My sister passed away (1983) 40 years ago today. Thank You for another great video, for making a sad day, into a good day by watching your video. I appreciate both of you.
As a mom of a tween and teenager, I ask the family which traditions do they really want to do this holiday season. I make a list and start doing things as soon as possible so we don’t run out of time. My kids generally want to do a lot less than I think. Maybe gingerbread houses, pick out a new ornament, and watch their favorite Christmas movie. I used to try to create the perfect Christmas but I found they they were overwhelmed, I was stressed out, and no one was truly enjoying the season. By narrowing the focus and listening to the family, I have created a simpler and more joyous Christmas.
Many years ago I went from doing a full blown Thanksgiving dinner to having a brunch instead. Two savory dishes, two sweet dishes, mixed fruit and beverages. The reasoning behind doing this is that there are several blended families among my children, so it was easier to do something early before they scattered. The kids are out of the house by 11:30, so I then have the afternoon free. The recipe you shared might just be the ticket for a new sweet dish for the occasion.
It always amazes me how Paul looks at something and he thinks outside of the box to come up with a different and creative way to use it, like he did with the star and the metal artwork that you took to the little house. I don't have a creative bone in my body! Blessings to you both.
One free Christmas idea is to drive around looking at everyone's decorations. One of our very nice parks is allowing people to drive through or walk through the trails and paths to see their decorations. I live in Spokane, Washington.
Something our family loves to make for breakfast is a peanut butter sandwich with 2 slices of bread put together and dip both sides into a beaten egg with little milk added, then cook on stovetop in little butter, cooking both sides, serve with syrup, fruit or jam. Fancy way of making french toast!❤
Another helpful item to have is a lawn chair cushion. One that covers the lounge chairs used by pools. But when it’s on clearance, fold it up and put with emergency supplies. If you have extra people over due to an emergency, it works in a pinch for a nice floor pallet AND if you have to evacuate to stay safe, you will be very popular with your cushioned spot!!
A few years ago I decided Christmas was about Jesus, family and love, not stress. I now reject the secular and commercial pressures and approach every tradition and practice with joy. It’s made such a difference in the atmosphere at home during the holidays. We still give some gifts, though not nearly as many as we used to because our family has been blessed with material abundance and no one really needs anything. The gifts we do give are more personal and often homemade. This year I may make everyone fleece-or-flannel lined wool mittens, something I saw in a gift shop while on vacation. They were $45 a pair but were so warm and cozy I might have treated myself if they didn’t all run a little big. Instead, when I returned home I found a beautiful wool blanket at a thrift store for $15 and will use it to make mittens for every member of my family. Not only will our hands be very warm this winter but we’ll have matching mittens - how fun is that?!
I am wraping gifts as we speak. I have detailed lists of gifts for our family and start quite early for most of them. It is not too unique but it works for me. When I have this completed early, I then have the time to enjoy Christmas music and playing in the kitchen.
I can’t get my daughters to give me lists or gift ideas until November!😱. But for friends, I work all year long on handmade crochet items. This year, I’ve made several afghans, a shawl, several amigurumies and cotton yarn mini mug rugs with fringe. Not all my family likes homemade gifts, but I’m glad my friends do. The bread roll ups look like a fun treat to make with older children. I would sneak in some protein powder into the cream cheese mixture so that the nutritional value could be bumped up. 😉 Paul, you have such a great eye to see the potential in an object. Not everyone can do that--what a blessing! I really enjoyed this video…….you two make such a great team……❤️ -Brenda
Ohh 😊what a beautiful star!! I love the colourful lights. It's really so hard to get through the holidays without being overwhelmed. I already got few sweets and cookies for the holidays that I found at the poundstore in whimsy holiday packaging. And I'm gonna be sent some chocolates and gingerbread too. I was quite happy that I only bought 1 new Autumn item this year. A little white tin mug with lots of cute pumpkins on it. Very cheap and I have been loving to drink my tea out of it. Now I'm trying to stay strong for Christmas 😅I already fell of and bought a tea pot cozie and Christmas cards at our local library of all places. At least I don't have any cozie yet but I sure have teapots😂 and I now have even more cards with a Twelve Days of Christmas theme. So now my plan is to make sure to write a bunch of Christmas cards!
Over the summer I purchased headlamps for Christmas gifts for all the men in the family. The ladies are getting quilted wallets and I’m attaching small flashlights to the attached key rings. Love your cookbooks! Paul did a wonderful job with the star, very festive!
We do donation gifts. We each pick an organization and increase the amount, in lieu of buying gifts for each other. We write cards explaining who will enjoy the "gift". One year I gave money to buy 1,000 books for kids learning to read. That pinched a bit financially, but it felt so good to send help where it's needed. Kept more "stuff" out of our homes and shared a little joy with others. I greatly prefer it! One year in my dad's honor, I gave a goat through Heifer Intl. I gave my dad a tiny stuffed goat to represent the fellow who will help villagers in need. It's addictive and fun.
I also have a well organized sewing basket which includes safety pins. With three children and nine grandchildren, I use this a lot! Stress free time - watching one of your videos!!! Cheers from Toronto.
When my daughter (now 26 and a mother) was young, she made this recipe several times for family gatherings. 😍 I forgot all about it. (She trimmed the crusts but I saved them for breadcrumbs.)
