“To all be safe and have a Merry Christmas Eve!”

striveforgoodhealth.com

“While there’s a lot that goes into hosting loved ones, it is possible to host an easy holiday party—one that doesn’t make you feel overwhelmed and out of control (two details that aren’t compatible with the spirit of the season). To do so, it’s important to give yourself enough time in advance of the celebration to plan out as many details as you can, so you don’t feel overworked on the day of, says Mindy Weiss, a celebrity event planner based in Los Angeles and New York City.

While there’s a lot that goes into hosting loved ones, it is possible to host an easy holiday party—one that doesn’t make you feel overwhelmed and out of control (two details that aren’t compatible with the spirit of the season). To do so, it’s important to give yourself enough time in advance of the celebration to plan out as many details as you can, so you don’t feel overworked on the day of, says Mindy Weiss.

Before you spend hundreds on groceries and party supplies, take a look at what you might already have in your pantry, cabinets, and storage spaces. “Whether it’s the fancy plates you received from your wedding or the stack of holiday cards on the table, make it easier on yourself and use what you have on hand for décor,” says Weiss. If you do have to purchase new décor, don’t go overboard. Weiss recommends taking advantage of empty wall space and displaying garlands on the wall using removable clips.

The last thing you need to worry about in the midst of entertaining is running out of food or drinks, leaving your guests hungry and thirsty. Sure, you may wind up with a heaping pile of leftovers, but Weiss suggests sending your guests home with them in take-out boxes or donating remaining meals to the nearest shelter (that’s certainly one way to give back this season).

Be mindful of where you place your food setup itself, notes Katie Benson, owner of #TableSettingIsMyLife. “Just as wild animals gather at the watering hole, your guests will always gather around food,” she says.

Put your food stations where you want your guests to socialize. “If you put the food in the kitchen, people will stay in the kitchen,” says Benson. “For the best flow, place appetizers in different locations, forcing people to move around and mingle.

Make cleaning up that much easier by strategically placing small waste cans throughout the party area—one by the buffet, one by the bar, and one in the restroom, suggests Moller. “Place extra liners in the bottom of the waste cans before you secure the liner to be used over them so you can easily remove the top bag, take one of the extras from the bottom, put it in place, and move on,” he says. “A clean party space is important and easy to manage with this system.”

Martha Stewart  (https://www.marthastewart.com/856462/how-host-easy-holiday-party)

Just because you’re the host/hostess, doesn’t mean you have to shoulder everything yourself. Communicate with your partner and see what they can do to help you out.  My husband, for instance, wants to help, but we have different ideas about what goes into hosting a party.

Ways to make your Christmas, Hanukkah, or whichever party as hostess/host and keeping the anxiety low but the fun high!

1. Cook Ahead!

The most important thing anyone can do to make it through the constant coming and going of holiday house guests is to prepare as many foods in advance as possible. Be it freezable soups, ready-to-bake cookies or preparing your main dish for Christmas dinner the night before, you will be very thankful that you did the work during a quieter stretch of days.

2. Keep a Well-Stocked Pantry

Stock up on foods that your house guests can help themselves to, such as dry goods for breakfast or late-night snacks. You don’t have to make everything (or anything) from scratch: Buy some good granola, nut butters, jams, a quality loaf of bread, spiced nuts. If you want to be a little “extra”, then put everything out in a basket with bowls, spoons and napkins so your guests can find everything easily and help themselves. This goes for beverages, too: keep your fridge stocked with bottled water, seltzer or soda, and make a full pot of coffee in the morning so people can pour their own. If you are in the mood to make something, we love these crumbly streusel-topped jam bars because you can make them a few days in advance and they can sit out at room temperature.

3. Leave a Welcome Note

If you’re hosting guests from out of town, in addition to leaving a few essentials in their room like clean towels, an alarm clock, a hairdryer and basic toiletries, write them a note with helpful tips for their stay. Maybe it’s where to find the nearest coffee shop or lunch spot, your wifi password, instructions for the TV, or a few suggested activities – either way it will make your guests feel welcome (and save you from answering these questions later).

