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Is Christmas Sneaking Up On You?

Cynthia Clifton

Oh, my! Oh, my! Christmas is almost here! I need to start preparing my grocery list, my shopping list, decorating my house and my yard, Oh, my! After Thanksgiving pass, time flies by like the wind and everybody is running from one place to the next to prepare for Christmas.

The holidays are just around the corner with less than 50 shopping days left until Christmas. It is the perfect time now to start planning your budget and finances for the holiday season, well, you should have started a month ago! Why don’t we start with a few tips to make our season and our families season merry and bright?

First tip: Create a Budget

Determine how much you have to spend without going over your budget. Make a list of the things you want to buy for gifts and who will be receiving the gifts. Be sure to stay within your budget when buying gifts.

Second tip: Buying more than Toys

Here is the big picture. If we are traveling to another state, parish, or town, budget in travel, lodging, and food for the Christmas meal.You do not want to feel like your wallet was hit by Santa sleigh.

Third tip: Follow your Plan

Follow your budget without veering for a minute.If you veer, you may not be able to get the things that you planned.Always plan to have a little extra money in your budget, just in case.

Sooooooo, are you ready to get started so that Christmas will not sneak up on you? Merry Christmas and good luck!!!!

Apple Cinnamon Spiced Cider

Ingredients

  • 2-1/2 quarts apple cider or juice
  • 1/2 cup Red Hots
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 cinnamon sticks (3 inches)
  • 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves

Directions

  • In a large saucepan, combine cider, Red Hots, and nutmeg. Place cinnamon sticks and cloves on a double thickness of cheesecloth. Gather up corners of cloth to enclose seasonings, tie securely with string. Add to Dutch oven.
  • Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally to loosen candies. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 10-15 minutes or until flavors are blended. Discard spice bag.

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup: 137 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 21mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.

11/19/2020 4:20:28 PM
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