Loved the recipe books and roll ups Emmy. Friends and I no longer exchange gifts and this year I've agreed with my brother and sister that we'll not exchange gifts. We're going to have our traditional Christmas morning champagne followed by Christmas lunch, keeping it nice and simple and relaxed. Beautiful Christmas star and lights Paul ✨️ blessings to you both ❤
No stress tip.....i went Christmas shopping for our grandchildren with my daughter in law. So much fun. She knew the budget. We had fun together hunting for purposeful and family gifts.
In our family gifts may be second hand, handmade, and books. We enjoy finding treasures to give as gifts all year long. I went to visit my grand daughter and she was showing me all the hand made gifts she made for friends and family. 😊❤
Best tip: have as much as possible done by Dec 1 so you can relax, enjoy, and celebrate. Video idea: I love vintage cookbooks and would love to see your collection. You share so many great and simple recipes. Thanks to you and Paul for another great video. ❤
Cahn I add a variation to this awesome recipe? When all done, slice into bite size rolls, and sprinkle confectioner on! Another, start with raisin bread. And turn into a savory bite, no sugar in the cream cheese, roll in parmesan cheese with parsley and garlic salt mix, then the butter, then slice into bite size.
Hi Emmy and Paul.. my husband and I have been filling old milk jugs with water in case we lose power, without power we can’t flush toilets. We also are filling both propane tanks for the bbq in case we need them for cooking. Ty for the wonderful recipe, will def be trying. Have a lovely weekend 💜
Mrs.Vernon here: I've been filling old ice tea jugs for the same reason. I've also purchased 2 five gallon buckets with lids and my husband has placed spigots on each for emergency hand washing. I'm thinking of filling the bathtub if enough advanced of emergency for flushing toilet and the tea jugs could be used to fill the hand washing buckets. I have also purchased a five gallon bucket and toilet seat to fit on it. Then got bags to line the bucket that are for toilet waste in case we cannoy use regular toilet any more and will use cat litter for you know what. We also live where we get smow and ice so we have kitty litter in our vehicles incase we get stuck in snow or ice.
I love all these ideas! We no longer exchange gifts outside our immediate family, and we draw names between us. We have a limit to spend. I dont do a big meal anymore, i just keep it simple. Sometimes, pasta or chicken with fixings. Im so grateful for your channel! I've learned SO much from you both. Thank you for sharing with all of us! I hope you have a blessed weekend.
There's a similar thing where you put cream cheese on one piece of bread, jam on the other piece, put them together like a sandwich, dip both sides in egg like you would for French toast, then fry on both sides.
Loved this video. I can’t believe it, but just this morning I saw a similar recipe for the cinnamon cream cheese recipe in an Amish cookbook and thought I’d like to try it. Now I definitely will. Frugal Christmas tips is watch for sales for ingredients you know you’ll use during the holidays. We are blessed to have refrigeration/freezers that will help keep them fresh. One year we unexpectedly needed to host our church Christmas party. Getting the house and food ready I was running short of time to finish decorating the tree. I put the lights on but found a couple of big baskets to put the ornaments in. As each person came in the door they were encouraged to pick an ornament or two and decorate the tree for me. Who knew? It was a complete hit and got people talking, sharing and oohing over the ornaments! One lady told me in tears that living alone she hadn’t put up a tree for years and she had so much fun. Another couple hadn’t put up their tree because they’d be traveling so they enjoyed themselves.
We unfortunately have to work for Thanksgiving. Some friends that work also a couple of years back started chipping in to buy a prepared meal from the grocery store. All you have to do is warm it up, which we divide up. Sharing the expenses cuts down the cost and the food is really good. It helps us all have a good holiday and keeps it less stressful.
When I was a little girl, my father made a star just like the one in your video. It had blue large bulbs on it. Thank you for a wonderful memory of my childhood, and my wonderful father!
Good day ☀️ another great video 🎉 something else you can do with the bread rol ups is to add just a little bit of store canned (or homemade pie filling) . Then either use cinnamon sugar, plain sugar, or add apple or pumpkin pie spice Yummy 🤤 We do this for unexpected company. Save the bread pieces for stuffing. Have a great day.
we were very poor growing up ,but my mother would make just plain cinniamon toast for a treat. at that time we felt so special.. thank you for bringing back that warm and happy feeling
Thankyou, Emmy and Paul, for another amazing video. My frugal, stress-free way of getting through the Christmas season is buying gifts throughout the year for family and friends, taking my time to choose wisely for items that I think they need or would like & then trying to get them at the best possible price. This enables us to also not get into debt, cash only if possible for our family when paying for anything. Also, I was in Costco with my kids yesterday, and it was "Sample Day," our favorite time of the week 😀, one of the samples was Cinnamon rolls with melted icing / frosting drizzled all over them, so decadent. I was so tempted to buy them, but even on special, I felt they weren't worth the money. So what a blessing the recipe you showed us. I will certainly be trying them out. Thank-you so much. 💖 Hope you are both keeping well along with Dixie. Love and blessings to you all💖🌺
I'll have to try this recipe...it looks delicious for breakfast alongside sausage or bacon and some fruit 😋 Thank you for another great video chock full of practical ideas.
Blessings! Thanks for the lovely videos. I always feel like Im sitting with friends when I watch your videos. So relaxing and calming after a busy week!
I’ve been making those roll ups for years. They are Delicious! I make them ahead of time put in freezer before baking in ziploc. Then take out when I want to cook them. I serve with flavored syrup blueberry or strawberry.