4. DIY a Guest Room if You Don’t Have One

If you don’t have the luxury of a designated guest room, try to make your guest’s “room” feel as welcoming as possible. So, whether it’s an air mattress in your office or a sofa in the living room, dress it up like a real bed. Designate a “nightstand” for them (this can be a cleared-off table or book shelf or a stack of books) and set out an eye mask or ear plugs if your guest is sleeping in a common area. Also, investing in an inexpensive folding screen goes a long way for giving your guest a little privacy. It can easily be folded up and stored when you’re not hosting.

5. Free Up Closet Space

If you have guests staying with you, especially if you don’t have a separate guest room (see #4), free up some space in a closet for them to stash their things. Tight on closet space? Then set out a foldable valet stand (we like this sleek, lightweight gold one) and an empty basket for dirty laundry.

6. The Little Things Make a Difference

Be it fresh flowers and a carafe of drinking water on your guest’s nightstand, a scented candle in the entryway or bathroom (caution: don’t over-do it on the scented candles), peaceful music playing in the morning, a spare phone charger on the dresser or a full jar of fresh-baked cookies in the kitchen, these little touches will stand out.

7. Skip the Paper Napkins and Plates

It’s the holidays – this is the time of year for real silverware and linen napkins for a group of 15 or less. If you don’t have enough for the crowd you’re expecting, then rent them from a nearby rental house (it’s cheaper than you think AND they wash them for you) or check out a thrift shop and go for the mismatched look. We love these inexpensive, but chic, dinner plates and flatware from Ikea.

8. Invest in a Coat Rack. It’s Worth It.

If you’re hosting a large crowd for the holidays and you don’t have spare closet space, then consider renting or buying an inexpensive coat rack for guests to hang their coats. Your guests don’t want to rifle through a pile of jackets at the end of the night just as much as you don’t want everyone’s coats on your bed.

9. Stock Each Bathroom with Plenty of Toilet Paper

And avoid someone having to make the awkward ask mid-party.  For those with septic tanks inform those with a cute Holiday Season Party sign stating only toilet paper in the toilet to prevent toilet clogs!  I know I have one and use only single toilet paper!

10. Create a Timeline for the Big Day

If you’re hosting the whole family for holidays or you are having a cocktail party for 50, plan out your “run of show” a few days in advance. This should include everything from when to pop the roast in the oven to when to light the candles.

11. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

As much as we’d like to believe that we can do it ALL, everyone needs a little help now and then. Appoint a family member to do the vacuuming or set up the glasses on the bar. If you’re preparing a big feast, ask a friend to help people find a drink when they arrive or hang up their coats so you can attend to the food in the kitchen.

12. Deep Breaths

While this is supposed to be the most “wonderful time of the year”, the holidays are stressful. Take a moment for yourself before and amidst the chaos. Whether it’s a glass of wine on the couch or screaming into a pillow in your bedroom, try to relax! If you skip one of the appetizers or the pie crust gets a little too burnt, no one will remember. If you are relaxed, your guests will be relaxed.

“Here are seven common holiday-related injuries and accidents, along with some tips for staying safe:

1. Fall-related injuries during holiday decorating

Everyone wants to deck the halls and make their homes merry and bright, but at what cost? According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 160 decorating-related injuries occur each day in the U.S. during the holiday season. Almost half of those accidents involve falls which often lead to broken bones, concussions and pulled muscles.

Avoid the injury: Before you start decorating, check your ladder for broken or worn parts, especially if you haven’t used it since last year. Work with someone else, especially when up on a ladder. A good rule of thumb from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: For every four feet of height you have to climb, move the base of the ladder one foot away from the wall.

2. Toy-related injuries

Toys are supposed to bring smiles, not tears. But in 2020, emergency department staff across the country treated almost 150,000 toy-related injuries among children age 14 and younger. Nonmotorized scooters accounted for 21% of those injuries.

Avoid the injury: With supply chain shortages and shipping delays, be careful not to buy products that may be unsafe or untested. Read all the instructions for new toys and be sure to follow age guidance and safety information listed on the package. If you or your children are using new scooters or riding toys, use protective gear and helmets.

