs, ham, and bacon).
Kudos to the above and below holiday advices.
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 7:18 am.
My advice is to take some time for yourself and my favorite way to do that is to read. I used to want everything to be perfect but long ago I figured that it was a lot less stressful to just keep it simple.
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 7:38 am.
I agree Maureen!
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 8:24 am.
My advice is to enjoy the holidays and the family.
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 8:00 am.
Well, my advice is to MAKE A LIST a few weeks before of what you need to get done and then have fun crossing things off the list. You can also farm out some items on the list, delegating them to other family members. This way you feel like things are running smoothly and if not, you know just where to concentrate.
Thanks for the video. Karen, no more super glue for you! Use a glue stick (it washes off easily). MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone!
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 8:26 am.
I only have one piece of advice. Keep your wineglass full at all times. By the time your crazy relatives are spilling out into the driveway, yanking off shirts and spoiling for a fight you’ll be like eh, they’ll handle it themselves. True story. For some reason every Christmas it’s something different. Who knows what it’ll be this year. A couple of Christmases ago some relative of my aunt’s swiped my moisturizer and perfume from the bathroom. I swear, true story.
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 8:28 am.
My advice? Scotch. Lots and lots of Scotch.
Fun video, my dear Goddeses. Martha Stewart-worthy tape saving, dog wrangling, last minute shopping, Krazy glue wrestling, roof decorating, risky cooking, inappropriate gift giving, party guest inviting (divorced couples – Ha!), weight gaining tips!
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 9:03 am.
Enjoy every minute of the crazy, fun-loving season!
Thanks for the video ladies.
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 9:09 am.
My idea is to have a time line – know when folks are coming and when folks are leaving! Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 10:28 am.
If you hide presents from others in the house… keep a list… My mom would always find someone’s gift about 5 months later… Well, we did have a big old rambling house…full basement[and I do mean full of stuff too! from both sets of grandparents]…
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 10:42 am.
I always find gifts tucked away months later.
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 1:21 pm.
Allow yourself a little time to just sit back, read a book, drink your favorite drink and relax.
Holidays are hectic and sometimes depressing. Since I am single and really have no one to buy for or decorate for I read or listen to music.
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 10:56 am.
My advice is….eat and drink in moderation. And have some rest between your gatherings. Enjoy your holiday!
Merry Christmas Ladies! Thanks for this nice giveaway! I would love to read PROVOCATIVE IN PEARLS.
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 11:43 am.
Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Gifts and cards may be forgotten, something may over or undercook, there will be spills, messes and things not going as planned. It’s not a big deal. Enjoy your family and friends – that is what you will remember long after the holiday. And remember, if we would be ok with one of the above happening to a hostess, why do we always assume others won’t be tolerant of us making the same “mistakes”?
oh. and wine. Lots of wine – but that’s my advice for most holidays…. and weekends.. and social outings.
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 11:43 am.
At this point my motto is: If it isn’t done by now, Oh Well! I am trying to keep it a simple as possible this year and haven’t even done Christmas cards yet, I may still do them after Christmas, we will see…
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 11:44 am.
Reading a good book, preferably a Christmas one, always seems to help me unwind, especially during this time of the year. Add in a glass of wine & a softly glowing candle & I’m in my own personal Heaven!
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 11:59 am.
live in the moment
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 12:10 pm.
Eat lots of chocolate and drink lots of wine. That’s what I plan on doing. I let myself indulge for 2 days, and don’t stress about my waistline.
I am heading out of town for the hoildays and I won’t be back until after Christmas, so I just want to wish all you goddesses a very Merry Christmas. I hope Santa is good to each of you.
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 12:17 pm.
Buy Christmas decorations on December 26! 50-75% off! Sure, you have to figure out where to store them, but at that price spring for a couple plastic tubs. Well worth it. I was at a Christmas party where the host worked in retail and followed this advice year after year. There were 98 (nope, not a typo) trees in his house!
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 12:19 pm.
In regard s to christmas cards…start addressing them in November. If you have alot going out start in the “a” section of your address book. Agrees a different letter each night. That way you address a few a night and your not filling out cards for hours in one sitting.
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 12:32 pm.
I always like to take the week before Christmas off work.
)
That way I’m not so stressed out finishing up my shopping, making dishes for get togethers and visiting with family and friends. Ohhh and I have pleny of time for wine, reading a good book or two, and more wine
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 12:45 pm.
Don’t stress over the holidays. What ever you get done is done and don’t worry about the rest. Shop early so you can really enjoy time with family.
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 12:59 pm.
I would just like to say that I totally did wrap a present with just one piece of tape. An 18″ long piece of tape, but it counts. Doesn’t it? *g*
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 1:02 pm.
Streamline the holidays. Get rid of anything that you don’t need to do. It’s ok to send out New Year’s card. We’re doing that this year since we have been sick this month.
Enjoy the moment. Don’t over schedule yourself.
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 1:11 pm.