How do I stay unstressed during the holidays? Well, I no longer host Thanksgiving or Christmas so that helps a LOT. 😂 I downsized from a big house and no longer have the space to host. I miss it sometimes but then I realize that it would be hard on an almost 70 year old to do what I used to do. Besides, I love going to my son’s house and hanging with the grands. Can’t wait to do it! As for reducing stress about the cost of gift-giving, I’ve budgeted all year so I have the cash I need. I’m also artsy/craftsy so I make some gifts. And doing art is a stress-reliever in itself for me.
Absolutely love your repurposed/upcycled star project. I think it looks stunning! And I love going through my couple Gooseberry Patch books each year. They are fun to browse through, even if I only do a couple of the projects/recipes each year. Those cream cheese roll-ups look yummy. I have a few frozen pie crusts in my freezer that I want to use up and am thinking they might be a good substitute for the bread as I already have them. Definitely going to give it a try., My favorite stress-freeing holiday tip is, if you enjoy sending Christmas cards like I do, I pick them up in the after Christmas sales and then, during either Sept or Oct, on a dreary rainy day, I take them out and just address them all. This is my least favorite part of sending cards, so I get that done on a gloomy day because seeing the cards makes me happy and then, closer to the season I do the more enjoyable part of writing little notes to each person. Makes it a lighter burden and I love the process of writing notes.
Love the star--so beautiful!! I agree about the paper products for emergency use. A "sort of" example of this is that my Mom was in the hospital for a week in September. She is elderly and has serious mobility issues and has to have someone with her at all times. When she was being released from the hospital, I ordered bulk paper plates, toilet tissue, paper towels, wet wipes and disposable gloves (for help with her personal care), etc. While some of these products wouldn't be necessary for many people on a daily basis, they were very helpful to have in bulk for her when she returned from the hospital. We had to think of my daughter, who lives with and cares for her, and other off-and-on people who spend a day caring for her now and then. QOTD: Our family used to have big Christmases! We'd go to my in-law's family party on Christmas Eve (first), then return home, freshen up, grab the second round of food, and head to my family's Christmas party. My parents and I would spend lots of time shopping for goody ingredients (my Dad and I
I can understand the "new" sense of normal. Since my parents passed the holidays have drastically changed for us as well. They used to have a huge Christmas Eve and New Years eve gathering and it was amazing! Some of my most cherished memories. Like you said, people move and things change! We need to remember though we are still making wonderful new memories every single day!
I love the upcycled star. Lights are one of my favorite things about the holiday season. Great job Paul! I will definitely try the roll ups - while I can’t eat dairy my family will love these. I’m so looking forward to your holiday season videos… we all need a bit more calm with all the craziness. Bless you both.
You can buy faux cream cheese here in Australia - so handy and it's just as good. I've used it along with coconut condensed 'milk' to make no- bake lemon 'cheese'cakes 😊
I have had the same artificial Christmas tree for over 20 years & it is so easy to put together. I don't spend money on gifts unless i know it is absolutely something the person needs. I have chosen to only buy necessities for friends and family, or to wrap and give away necessities instead of people's wants, because that way I know the gift is going to be used and appreciated and not a waste of my money or time trying to find a gift. I will gift someone something they really want if its something dirt cheap or free that I can get or find or have at home tho...
Thanks for this video! Emmy, when you were flattening the bread for the cream cheese rollups, I thought of two bread alternatives: pancakes or tortillas.
I start buy pantry thing that I will use for Thanksgiving and Christmas in August I keep list and check it off as I shopping I am 77 years old I do this to make it easier for me I to have family over because here Michigan the weather can be snow and I don't drive in it period anymore. So I love having company and staying home.
I no longer use ice-melt or rock salt due to my fur babies. I use sand instead. I also keep some in the car, helps you get out, in the event that you get stuck in the snow. ….. stress free holiday for me, I no longer give into the comercial rush… gifts are personal, from the heart, from baked goods and jams to a home made candles or scarf. Thank you for another great video ❤
Ever since I started watching your channel, my mindset has really changed dramatically. Thank you for sharing your tips and showing me what I needed to do.
I usually only buy gifts for people in our home. I ask those people what they want in October, no guess work, no stress and I know they want what I get them.
I have a Christmas cookie Gooseberry Patch book and it's one of my favorites! Not only are all the recipes I've tried yummy, it's such a pretty book that I display it in my kitchen as part of my holiday decor. :) Thank you for a great video and putting me in the holiday spirit!
I can't wait to try making your recipe with my little granddaughters when they come visit over the holidays. It's always fun to make memories in the kitchen. My suggestion for creating a meaningful, budget-friendly holiday would be to look for all of the "free" things there are to do. Many local churches put on big musical productions that are very well done and free to the public, we drive around and look at Christmas light displays taking a snack and hot cocoa with us, our downtown area sponsors a gingerbread house contest each year and the gingerbread houses are all on display in the store windows so you can walk through the downtown area to see how creative people are, if nobody in your social circle has planned a Christmas party - plan one yourself and ask guests to bring an appetizer or dessert and play games. Another great video Emmy & Paul!
I am making those cinnamon roll-ups!! When my kids were young, on Christmas morning, it would be impossible to get them to eat breakfast. So I started the habit of cinnamon rolls and sparkling apple cider (which I served in fancy glasses). It was always a hit with the kids. Now that they are grown, they have carried the tradition over to their homes. I also gave them their gifts from me on Christmas Eve…new pillows, blankets and pajamas. We also got a holiday movie and popcorn. We would get in our pj’s, watch the movie and eat popcorn. I sometimes miss those days!
