Betty Crocker - Betty Crocker Christmas Cookbook: Easy Appetizers - Festive Cocktails - Make-Ahead Brunches - Christmas Dinners - Food Gifts

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Try these tips to help with the craziness of the holiday season.

Entertain with Dust Bunnies: Give yourself permission to not be perfect. People will remember good food and conversationnot the dust. If youre not ready to completely embrace this idea, dim the lights and add some candlesno one will see the imperfections.

Savor the Moment: Allow yourself to be in the momentnot thinking about the next thing you can cross off your list. Make it easy on yourself by serving foods youve made ahead, a combination of premade and store-bought foods and recipes that are simple yet wow.

Do Something That Brings You Joy: It might seem counterintuitive, but adding an event that brings you joy might just be the thing that makes your to-do list seem doable. Go caroling, enjoy a nighttime walk around your neighborhood to see the holiday light displays or give back to the community.

Ask for Help: Even Santa doesnt do it all by himselfhe has elves. Assign tasks to everyone in the housewhether theyre family members or guests, everyone (except for the occasional scrooge) will love the team spirit of working together.

Focus on Events from a Wide Angle: Plan the events you want to host in December, and then zoom outwhat things can you do now to prepare so that there isnt that last-minute rush? Shop ahead for nonperishables (and when stores arent busy), pull out serving dishes and buy the wine or chill the ingredients for your drinks.

Have a Secret Stash: Keep some presents ready for last-minute gifts or hostess gifts. Or keep the ingredients on hand for a gift from the kitchen () to make up a fresh gift in a jiffy.

Prep Your Pantry: Stock up on baking supplies early (and when on sale) to avoid having to make emergency runs during the month. Have flour, both granulated sugar and brown sugar, butter, vanilla, baking soda and baking powder on hand.

Take a Breather: Schedule in some much-needed breaks throughout the month. Whether its coffee with a friend, a bubble bath or a holiday show, the breaks will help sustain your energy for all of the months festivities.

Bake Smart: Homemade cookies and bread most times can be made in advance and frozen until needed, taking a lot of last-minute stress off your plate. See or individual recipes with the Make Ahead symbol for how they can be made ahead.

Share the Fun: With so many events to host and so little time, why not cohost an event with another couple or family? Whether its family or friends, you can share the work and the cost, making the event more enjoyable for everyone.

Dance Your Way Through Chores: Turn on your favorite Christmas music while you clean and prepare. Upbeat melodies will help the tasks seem more enjoyable and will go more quickly when you have a soundtrack.

Express Gratitude: Take the time to look out the window at nature, and try to count as many things, big and small, that youre grateful for. The act of expressing gratitude will calm the craziness of the season.

Make Ahead

Prep Time: 20 Minutes Start to Finish: 4 Hours 20 Minutes 56 servings

• packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• cups shredded Cheddar cheese (16 oz)
• tablespoons basil pesto
• tablespoon grated onion
• teaspoon yellow mustard
• Red pepper sauce
• cup finely chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
• cup sliced almonds or pine nuts
• tablespoons chopped red bell pepper
• Assorted crackers and raw vegetables, if desired