Love the video ladies. It must have taken a lot of work to put it together. I have the girls give me a wish list for Christmas. DD#1 actually gave me links to gifts she might like to have. I was able to pick from those. DD@2 made it harder by buying one of the gifts on her list for herself ahead of time. I had to return it. She said she had pre-ordered it and was not able to cancel it in time. Oh well. Other than that, this Christmas was a breeze to put together. A no-stress holiday.
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 1:32 pm.
Last minute advice–stay calm; sing to yourself in the car if you have to go somewhere; stay home if you don’t HAVE to go anywhere; thank God for your blessings; be happy; give yourself a treat for a job well done. Merry Christmas, all.
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 1:55 pm.
Oh, what a fun video! Thanks, Goddesses!
My advice? Keep a list of what you’ve bought and where you put it. (Trust me on this one).
Be sure to squeeze in some “me” time and use it to do something fun or relaxing (this does not include shopping or gift wrapping).
Make sure you have a good supply of your favorite alcoholic beverage. (It will come in handy during the above-mentioned wrapping)
Don’t stress if all your Christmas cards don’t make it into the mail. Start a new trend. Send them next week with Happy New Year messages!
Do not, under any circumstances, take a job in retail to earn a little extra money over the holidays. Don’t do it…
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 1:56 pm.
Wow ladies from writing to making movies that is great My advice is if you are moving make sure and keep good track of where the pink recycle bag is that holds all the presents.LOL my husband said he saw it somewhere and it holds some presents that i had bought during the year,,So ugh…now on Christmas Eve will call my kids and tell them once the pink bag is found i will be mailing addl presents to Calif, ‘m sure they will understand don’t you,,,,Ya right if so they’re not my kids…..Happy Holidays to you and making more videos in 2013
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 2:04 pm.
My advice is – don’t do what I did today and forget to wrap a present until the person arrives to collect it! Wrapping it on the bed while the family keep said visitor occupied until the gifts are finished and hands shaking is rather nerve wracking! Merry Christmas to all from the UK.
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 2:09 pm.
Don’t worry about finding the perfect gift so much. Your REAL friends and family will love you no matter what!
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 4:16 pm.
have people help out with the cooking and cleaning
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 7:02 pm.
don’t worry so much or the holiday will pass you by and you won’t get to enjoy any part of it..what will be will be and not much you can do about it..just have fun with the kids…thanks for the giveaway..great times to all….
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 7:21 pm.
My holiday wisdom is this: do most of your shopping online. You can relax and read a book while the packages come to you. You can even have them gift wrapped if you’re really strapped for time.
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 8:17 pm.
This was great! Thanks for the chuckle. My kids turn 20 in a couple weeks so just getting them home and having something under the tree for them (and cash) is a must. Oh, and cookies, lots and lots of cookies!
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 8:59 pm.
My main thing is that I buy next year’s Christmas cards after Christmas THIS year. Cards are ridiculously expensive, and you can get amazing bargains after Christmas. I got some beautiful cards for $0.50 per box of 20 last year.
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 10:18 pm.
Holiday wisdom? From me? eesh. Explain to your family how much you love them but you are going away on vacation for the holiday.
Thanks for another funny video!
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 10:37 pm.
I buy christmas cards, wrapping paper ( some is all-purpose), etc on clearance after Christmas. Know sizes and keep an eye out for things all year. I carry Christmas lists in my purse and make notes of what and how much $ I spent. Make a bunch of different kinds of cookies in the months leading up to Christmas and put half in the freezer. You can make impressive assorted cookie trays.
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 10:37 pm.
Before going to Walmart for all of those last minute “MUST HAVE” groceries, talk to someone who works there. Show them your list and let them help you map out locations and a plan of attack for the quickest route OUT! AND, ask them the names of the quickest and least sullen cashiers!
I got home from work this afternoon and my neighbor was preparing to make just such a trip. She stopped me in the driveway and got all of the 411 she needed to make a quick trip! (Raisins, dates and prunes are on the snack aisle and Angela and Jasmine are the two fastest cashiers working until 10 PM tonight!)
Posted on December 22, 2012 at 10:54 pm.
Great video Goddesses. And now I know how Hot Cop keeps Karen’s presents a surprise.
What I would suggest is to realize perfect will drive you around the bend. So get close enough, and don’t drive yourself batty!
Posted on December 23, 2012 at 1:46 am.
Make sure there’s lots of quality family time.
Don’t drink n drive!
Posted on December 23, 2012 at 3:40 am.
Among all the hustle & bustle and busy times, don’t forget to actually enjoy yourself.
Delegate where possible, share the load and learn to say NO!!
Posted on December 23, 2012 at 4:02 am.
You girls are so awesome! I was laughing so hard at this blog! The only store I’m going to today is Walgreens, if it can’t be purchased there that’s too bad!!!!
Posted on December 23, 2012 at 9:10 am.
I finally say enough! At that one point when I realize that I have done a great job and that it will be enough just to be with family and friends no matter how much gift giving there is…
Posted on December 24, 2012 at 12:22 am.
Books are always a favorite last minute gift. In fact, I made my daughter buy me today Sabrina Jeffries’ new one because she “forgot” to buy me a present this year.
Posted on December 24, 2012 at 6:07 pm.