Holiday Hacks to Enjoying the Gift of Togetherness

October 24, 2023

Home for the Holidays

With the changing of the weather, ever so slightly in the South, comes the beginning of the fun and sometimes frantic holiday season. October kicks off with fall festivals and fundraisers at every turn, pumpkin patches, apple picking, and extra guests. November ushers in Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving leading up to December and all the magic of Christmas. I’m not sure if you know, but the countdown has already begun! It is easy to feel like we’re running just to catch up.

I often find myself running around trying to make all the things exciting for my family. I also find myself getting tied up in the details that don’t really matter. If I can catch myself and switch gears out of that cycle of keeping up, I find that I enjoy the slower pace of the holiday season. Having extra guests coming through and parties to attend can also be stressful during the coming months. Sit down as a family and pick and choose which outings make the most sense for the schedule that is already in place with sports, choir or band concerts, homecomings, and plays. It is okay to say no to something that will take time and energy away from your family. The holiday season should be one where we stop and take a big deep breath of gratitude for our family and friends.

Along with planning out the activities with your family, I would like to leave you with one of my favorite holiday hacks. I will start making my Cinnamon Sugar Almonds in October and keep them around throughout the holidays. They are great to have on hand with guests coming and going. I also love to take them with me to parties as a thank you to the hostess and family. Just make sure you know about any allergies. From my home to yours, enjoy the gift of togetherness.

Cinnamon Sugar Almonds

Ingredients:

3 cups whole raw almonds

1 cup sugar

½ tbsp. Cinnamon

¼ c. water

Instructions:

In a large skillet or pot, combine the sugar, cinnamon and water over medium-high heat until the sugar has dissolved. Add the almonds and stir constantly with a spoon or spatula coating the almonds with the sugar mixture. Keep stirring until the sugar crystallizes about 8-10 minutes. Don’t stop stirring. Remove from heat and spread onto parchment paper to cool. Enjoy!

-Kasey Owens