3. Fires associated with holiday decorations

Whenever there’s extra cooking and baking happening, an increase in fires or minor burns is inevitable. When you add candles, overloaded electrical outlets and a Christmas tree to the mix, the chance of a fire goes up from there. Data from 2016 to 2018 reveals that during the months of November and December of those three years, Christmas trees caused 100 fires and candles caused 1,000 fires in the U.S.

Avoid the injury: When cooking and baking during the holiday season, it’s easy to get distracted. Never leave the stove unattended, especially if there are children around, and turn off the oven as soon as food is done cooking. Keep your live Christmas tree watered, and if you are purchasing an artificial tree, look for one that’s fire resistant. Keep burning candles in sight away from flammable items, and never leave a candle burning in an unattended room.

4. Strained back and neck

There’s a lot of bending and lifting during the holidays — packages, Christmas trees, boxes full of decorations and heavy grocery bags.

Even if you let someone else do the heavy lifting, your neck may take some extra abuse around the holidays. Excess time shopping online (especially while sitting on the couch) can strain your neck and result in muscle soreness or even a pinched nerve.

Avoid the injury: If you must pick up something heavy, lift with your legs: squat to pick up a package and then straighten your legs to lift. Never lift a heavy object above shoulder level and avoid turning or twisting your upper body when lifting or holding heavy objects. Try to do your online shopping at your desk, a table or while using a lap desk to keep your computer at the optimum height.

5. Automobile accidents

The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that more than 600 people die on the road in the United States during the days surrounding Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. During the 2019 holiday period, 38% of driving fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver. But accidents also happen when drivers are extra tired and distracted.

Avoid the accident:

Remember to buckle up and drive defensively, even if you’re just driving through a parking lot.  Don’t drink and drive.

6. Cutting your self

It’s common to reach for scissors or a knife when you’re opening packages or wrapping and unwrapping gifts. But using those tools in a hurry or while distracted can cause a laceration or puncture wound requiring a trip to the emergency department.

Avoid the injury:

When using scissors or a knife, always cut away from yourself and away from anyone else. Help children in opening a present when they are having trouble.

7. Food- and alcohol-related issues

It’s easy to get caught up in holiday celebrations, but all too often people get sick from the food and drink they enjoy. Two food-related issues to be aware of are food poisoning — which can occur when food is left out too long at parties and buffets — and allergic reactions, as more people eat away from home and sample unfamiliar food.

Alcohol poisoning also increases during the holiday season and it’s not surprising — the average American drinks for four days in a row over the holidays.

Avoid the injury:

Drink slowly and try to drink a glass of water between each alcoholic beverage.”

UCLA Health  (uclahealth.org/…/7 common holiday injuries and accidents (and how to avoid them)

“If alone Christmas Eve or Christmas there are six simple ways to spend Christmas solo—including a few tried-and-true ideas from Oprah Daily Insiders—all of which will bring joy to your world.

1. Losing yourself in a story (whether it’s a Christmas tale, a spiritual read, or a gripping thriller), can help you escape into an entirely different reality. Stock up before the big day by heading to your favorite local bookstore or library. Try out a buzzy bestseller, indulge in a juicy romance novel, or make your way through some of Oprah’s Book Club picks.
2. Giving back to the community-Levera Sutton, an Oprah Daily Insider, says, “I have a BLAST by myself! I volunteer at a local church or senior center as a food server. I have such a ball, I stay for about eight hours. I’m so tired when I’m done—I take a plate to go and pass out at home.” Check your local food banks and soup kitchens for opportunities.
3. Enjoying the holidays is partially about reliving memories, even if you can’t be with the people you made them with, explains Jeremy Nobel, MD, founder and president of the Foundation for Art and Healing. He recommends compiling old holiday photos into a collage (Shutterfly is a digital solution—or whip out those scissors) or journaling about your memories. Another strategy is going for a walk and taking new pictures that bring back the feelings of those cherished moments. Sharing those pieces of art with friends and family—even when they are not physically present—can allow you to feel connected, says Nobel.
4. Oprah Daily Insider Stephanie Sarazin says, “A holiday spent solo might be hard, but it doesn’t have to be horrible. I learned this the first holiday season after my marriage ended. Adopting a custody schedule was hard, but knowing my three children wouldn’t be with me was harder. That first year, I rejected kind offers of inclusion and wallowed. And I’m glad I did–I honored myself and my grief. Since then, when my children aren’t with me, I accept invitations from friends and family and have created some nice new traditions. But I don’t regret that first, hard holiday when the world felt upside down and I chose to go through it solo.

