Christmas Survival Kit!

In the run up to Christmas there seems to be so much to prepare, sort out and do!  Having a large family makes Christmas fun, there is always something to make, decorate and bake, there are always kids running round knocking baubles from the tree that need to be rehung and fake snow that ends up everywhere except where its mean to.  Some days there really doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day!

A couple of my favourite tips for keeping the holiday season running smoothly are to prep as much as possible before hand.  If you are having visitors work out the foods that you can prepare the day (or even few days) beforehand, refridgerate and even freeze some of the foods if possible then all you need to do is reheat.  Picky foods are best if you are planning lots of guests as they can just graze and you can spend your time with friends and family instead of locked away in the kitchen.  When people are invited over they always ask if they can bring something, never be afraid of saying YES, delegate dessert to someone or make it a pot luck dinner where everyone brings a dish of food and you all tuck in to each others creations!  Takes the pressure of the party host and also makes everyone else feel as though they are helping in some way!

Another tip for the holidays is that not everything has to cost a fortune, handmade is just as good and probably more appreciated than something you ran out at the last minute to buy from a store.  Make a Christmas cake to give as gifts, homemade jams and chocolates are a sure fire winner and when it comes to decorations rope the kids in to help.  Everyone has memories of being little and making those paper streamers where you have to lick one end and loop them together (you know what I mean don’t you!), collect empty toilet roll tubes and make your own crackers.  The kids love making their own jokes up and popping little trinkets and a candy cane in the center – at least you know you wont end up with those fortune telling fish that curl in your hand or another yoyo! haha

Having said all of that I shall start prepping on the first of December and still have things to do every day in the run up to Christmas which is why when a Christmas survival kit turned up I almost jumped for joy!  After unwrapping the box, opening the candy cane and saving the ribbon (do all mommas do that?!) I couldn’t wait to dive in.  All of the little gifts were tied with tags adorned with the cutest little notes…

Another tip for the holidays is that not everything has to cost a fortune, handmade is just as good and probably more appreciated than something you ran out at the last minute to buy from a store.  Make a Christmas cake to give as gifts, homemade jams and chocolates are a sure fire winner and when it comes to decorations rope the kids in to help.  Everyone has memories of being little and making those paper streamers where you have to lick one end and loop them together (you know what I mean don’t you!), collect empty toilet roll tubes and make your own crackers.  The kids love making their own jokes up and popping little trinkets and a candy cane in the center – at least you know you wont end up with those fortune telling fish that curl in your hand or another yoyo! haha

Sellotape – because you just know you’ll run out at the most inconvenient time.

Humbugs – To hand out to all those Xmas party poopers in your life!

Marbles – Just incase you lose yours in all the festive fun (damn right I will!) lol

Gingerbread man soap – For when the wrapping is complete and you need a well deserved soak.

Mulled wine tea bags – Because a regular cuppa just doesn’t cut it at this time of year!

Chocolate Coin – So that you’re not left penniless this Christmas.

Elf Movie – This cartoon take on a festive classic will keep the whole family happy.

Christmas Photo props – A little helping hand to getting all those important instagrammable festive snaps!

Santa Letters – For sending the little ones Xmas wishes to the North Pole.

Michael Buble CD!! – Would it really be Christmas without a little Buble in your life! (I love this man and no it certainly wouldn’t be Christmas without him!)

Also included in the package was an adorable Itty Bitty Reindeer, chocolate coins and mini candy canes – all of which are now hanging on the Christmas tree!

To see if you can win your own Christmas Survival Kit head on over to the Room to Grow website – Good luck!

XOXO

Debbie

This is a collaborative post, I was kindly sent one of the survival kits to help me through this festive season!