I usually store my headlamp in my wardrobe, for when I have to pick out what to wear on those dark wintery mornings, and everything just looks navy and black and indinguishable, for example tights. And when i need it, to go down to the cellar, or to take it on holiday with me, i can just take it out.
Slowly gift giving has shifted in our family homes. We are finding our time together is more priceless than any gifts received! Love this recipe. Will be trying during the Holidays. Knowing others find joy in this way of life, being content, makes me smile with each one of your videos Thanks for another wonderful video! ❤️
I keep a small gift closet stocked with all sorts of items that I buy throughout the year when they are at super-low, clearance prices. Then I can fill stockings with them or create themed gift baskets wrapped with basket cellophane and ribbons I find in thrift stores. Also, I stock up on baking ingredients on super sale for the cookie platters I give. Your Christmas star is stunning! You are so creative!! Mrs. D-Hudson Valley
That star is lovely ❤. I have my own Christmas trees. And decorations. I did my shopping during the sales. Been done shopping for gifts since July. The only addition I did was I am making Christmas decorative pillows for the holidays. I bought the fabric on a massive discount at my local fabric store. I just did my Costco haul for the fall season and have most of my holiday supplies to bake all the cookies, cakes and pies. My family is hounding me to make my dinner rolls for both holidays. I know my family is spoiled but I love baking them all their favorites. My oldest son is a cordon bleu trained chef. So we have a great time in the kitchen during the holidays. Thank you for the lovely video. You and Paul always inspire me. We love the holidays and always make our focus the Reason for each holiday season.❤ gives us peace of mind and keeps our home harmonious. Those rolls look yummy. I play Christmas music starting after Thanksgiving. I have the DVDs
Great video. Can’t wait to make that recipe. I try to sit and pray through the heat. Family getting together is sometimes- no most times, stressful I enjoy sitting quietly in prayer for a sense of peace and harmony. Love 💕 and Hugs. ❤❤❤
Fifteen more great ideas for emergency supplies. I made a crustless quiche yesterday-I think of you with thanks every time I make it. You demonstrated the recipe several years ago.
I have a money saving tip that I just discovered recently I buy iceberg lettuce and you always usually always take the outside leaves off because they’re a little wilted and we think they’re dirty will take those leaves and soak them in ice cold water, and I was amazed I got a whole salad out of those two leafs that I took off where I would normally have thrown them away.
I try to go to a concert to hear Handel’s Messiah. (Free if possible, but if you have to pay for tickets, it’s well worth budgeting for). It keeps me focused on the meaning of Christmas.
I always donate money donate money to our local animal rescue center. It relieves my stress focusing on them instead of spending too much on gifts for loved ones..
God bless you both ❤️ its always so uplifting to watch your videos. No nonsense is a wonderful way to live. We are having a birthday get together for our only daughter this evening. Im making a pavlova this afternoon rather than a cake..the birthday girl requested this. Shes 30 and it has just been a blink of an eye since she was little. Our children and first grandchild will be with us to make precious memories.
For me the best way to avoid stress was to budget all year for presents and to minimize activities, I always tried to pack so much into December but really all my daughter wants is to make some treats (cookies, gingerbread house, candy) watch christmas movies and see some holiday lights, my birthday is in December and I love the holiday lights to so we usually go see something for my birthday, but keeping it simple and having the $ set aside for gifts has helped reduce my stress greatly
Wonderful video. Perfect ideas for me. I'm all for simple, meaningful gifts. Gooseberry books are amazing. I fell in love with them while working at a library. I'm doing gifts in a jar (cookies & meals in jar like hamburger helper).
The star that Paul made is beautiful. You guys are so creative! One way I am saving money this year is my family, not my children, have decided that we are not giving gifts this year. We will play the left right game using items we purchase for $2-5. It has been decided that we will play games and enjoy a meal together.
I always use kitty litter for ice melt. My wooden deck can't tolerate salt & pavement can't either. I use the cheapest I can find. Taste of Home & Goose berry Patch are my favorite books for crafting & baking for gift giving. I also make my own vanilla for gifts each year.
I really needed to see one of your videos yesterday...and then again today. I have lost my frugal mind set!! I'm in a funk and my brain is NOT stopping me from being wasteful. Yesterday, there was a minor plumbing issue- an actual very easy fix. I was proud of myself for taking it on and $20 part later (and a couple hours to find the part, lol). It was all taken care of. I could have called a plumber on a weekend for $$$$$, or phoned a relative and taken them away from their weekend plans. That led me to cleaning out my big freezer and my fridge. Too many lost badly freezer darned items tossed out!!! Ugh!!! Dinner today will be a made up recipe from fridge recipes and the meal plan for the week is to use up items that I found. It actually made me mad to see how wasteful I'd been, but has spurred a cleaning frenzy! So thanks for your content that I can go back to again and again for inspiration. Think dinner would have been Paul approved, lol
I do a marathon baking morning. I get all the baked goods and breads (there are so many during the holidays!) the dinner rolls, the breakfast rolls, the appetiser shells, the pie shells, the cookies, the toasted bread cubes for turkey dressing. I get everything up to the shaping stage (the bread is shaped and in the loaf pan, the buns are shaped and in the baking dish, the pie crusts are in the shell, the cookies are shaped on a sheet, etc.). Then I cover and freeze them. I use a lot of foil pans from the Dollar Tree. It's one morning's hard slog, but then every single special family recipe is a breeze. Just thaw and heat as needed. The pie shells thaw so quickly, that I can pull them out and let them stand while I'm mixing up the filling and pre-heating the oven, and they're ready to go. It spreads out the workload and streamlines holiday cooking no end. Love your tips, Emmie, you are a very inspiring cook!