5. “In the same way we think of caring for and treating our loved ones for the holidays, bring that same thoughtfulness and intentionality to yourself this Christmas,” says Leslie Nwoke, a physician and speaker.

   “If you’d normally make a big deal arranging dinner with friends, use that same energy to plan your brunch or dinner that day,” says Nwoke. Prepare yourself something comforting or decadent, like a childhood favorite.”

Opray Daily (Oprahdaily.com/…590722/alone-on-christmas)

1 – Let’s start with the obvious. Dive into a book.

Picking up a book (whether it’s a Christmas story, one of the seven reads that help Oprah through tough times, or a gripping thriller), can help you escape into an entirely different reality, and one that you don’t usually have time to explore. Didn’t plan ahead? Download a reading app (psst, Harlequin relaunched a great one for steamy reads) and try out a buzzy best-seller, indulge in a juicy romance novel, or make your way through some of Oprah’s Book Club picks. (We also hear these podcasts have some pretty good suggestions, too.)

2 – Be your own version of jolly old Saint Nicholas.

Spread some cheer this holiday season—with a few small acts of kindness. Whether you have a few bucks or a hundred-dollar bill, consider giving to one these hardworking organizations:

• First Book is a nonprofit that provides new books and learning materials to children in need, while Reach Out and Read works with a network of nurses and doctors to distribute books to children living in low-income homes at their regular checkups.
• Achilles International has paired over 150,000 disabled athletes with able-bodied athletes to help them be more active and participate in mainstream sports.
• Feeding America is the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, which is comprised of more than 200 food banks around the country and feeds more than 46 million people each year.
• Toys for Tots, a program run by the United States Marine Corps, distributes holiday toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them.
• Covenant House is an organization that provides housing and resources to homeless youth in 30 cities across the United States.
• The USPS’s annual Operation Santa program, which is going digital for the first time, allows people to fulfill wish lists from kids in need that are addressed to Santa.

On a tight budget? Try volunteering instead. While many in-person volunteer opportunities are out of the question due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, there are plenty of virtual volunteer opportunities: Volunteers for Hire Heroes USA help veterans and military spouses excel in their careers by conducting mock interviews and offering general career advice; Tarjimly is a nonprofit with a free app that connects refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers with multilingual volunteers via video chat; Be My Eyes is a free app that connects visually impaired people who need assistance with everyday tasks (think: reading an expiration date) with sighted volunteers through live video chat; and StoriiTime is a free service that connects children with seniors for a virtual story hour.

“Sharing stories will help you realize you aren’t alone and there is always someone we can find connection with. It just might be in the least expected ways,” says Eryn Eddy Erickson, a speaker specializing in topics of self-care and creativity. Hey, you never know…the gift of your company may be that person’s Christmas miracle.

3 – Binge all those shows you’ve had no time for.

Haven’t caught up on The Bachelorette? Not enough vacation days to watch Emma Corrin in The Crown or escape to Schitt’s Creek? Surround yourselves with friends, even if they are on your television. There’s a definite comfort in allowing yourself to just put on some fuzzy socks and commit to not changing out of your flannel pajamas all day.

4 – Sweat a little.

While your gym might not be open and it could be too cold for a run, consider starting your morning by streaming a workout video or yoga class. After all, as you’ve heard before, exercise increases endorphins, which will help you start your day with your mood already elevated.

5 – Visit a nearby church, if that’s your thing.

“Instead of being cooped up in your home watching reruns of others enjoying the holiday, why not take a trip to a local church,” suggests Ireland. “Spiritual moments have a way of taking your mind off of your needs and centering you on your many blessings,” he says. (Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, many churches have shifted to virtual services and events, so be sure to check with your local church to see what they’re offering on Christmas Day.)

