December 20, 2023

Sure, I’m happy even though I’m crazy busy…but I’m keeping good cheer. I want to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year. Decorating, cookie making, shopping, wrapping, party planning….whew! I get a lot accomplished during the holiday season. And I do this every year! Of course I have mad list-making skills that helps me, but I also make sure I have a couple of things on hand throughout the holiday season that contribute to my  good cheer.

When I’m stressed, my family becomes stressed…and cranky. I don’t have time for cranky so I focus on what makes me, and those around me, feel happy. I think it’s helpful to identify what does bring you cheer. Start a meaningful conversation at dinner to explore what really brings each person cheer. It’s a great conversation starter, plus focusing on those things that bring you joy has a ripple effect. Funnily enough, during the holidays, eggs, salad and cranberries make me happy! These items aren’t complicated, but I have found that each positively contributes to my ability to enjoy all the mayhem, madness and magic that is part of the holiday season. You may find other things or experiences that help you find joy and cheer. ‘You do you’ and ‘I’ll do me’ and we’ll all have the hap-happiest season of all!

My Must-Haves for the Hap-Happiest Holiday Season

Eggs: Seem a little ho-hum? Well let me tell you that it’s a great feeling knowing we have plenty of eggs on hand so I can easily make a quick and delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack. Eggs are budget friendly, (and I need every penny right now) plus incredibly nutritious. The nutritional value of one large egg is impressive with 6 grams of protein plus 13 essential vitamins and minerals all for only 70 calories. An egg fills me up and gives me the go go go energy to complete all my tasks. I usually keep at least six hardboiled eggs on hand for when the “hungries” hit. Otherwise…it would be a cookie in my mouth! Plus, the whole family loves these tasty Bacon-Cheddar Deviled Eggs, good enough to serve when friends come to call.

Salad: If you are like me, you could probably exist on cookies…ha ha …but we shouldn’t. In fact, I don’t feel so great when I overdo the sweets. But let’s be real, during the holidays I sometimes eat too many cookies and rich party food. Fortunately, my cravings kick in for a nice healthy salad. My body knows what it needs, I just have to listen. When I eat foods high in sugar my energy drops, and I don’t want that! So I keep a variety of salad ingredients on hand. I also like to munch on sliced peppers, mushrooms and cucumbers. If you have ever had a child consume too many treats and then crash with lots of cranky behavior, you’ll understand why I keep pre-cut veggies ready for the kids for quick and easy access! Plus, if friends come to call, I can easily make an hors d’oeuvres tray with this yummy dip.

Cranberries: I love cranberries and they just scream HOLIDAY for me! Cranberries are harvested in the Fall and you’ll only find them fresh at your market through January. This beautiful fruit is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins (especially Vitamin C) and minerals such as copper and manganese. Dried cranberries contain almost the same number of antioxidants and dietary fibers as fresh. Just be aware that many dried varieties have been sweetened to reduce the tartness. Cooking with cranberries can easily elevate a dish to be special and elegant. In fact, I often make this Pork Medallions with Port and Dried Cranberry Sauce for company. It’s super easy to make but way impressive for guests! I think my favorite use of cranberries is in decorating my house. The whole family loves to make garlands of cranberries and popcorn to string on the tree and around the house. They last for about 7-10 days and then we put them outside to share with the birds. I also like to add cranberries and greens to a water-filled glass container. Place a candle on top for a stunning centerpiece. I’m ready for when friends come to call…It’s the hap-happiest season of all!

Recipes For Cheer!

 Search for more delightful recipes in your DinnerTime Recipe Box.

Use the filter function (found on right of your DinnerTime Recipe Box search) to find desserts, main dish, side dishes etc.