My tip, make a list of everything, and I mean everything, you think you are going to need. Prioritize, shop early, and seek out the best deals. I like to have every thing that MUST be done, ready by Thanksgiving. I like to make gifts when appropriate. Of course if you're making a sweater, got to start early on that, same for mittens, scarves and quilts, blankets, etc.. Shipping early is also a necessity as I have a few things I send both nationally and internationally. For me, getting ready for Christmas giving takes planning. That means money for our church as well. Have a blessed day 💖✝🦃🎄
To be stressfree niw and anytime is to be prepared. We had cleared out our freezer and it was housing a frozen turkey(47cents/lb) to donate to our local food bank. Now that space is empty and ready for some restocking. I make freezer meals for us and/or handy to bring to others in need of a meal
Great tips…..I live where electrical power is frequent out in the winter…..disposable paper goods, etc, are a must….when severe weather is predicted, being fairly certain the power will be off in the morning, I make coffee the night before, then I reheat on the stove by lightly the gas burner with a match….couldn’t do that with an electric stove…..my stress is reduced by making most of my cookie dough in November, freeze it and thaw the night before baking…..thanks for that sweet treat recipe…..
Not for everyone, but how I reduce stress during the holidays is to save a lot of vacation time so I don't work Thanksgiving week or the last two weeks of December. I also finish all my Christmas shopping by early November at the latest and focus on being at home, making homemade items, cooking, decorating, and focusing on the true meaning of Christmas. If I avoid the hustle and bustle of retail establishments, I am much less stressed. Thank you for another great video. We will definitely try the cream cheese rolls, and the star is beautiful!
Just decided to pay off a thousand dollar bill for this season. We have one more bill to pay and then will just have our mortgage to pay off. This is the gift I decided we needed to have this year. Does anyone really need more stuff? There are things we want, but don't really need. I do thrift shopping and add to Christmas decor, but never get rid of my old decor and get new like so many people do. This year I will be making some gifts for friends and will be getting my son gifts, but otherwise we've decided to limit this year. Never use credit cards for gifting! If you feel that obligated then you really need to sit down and have some conversations. I've made some similar stars but smaller, wrapped with twine and put around the house for decor and they're so cute. I have fourteen of the fifteen items you mentioned. Stress less recommendations, for the month of November, but not Thanksgiving, eat from the pantry. No buy month for groceries in November can help a lot. I've also heard people use my fridge food app that is suppose to help you put in ingredients you have to find meals you can put together from the pantry.
What a beautiful star. We bought a star at an auction years ago. It’s similar to your old star but it’s coated metal. It looks so pretty in my window. The recipe looks delicious. If you do cut the crusts off, you could dry them and turn them into bread crumbs. My best stress free holiday tip is to prep your holiday meal the day before. I am the host for the holidays. I make my desserts the day before. I have ingredients for other items that I prepare, chopped and ready in the refrigerator. All I have to do the next day is to put things together. I always ask my guests to bring something.
I enjoy doing my make ahead sides for the holidays like lasagna or baked ziti in advance. Such a time and stress saver! Homemade cookies or the dough itself also freeze well.Some are gifts for the family! I listen to Christmas music when I cook or bake! It adds to the fun and festivities!! Love this video. One more thing I am sharing your Thanksgiving for $25 video on my 11/4 upload. You help so many with this! Just had to share! Thanks for all you do! ❤
Yay Jan!! I am already listening to Christmas music lol! Yes, prepping ahead helps so much! Unfortunately, I am not sure that $25 menu is still valid with today's prices though.
My sister passed away (1983) 40 years ago today. Thank You for another great video, for making a sad day, into a good day by watching your video. I appreciate both of you.
I'm very sorry for your loss. May her memory be a Blessing.
May you remember all the great memories you have of your sister. I’m sorry you’re having such a sad day!!
@@Houseatnumber9Thank You So Much!
@@denisebolin-clark8826Thank You So Much!
@@MicheleL-ve6bmThank You So Much!
As a mom of a tween and teenager, I ask the family which traditions do they really want to do this holiday season. I make a list and start doing things as soon as possible so we don’t run out of time. My kids generally want to do a lot less than I think. Maybe gingerbread houses, pick out a new ornament, and watch their favorite Christmas movie. I used to try to create the perfect Christmas but I found they they were overwhelmed, I was stressed out, and no one was truly enjoying the season. By narrowing the focus and listening to the family, I have created a simpler and more joyous Christmas.
Heater, love that idea!
Great idea 🫶
Turn all of the lights off except for the Christmas tree and turn on some beautiful Christmas music and worship the King
Our favorite Christmas past time!
Best tips for best friends: Agree not to exchange gifts. One less errand and one less expense. Plan to meet for lunch after the holidays 😊
Yes, love that!
Many years ago I went from doing a full blown Thanksgiving dinner to having a brunch instead. Two savory dishes, two sweet dishes, mixed fruit and beverages. The reasoning behind doing this is that there are several blended families among my children, so it was easier to do something early before they scattered. The kids are out of the house by 11:30, so I then have the afternoon free.
The recipe you shared might just be the ticket for a new sweet dish for the occasion.
Lovely tradition! I would refrigerate any uneaten rolls if you make them.
It always amazes me how Paul looks at something and he thinks outside of the box to come up with a different and creative way to use it, like he did with the star and the metal artwork that you took to the little house. I don't have a creative bone in my body! Blessings to you both.
