OVERVIEW and CLASS #1 : 

STOCKING UP THE KITCHEN AND COOKING AHEAD: COOK NOW AND RELAX TOMORROW

Holidays often mean company in our homes….and more family and friends to feed! With planning and cooking ahead we will be able to enjoy our guests and not be wondering, “What’s for dinner?” In this talk-and-demonstrate session one main entrée, (3 roasted chickens, prepared beforehand or its equivalent, a roasted turkey) served as the basis for several meals: the initial roast chicken dinner; then chicken (or turkey) divan; and the home-made chicken (or turkey) salad from left-overs. An egg-and-sausage scramble was also prepared, which can be made the night before and served in the morning by the hostess or by the grateful guest!

CLASS #2: 

MAKING AN ADVENT WREATH WITH YOUR FAMILY

Following the step-by-step instructions of the presenter, each of the participants made her own family Advent wreath using an ample assortment of natural greens: hemlock, boxwood, juniper, pine, and arborvitae. Wired to a metal double-ring base with four attached candle holders, the greens can be decorated with other natural items like pine cones, holly or other berries, cedar, and ribbons. This session highlights the value of family traditions and shared activities during the Advent and Christmas seasons, as well as the importance of setting the tone in the home to counter the rampant consumerism in the culture at large.

CLASS #3: 

PACKING UP FOR A HOLIDAY VISIT: HOW TO AVOID OVER-PACKING

Packing for an entire family, even for a few days away from home, can be a daunting process! The presenter encouraged an initial consideration of the weather at the destination, the activities planned during the visit, and the length of the stay, as well as the ages of the children. Guidelines were proposed for the amount of clothing per day per person as well as the necessity of list–making so that items can be checked off as packing proceeds. Ways to pack various articles of clothing were also stressed and demonstrated: folding, rolling, location of particular items in the suitcase, etc. Participants even learned the optimal way to fold and pack a man’s suit in an air-cushioned XL Zip-Lock bag!