6 – Reminisce or create new memories.

Enjoying the holidays is partially about reliving memories, even if you can’t be with the people you made them with, explains Dr. Jeremy Nobel, founder and president of the Foundation for Art and Healing, whose signature initiative is the UnLonely Project, which addresses the health challenges of loneliness and social isolation.

Nobel recommends compiling old holiday photos into a collage (you can do so digitally on sites like Shutterfly, or whip out those scissors). Or, try writing in your journal about your memories. Another strategy is going for a walk and taking new pictures that bring back the feelings of those cherished moments, like that of a local park where sledding happened. Sharing those pieces of art with friends and family–even when they are not present physically–can allow you all to feel connected, says Nobel, who is also a professor at Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health.

“If you’re spending Christmas alone, it can be tempting to pull the covers over your head, isolate, or even go on a bender, but maybe it’s better to consider making a memory that gives you joy in the midst of what may be a painful day,” says Ashley Abercrombie, author of Rise of the Truth Teller.

7 – Soak in some self-care.

According to Pinterest, the platform has recorded a 44% increase in searches for meditation, a 60% increase in searches for gratitude, and a 42% increase in searches for positivity just in 2020–meaning that while you might be physically alone, there are tons of people who also need some self-care this holiday season. To turn your home into a spa, treat yourself to an at-home facial and whip up a bunch of DIY treatments, like a sugar lip scrub, a hydrating face mask, and a repairing hair mask. (More of a DIY disaster than master? Check out our list of the best pampering gifts and the best self-care subscription boxes.)

8 – Listen to a joyful playlist, without the carols.

Have you heard? Music is a scientifically-proven way to boost your mood, thanks to the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine (which regulates pleasure) and serotonins (which contributes to wellbeing and happiness). So, try creating your own soundtrack “for a festive me-day” or rock out to this happy songs playlist. (Pro tip: Try Stack your songs days in advance so when the morning comes all you have to do is press “play.”)

9 – Try a well-being activity   

Despite the twinkling lights and endless eggnog, holiday cheer isn’t always guaranteed—which is why you might want to have some mood-boosting activities on hand. Maybe that’s knitting a cozy blanket, working on a challenging jigsaw puzzle, or coloring, which is a known stress buster. (These are some of our favorite coloring books for adults.) You could also look on the Pinterest app, which offers a variety of emotional well-being activities. Simply search for #pinterestwellbeing to jump into exercises for feeling gratitude and self-compassion, along with other interactive practices that could help you lift your spirits.

10 – Change your mental narrative.

“Loneliness is a liar. Acknowledging that you are alone for the holidays in no way indicates that no one cares about you or that you will forever be alone,” says Erickson.“There are people in this world that want your time and attention,” she says. Erickson suggests those alone on Christmas combat negative self-created narratives with truth and opportunity. Here’s the truth: You’re alone on Christmas and that’s okay.

Next, give some thought to the choices or situations which led to spending the holidays alone. “If it’s a decision that you understand or agree with, you can find comfort in the reasoning behind it,” says Nwoke.

“If it’s a situation or decision you’re not happy with, reflect on this and how you’d like to approach it differently. Either way, you have the power to choose how you want things to be moving forward.”

11 – Play an online game.

Using technology to connect with others can give us the illusion we are with someone else psychologically, even if we are physically apart, says Donghee Yvette Wohn, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) assistant professor of information systems. This feeling can be generated without even looking at the other person, like playing an online game with someone else. Think: Animal Crossing, Mario Kart, or even something simple, like Words with Friends.

12 –  Could always help at as a Volunteer to help out organizations in your community.  Help feed the homeless on the holiday as a example, get involved and occupy your time.  Before you know it you will enjoy what your doing or the time is up to go home and you will feel better inside that you used your time selfishly and wisely.  If you decided to stay home and rest the day than there is nothing wrong with that either.  Just enjoy your day alone or not; its is based on your preference.