Couldn't agree more! He is very creative!
One free Christmas idea is to drive around looking at everyone's decorations. One of our very nice parks is allowing people to drive through or walk through the trails and paths to see their decorations. I live in Spokane, Washington.
That's a great idea!
Something our family loves to make for breakfast is a peanut butter sandwich with 2 slices of bread put together and dip both sides into a beaten egg with little milk added, then cook on stovetop in little butter, cooking both sides, serve with syrup, fruit or jam. Fancy way of making french toast!❤
Sounds divine!
I do the same thing with cream cheese and jam in the middle. feels decadent but very inexpensive
That is a great idea Linda!
You could use any kind of bread, syrup or nut butter.
Thanks for the tip!
Another helpful item to have is a lawn chair cushion. One that covers the lounge chairs used by pools. But when it’s on clearance, fold it up and put with emergency supplies. If you have extra people over due to an emergency, it works in a pinch for a nice floor pallet AND if you have to evacuate to stay safe, you will be very popular with your cushioned spot!!
Great idea!
That is SO SMART! Would even work for a grandchild sleeping pallet. :)
Great idea
I love your videos particularly the recipes and garden tips. You are both such warm and comforting people. You are appreciated. Amanda in Scotland x
Thank you so much, Amanda for the encouragement!
A few years ago I decided Christmas was about Jesus, family and love, not stress. I now reject the secular and commercial pressures and approach every tradition and practice with joy. It’s made such a difference in the atmosphere at home during the holidays.
We still give some gifts, though not nearly as many as we used to because our family has been blessed with material abundance and no one really needs anything. The gifts we do give are more personal and often homemade. This year I may make everyone fleece-or-flannel lined wool mittens, something I saw in a gift shop while on vacation. They were $45 a pair but were so warm and cozy I might have treated myself if they didn’t all run a little big. Instead, when I returned home I found a beautiful wool blanket at a thrift store for $15 and will use it to make mittens for every member of my family. Not only will our hands be very warm this winter but we’ll have matching mittens - how fun is that?!
Audrey, what a lovely creative gift idea! So true about the holiday!
I am wraping gifts as we speak. I have detailed lists of gifts for our family and start quite early for most of them. It is not too unique but it works for me. When I have this completed early, I then have the time to enjoy Christmas music and playing in the kitchen.
Wonderful! That's the way to do it!
I can’t get my daughters to give me lists or gift ideas until November!😱. But for friends, I work all year long on handmade crochet items. This year, I’ve made several afghans, a shawl, several amigurumies and cotton yarn mini mug rugs with fringe. Not all my family likes homemade gifts, but I’m glad my friends do.
The bread roll ups look like a fun treat to make with older children. I would sneak in some protein powder into the cream cheese mixture so that the nutritional value could be bumped up. 😉
Paul, you have such a great eye to see the potential in an object. Not everyone can do that--what a blessing!
I really enjoyed this video…….you two make such a great team……❤️
-Brenda
Ohh 😊what a beautiful star!! I love the colourful lights. It's really so hard to get through the holidays without being overwhelmed. I already got few sweets and cookies for the holidays that I found at the poundstore in whimsy holiday packaging. And I'm gonna be sent some chocolates and gingerbread too.
I was quite happy that I only bought 1 new Autumn item this year. A little white tin mug with lots of cute pumpkins on it. Very cheap and I have been loving to drink my tea out of it. Now I'm trying to stay strong for Christmas 😅I already fell of and bought a tea pot cozie and Christmas cards at our local library of all places. At least I don't have any cozie yet but I sure have teapots😂 and I now have even more cards with a Twelve Days of Christmas theme. So now my plan is to make sure to write a bunch of Christmas cards!
Yes, try not to get overwhelmed! It's such a lovely season to slow down and enjoy!
Over the summer I purchased headlamps for Christmas gifts for all the men in the family. The ladies are getting quilted wallets and I’m attaching small flashlights to the attached key rings. Love your cookbooks! Paul did a wonderful job with the star, very festive!
Thanks so much! Great gift ideas by the way!
We do donation gifts. We each pick an organization and increase the amount, in lieu of buying gifts for each other. We write cards explaining who will enjoy the "gift". One year I gave money to buy 1,000 books for kids learning to read. That pinched a bit financially, but it felt so good to send help where it's needed. Kept more "stuff" out of our homes and shared a little joy with others. I greatly prefer it! One year in my dad's honor, I gave a goat through Heifer Intl. I gave my dad a tiny stuffed goat to represent the fellow who will help villagers in need. It's addictive and fun.
Wonderful idea!
I also have a well organized sewing basket which includes safety pins. With three children and nine grandchildren, I use this a lot! Stress free time - watching one of your videos!!! Cheers from Toronto.
Love that so much lol! Thank you!
Hi from Ottawa!
When my daughter (now 26 and a mother) was young, she made this recipe several times for family gatherings. 😍 I forgot all about it. (She trimmed the crusts but I saved them for breadcrumbs.)
Precious memory!
Loved the recipe books and roll ups Emmy.
Friends and I no longer exchange gifts and this year I've agreed with my brother and sister that we'll not exchange gifts. We're going to have our traditional Christmas morning champagne followed by Christmas lunch, keeping it nice and simple and relaxed.
Beautiful Christmas star and lights Paul ✨️ blessings to you both ❤
They are Sao good! I would refrigerate any uneaten rolls if you make them.
