The Holidays are here! Are you relaxed and ready or are you in a frenzy?
As I prepare this post for December, it makes me realize how the days are going fast, once again.
Some years, we are on top of things getting ready for the holidays. As you read below, you’ll find out what is working for us this year and what has not.
Shopping
We started our shopping this year the end of October. To be honest, I jot down things year round for ideas for this person and that one. For some reason though, those items don’t always seem to become the part of our Christmas shopping.
There’s just something about the holiday spirit that keeps you on your toes. Other responsibilities get added to the mix, and the next thing you know, you’re in a frenzy to get everything done on time. Phew, right?
We love to go to antique malls to find different and unique things for gifts for loved ones. There’s some crazy things out there folks! When we see something that we know our special loved ones will like, we snatch it up as fast as we can.
After that, we get very serious. We make sure we get something that is completely wanted by each family member. Once all that’s complete, our shopping is done.
Holiday Meals
Our holiday meals run pretty much the same every year. For example, If we know another family is hosting a turkey dinner around Thanksgiving, we fix something else.
This year, we repeated the tradition with BBQ Oven Baked Ribs. (Recipe below.)
I know everyone’s favorite foods, so adding those to the mix is how the meal is planned. That part is easy peasy. Now, cooking for triple people I’m used to is another story. Planning it out to even what dish is going to hold what is the ticket that saves me. Having containers ready for leftovers and “takeaways,” is another stress reliever for me.
Even though I tend to get a little stressed getting those last minute dishes finished and keeping everything hot, it all turns out and everyone is pleased. Thank you, family!
Oh, and our Christmas Eve Meal will be our go-to like it is every year. Velveeta Chicken (recipe below)
Other Goals I Got Myself Into
Book Projects
If you have been following along, I dedicated the whole month of October with two new releases.
► Storytime with Stella and Friends
► Writing with Stella and Friends: A Coloring and Activity Book
One goal I clearly made this year is to have all my writing and illustrating done before November. I also told myself to not even think about creating a new storybook over the holidays. Now that one is super hard for me. I always have ideas for new books tumbling around in my head. This year, I jot them down and walk away. They will be there for me in 2024.
Reading Challenge in Goodreads
If you follow my page on a regular basis, you know I’ve made the commitment to read 50 books in 2023 and record them in Goodreads. I thought at the time, “that won’t be hard, I love to read!”
Well, let me tell you, those numbers snuck up in me. It’s really my fault though, I’m guilty of getting the biggest books possible! Ha! Next year, I’m watching those page numbers. As I’m writing this, I currently have four books sitting next to me which I’m reading. Each morning, I read a chapter of each book as I’m drinking my coffee. Since I get most of my books at our local library, that keeps me on track too…unless I want to pay the late fee, which I rarely do. After these title are read, I’ll be up to 42 books with 8 more to go in December. I hope I make it!
If you are interested in the books I’ve read so far, you can check them out ► here.
I plan to give my most recent books I’ve read proper reviews when I have time.
Tell Us How You Handle Your Holidays. Let’s Hear From You!
Do you plan way ahead with events for November and December or do you take things as they come?
What other goals are you trying to catch up on?
Have you ever eliminated goals you had to stay caught up?
Wishing you all a wonderful, fun, safe and stress free holiday season.
As always,
Happy Reading!
Rosie
As Promised…Oven Baked BBQ Ribs and Velveeta Chicken
I have shared both of these recipes in the past, but wanted to share for my new fans attending my page. I hope you will enjoy these recipes as much as our family does.
Easy Oven Baked Tender Baby Back Ribs
One slab, Baby Back Ribs, back membrane removed for the best tender bites!
Regular mustard and seasonings of your choice.
Directions:
Rub in mustard and seasonings on both sides.
Wrap in foil so juices won’t escape.
Bake at 275° for 3 hours.
Turn oven up to 400° (No need to preheat.)
Cut open foil, add your favorite BBQ sauce mixed with a small splash of liquid smoke. Bake for 25-30 more minutes.
Then, broil 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens, or however you like it.
Set on plate and cool in the refrigerator overnight. (The meat will literally fall off the bone if you don’t. If you like it that way, you can shred it up for sandwiches.)
Cut apart the next day. Heat in microwave for a few minutes when ready to eat.
Velveeta Chicken
Here’s the basic recipe, but I always double it for our crowd. Plus, they love the leftovers.
1 large chicken, cooked, deboned and cut into bite size pieces.
1 box of chicken flavored stuffing, prepared according to directions
1 can of cream of chicken soup
1/2 can of milk
1/4 block of Velveeta Cheese, sliced thin
Directions:
Boil, stew, or roast a whole chicken.
Place the cooked cut up chicken in an 9 x 12, sprayed pan
In a sauce pan, add soup, milk, and sliced Velveeta cheese. Stir over low heat until blended and cheese is melted. Add a splash of milk if it seems too thick. (You will want a mixture that resembles pancake batter consistency.)
Meanwhile, prepare the box of stuffing according to the directions.
Spoon the cheesy soup mixture over the chicken.
Add stuffing to the top in an even layer.
Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, or until bubbly hot.
Before you go, incase you missed my November news, click on the image below.
“Bookish News”