No matter what you do, volunteering is a selfless act that will help transform the lives of many people over the holiday season. If you’re in the US, you can search for volunteering opportunities on the Corporation for National and Community Service’s website, and in the UK you can search on sites like Do-It.org

The holidays can be tough. For every Brady Bunch-type family who began making elaborate plans exactly five months ago as Coronavirus pandemic restrictions eased, there’s many more who find the whole thing extremely overwhelming.

If you’ve just suffered a loss, for example, or if you’re unable to be around family – being alone for Christmas can be a pretty tough time. Others might have work obligations, family disputes or simply a lack of funds to hop on a flight home.

If this sounds like you, the most important thing to remember is that you should be patient and gentle with yourself. If you’re feeling low or not in the mood to celebrate, that’s absolutely fine. Just because it’s Christmas, doesn’t mean everything in your life has to be wrapped up in a tightly knotted bow and sparkling under candlelight.

And most importantly, have a happy, healthy festive holiday!

“Dr. Debar, a general practitioner and stress management expert at Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London, recommends considering the environment you will be in and how you are feeling physically and mentally heading into a particular gathering.

Physically, do you feel rested? Are you getting the vitamins and minerals you need or should you top up by making a special effort to eat well? Have you taken preventive measures such as the flu vaccine?

“It’s also important to practice proper hand washing, wear a mask if appropriate, and be conscious of what you’re potentially exposing yourself to,” Dr. Debar says. “Ensure healthy lifestyle factors are in place as best as they can be, given this time of year, but also have some self-compassion. It is a busy time. We are juggling a lot of dynamics. It’s important to have some internal kindness for ourselves as well.”

Often, party food is communal: buffets with shared utensils and appetizer trays that people are reaching onto, for example. How can people protect themselves from norovirus and other illnesses spread through food and physical contact with germy surfaces?

Poor hand hygiene, undercooked food and food left out too long are among the causes of foodborne illnesses. This is another area where a mindful approach can help you stay healthy, Dr. Debar says.

“This is where it’s important to be conscious of the decisions we are making and questioning, `Do I really want to go to the party? Do I have to go?’” she explains. “If something feels dodgy, be in touch with your intuition. If you’re going to eat at the buffet, think about your choices. When you bring awareness to it, then you might decide you’re not even hungry or you actually don’t even want to be there. If you do go, make sure you’re washing your hands.”

The party season is a time when people may indulge in sweet treats, fatty foods and alcoholic beverages. How can people avoid overdoing it?

“I would sit down and think through the consequences of overdoing it and the actual cost to you,” Dr. Debar says. “For example, do you know that if you drink too much, the next day you’re sluggish, you don’t sleep well, you’ll get into arguments, you won’t be functioning well. Then, consider the upshot: The pleasure or benefits of that drink may not be what they seem. It’s useful to do that exercise and start consciously choosing when you are going to drink and when you are not going to drink.”

If you are going to drink, stay hydrated with water, avoid drinking on an empty stomach, and be aware of what you’re drinking and how it might affect you, Dr. Debar says.

“When you know what your individual reactions to drinks or late nights or overindulgences are, then you can make sure that you rest the next day and put other strategies in place to help your health,” Dr. Debar adds. “And try not to overcommit the next day as well; often it’s when people have subsequent parties that it’s a problem.”

With food, try to avoid sugar highs, because that’s when cravings can start, she advises.

“If you can start your day right with adequate protein, good fats and avoiding a massive sugar spike, then you’re not playing catch-up or at the mercy of sugar spikes. Maximize fruit, vegetables, protein and good fats and then the rest can be treats,” Dr. Debar says.

For some people, social situations can cause anxiety. What steps can people take to calm themselves and enjoy the moment?

“This will really depend on the individual. Interactions are good for us. It’s also a very good opportunity for people to step out of their comfort zone, but it can be dose-dependent,” Dr. Debar says. “If you’re an introvert, know your limits: How many events are you comfortable doing?”

Tell yourself that you only need to speak to one person, and promise yourself that you can leave early if you are not having fun, she advises. Relaxation methods such as breathing and visualization techniques can help ease anxiety, Dr. Debar says.