Was trying to multi task and listen while cooking 😅😅that didn't work. So I'm sitting down with a hot chocolate pear tea and a piece of cake
YAY! Thank you for joining us!
WOW!!!!! I love the Christmas Star you made Paul!! IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL!!!
Thanks so much!
No stress tip.....i went Christmas shopping for our grandchildren with my daughter in law. So much fun. She knew the budget. We had fun together hunting for purposeful and family gifts.
Love that so much!
when I go out to the chicken coop at 5:00 in the morning headlamps are a must...my hubby bought me a baseball cap headlamp ...it's awesome
Great idea!!
In our family gifts may be second hand, handmade, and books. We enjoy finding treasures to give as gifts all year long. I went to visit my grand daughter and she was showing me all the hand made gifts she made for friends and family. 😊❤
Best tip: have as much as possible done by Dec 1 so you can relax, enjoy, and celebrate.
Video idea: I love vintage cookbooks and would love to see your collection. You share so many great and simple recipes. Thanks to you and Paul for another great video. ❤
Thanks! I have shown many of my vintage cookbooks throughout our videos.
Cahn I add a variation to this awesome recipe? When all done, slice into bite size rolls, and sprinkle confectioner on! Another, start with raisin bread. And turn into a savory bite, no sugar in the cream cheese, roll in parmesan cheese with parsley and garlic salt mix, then the butter, then slice into bite size.
Sounds great! I would refrigerate any uneaten rolls if you make them.
@@FrugalMoneySaver thank you so much
Hi Emmy and Paul.. my husband and I have been filling old milk jugs with water in case we lose power, without power we can’t flush toilets. We also are filling both propane tanks for the bbq in case we need them for cooking. Ty for the wonderful recipe, will def be trying. Have a lovely weekend 💜
smart
Cat litter jugs work too. Make sure they are empty and rinsed out first.
So smart, Terri! I would refrigerate any uneaten rolls if you make them.
Mrs.Vernon here: I've been filling old ice tea jugs for the same reason. I've also purchased 2 five gallon buckets with lids and my husband has placed spigots on each for emergency hand washing. I'm thinking of filling the bathtub if enough advanced of emergency for flushing toilet and the tea jugs could be used to fill the hand washing buckets. I have also purchased a five gallon bucket and toilet seat to fit on it. Then got bags to line the bucket that are for toilet waste in case we cannoy use regular toilet any more and will use cat litter for you know what. We also live where we get smow and ice so we have kitty litter in our vehicles incase we get stuck in snow or ice.
Be aware..milk jugs can burst a seam at any time. Store in a Rubbermaid tote or empty bathtub
I love all these ideas!
We no longer exchange gifts outside our immediate family, and we draw names between us.
We have a limit to spend.
I dont do a big meal anymore, i just keep it simple.
Sometimes, pasta or chicken with fixings.
Im so grateful for your channel!
I've learned SO much from you both.
Thank you for sharing with all of us!
I hope you have a blessed weekend.
Renee, thanks so much for being here! You too!
There's a similar thing where you put cream cheese on one piece of bread, jam on the other piece, put them together like a sandwich, dip both sides in egg like you would for French toast, then fry on both sides.
Sounds wonderful!
Wow, that sounds so good!
Loved this video. I can’t believe it, but just this morning I saw a similar recipe for the cinnamon cream cheese recipe in an Amish cookbook and thought I’d like to try it. Now I definitely will. Frugal Christmas tips is watch for sales for ingredients you know you’ll use during the holidays. We are blessed to have refrigeration/freezers that will help keep them fresh. One year we unexpectedly needed to host our church Christmas party. Getting the house and food ready I was running short of time to finish decorating the tree. I put the lights on but found a couple of big baskets to put the ornaments in. As each person came in the door they were encouraged to pick an ornament or two and decorate the tree for me. Who knew? It was a complete hit and got people talking, sharing and oohing over the ornaments! One lady told me in tears that living alone she hadn’t put up a tree for years and she had so much fun. Another couple hadn’t put up their tree because they’d be traveling so they enjoyed themselves.
How wonderful! The rolls are so good! I would refrigerate any leftover cream cheese rolls if you make them
We unfortunately have to work for Thanksgiving. Some friends that work also a couple of years back started chipping in to buy a prepared meal from the grocery store. All you have to do is warm it up, which we divide up. Sharing the expenses cuts down the cost and the food is really good. It helps us all have a good holiday and keeps it less stressful.
What a great idea!
That STAR is beautiful!!!!!
Thank you!
For us older folks, memories of what our Mothers cooked when times were tough, are good examples of how to save also.
Isn’t that the truth.
When I was a little girl, my father made a star just like the one in your video. It had blue large bulbs on it. Thank you for a wonderful memory of my childhood, and my wonderful father!
Love that so much, Janice!
Good day ☀️ another great video 🎉 something else you can do with the bread rol ups is to add just a little bit of store canned (or homemade pie filling) . Then either use cinnamon sugar, plain sugar, or add apple or pumpkin pie spice Yummy 🤤 We do this for unexpected company. Save the bread pieces for stuffing. Have a great day.
You as well, Peggy!
we were very poor growing up ,but my mother would make just plain cinniamon toast for a treat. at that time we felt so special.. thank you for bringing back that warm and happy feeling
Lovely memory, Nina!
Thankyou, Emmy and Paul, for another amazing video.
My frugal, stress-free way of getting through the Christmas season is buying gifts throughout the year for family and friends, taking my time to choose wisely for items that I think they need or would like & then trying to get them at the best possible price.