“Also, break it down into little manageable steps. For example, you’re only going to a party for five minutes tonight,” Dr. Debar says. “Then if it goes well, it increases your confidence, and then you’re going to go for 10 minutes, and so on. Also, see if you can go with a friend. It’s important to expose yourself to social situations because connection is really good for us and connection with like-minded people is actually a buffer of stress.”

Holding a party can also prove stressful. How can party planners power through it?

Mindfulness can also help here. That includes managing your expectations, considering what others might do that tends to set off negative emotions in you, and having a strategy that helps you, Dr. Debar says.

“You’re often managing lots of other people’s beliefs and expectations and emotions and feelings. It can help to have a mantra that you can only do your best,” she explains. “You’re not responsible for whether someone has a good time. You can only do what you can do.”

Dr. Debar also recommends breaking the party project into manageable chunks, delegating where you can, and approaching tasks with a spirit of fun and playfulness.

“Energy is infectious,” she says. “If I am happy and joyful, then that will have a knock-on effect to others, because we communicate via our nervous system and our body language.”

MAYO CLINIC (Health tips and lookouts to help you power through the holiday season – Mayo Clinic News Network)

Food is as much a part of holiday gatherings as football, decorations and caroling. This holiday season, keep food safety in mind every step of the way, including proper planning, safe shopping, working in the kitchen and wrapping up leftovers.

Regarding the people being the host and hostess cooking the meal for the holiday remember this:

Christmas grocery shopping

For fresh turkey, you need to cook it no later than two days after buying. If you are buying it in person, bring the turkey home as quickly as possible in a separate cool bag. Store your turkey in the bottom of the fridge away from other cooked foods and fresh produce to avoid cross contamination.

What size turkey?

In buying, storing and defrosting your turkey, here is helpful advice for dealing with birds of all sizes in the run up to Christmas. If defrosting, it is important to allow at least 24 hours for every 4/5 lbs (2/2½ kg) of weight. If in doubt, check out turkey defrosting time and tbe calculations listed on the directions of the turkey.

No Matter Vegan food or Meat food, to keep everyone safe follow these steps:

1. When you have cooked food and you are not going to eat it straight away or if there are leftovers after serving, place on a clean plate, cover and refrigerate within 2 hours.
2. Throw away any high-risk food that has been standing at room temperature for more than 2 hours and throw away all food scraps.
3. Remember to use clean dishes and utensils for cooked food to prevent cross-contamination.
4. Dividing food into smaller portions and putting it in a shallow dish can help to make it cool more quickly.
5. When you are cooling a turkey or other large bird, removing the legs will help it cool more quickly. It is important that leftover cooked rice is quickly cooled and then refrigerated.
6. Remember not put food in the fridge when it is still hot, because it could raise the temperature of the fridge and allow other foods to get too warm.
7. Never reheat leftovers more than once.
8. Leftovers stored in the fridge should be eaten within three days.

Proper Planning

Make sure your kitchen is equipped with what you need for safe food handling, including two cutting boards (one for raw meats and seafood and the other for produce and ready-to-eat foods), a food thermometer, shallow containers for storage, paper towels and soap. Store foods in the refrigerator at 40°F or below or in the freezer at 0°F or below. Check the temperature of both the refrigerator and freezer with an appliance thermometer.

Safe Shopping

It’s important to keep food safety in mind as you shop. Keep raw meat, poultry and seafood separate from ready-to-eat foods like fruit, vegetables and bread. Embrace fruits and vegetables that are oddly shaped but don’t purchase bruised or damaged produce, or canned goods that are dented, leaking, bulging or rusted, as these may become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.

Choose cold foods last and bring foods directly home from the grocery store. Always refrigerate perishable foods, such as raw meat or poultry, right away.

Working in the Kitchen

In a holiday kitchen filled with family and friends, all hands may be on deck, but are those hands clean? Make sure everyone washes their hands thoroughly with clean, running water and soap for 20 seconds before and after handling food.

And when baking delicious holiday treats, remember that no one should eat raw cookie dough or brownie batter.