This enables us to also not get into debt, cash only if possible for our family when paying for anything.
Also, I was in Costco with my kids yesterday, and it was "Sample Day," our favorite time of the week 😀, one of the samples was Cinnamon rolls with melted icing / frosting drizzled all over them, so decadent. I was so tempted to buy them, but even on special, I felt they weren't worth the money. So what a blessing the recipe you showed us. I will certainly be trying them out.
Thank-you so much. 💖
Hope you are both keeping well along with Dixie.
Love and blessings to you all💖🌺
Penny, I love comments like this! So happy it was helpful! I would refrigerate any uneaten rolls if you make them.
Oh, ok, thankyou so much Emmy for that tip, I wouldn't have thought to do that. 💖🌺
Oh and more thing, good job Paul with the Christmas Star.
Your so clever and creative, love your work 👍
I will tell him!
I'll have to try this recipe...it looks delicious for breakfast alongside sausage or bacon and some fruit 😋 Thank you for another great video chock full of practical ideas.
Oh, yes!!!
Martina, YES! I would refrigerate any uneaten rolls if you make them.
Blessings! Thanks for the lovely videos. I always feel like Im sitting with friends when I watch your videos. So relaxing and calming after a busy week!
You are so welcome! We feel the same! Love visiting with you all!
Mr. Paul gets the best part! Haha definitely trying it they look DIVINE 😋 thank you 🙏
Hope you enjoy! I would refrigerate any uneaten rolls.
Thanks for another awesome video and those useful tips, God Bless. Have a fabulous, restful Weekend
Thank you! You too!
I’ve been making those roll ups for years. They are Delicious! I make them ahead of time put in freezer before baking in ziploc. Then take out when I want to cook them. I serve with flavored syrup blueberry or strawberry.
Sounds great!
How do I stay unstressed during the holidays? Well, I no longer host Thanksgiving or Christmas so that helps a LOT. 😂 I downsized from a big house and no longer have the space to host. I miss it sometimes but then I realize that it would be hard on an almost 70 year old to do what I used to do. Besides, I love going to my son’s house and hanging with the grands. Can’t wait to do it! As for reducing stress about the cost of gift-giving, I’ve budgeted all year so I have the cash I need. I’m also artsy/craftsy so I make some gifts. And doing art is a stress-reliever in itself for me.
Wonderful! Sounds like a lovely holiday!
The star looks amazing! Great job, Paul!
Thanks you!
I love Gooseberry Patch cookbooks, I have several of them! Great recipes and they are just so warm and cozy!
Yes they are!
The cinnamon roll ups would be a great way to use up bread!
Great idea!! I would refrigerate any uneaten rolls if you make them.
Absolutely love your repurposed/upcycled star project. I think it looks stunning! And I love going through my couple Gooseberry Patch books each year. They are fun to browse through, even if I only do a couple of the projects/recipes each year. Those cream cheese roll-ups look yummy. I have a few frozen pie crusts in my freezer that I want to use up and am thinking they might be a good substitute for the bread as I already have them. Definitely going to give it a try., My favorite stress-freeing holiday tip is, if you enjoy sending Christmas cards like I do, I pick them up in the after Christmas sales and then, during either Sept or Oct, on a dreary rainy day, I take them out and just address them all. This is my least favorite part of sending cards, so I get that done on a gloomy day because seeing the cards makes me happy and then, closer to the season I do the more enjoyable part of writing little notes to each person. Makes it a lighter burden and I love the process of writing notes.
What a great idea! Love that!
Also, if you make them I would refrigerate any leftover roll ups.
Absolutely love “Paul Approved” part of the video. He is so down to earth in his appraisal. Love your videos!
Thanks so much!
I am in the uk and really feel you are part of my family, i lost my husband in September and in the early hours of the morning you keep me company
Jeanette, we are so so sorry! It means so much to us that we can bring you a bit of comfort! Gentle hug!
Your videos are relaxing and calming to me while being informative. Thank you so much.
You are so welcome, Tawna!
Yummy! Going to try this!
Thanks so much! I would refrigerate any uneaten rolls if you make them.
This is one of the best videos! And yes its jam packed. Also love the lead in picture with desk and corner chair.
Thanks so very much!
Love the star--so beautiful!!
I agree about the paper products for emergency use. A "sort of" example of this is that my Mom was in the hospital for a week in September. She is elderly and has serious mobility issues and has to have someone with her at all times. When she was being released from the hospital, I ordered bulk paper plates, toilet tissue, paper towels, wet wipes and disposable gloves (for help with her personal care), etc. While some of these products wouldn't be necessary for many people on a daily basis, they were very helpful to have in bulk for her when she returned from the hospital. We had to think of my daughter, who lives with and cares for her, and other off-and-on people who spend a day caring for her now and then.
QOTD: Our family used to have big Christmases! We'd go to my in-law's family party on Christmas Eve (first), then return home, freshen up, grab the second round of food, and head to my family's Christmas party. My parents and I would spend lots of time shopping for goody ingredients (my Dad and I
I can understand the "new" sense of normal. Since my parents passed the holidays have drastically changed for us as well. They used to have a huge Christmas Eve and New Years eve gathering and it was amazing! Some of my most cherished memories. Like you said, people move and things change! We need to remember though we are still making wonderful new memories every single day!
I love the upcycled star. Lights are one of my favorite things about the holiday season. Great job Paul! I will definitely try the roll ups - while I can’t eat dairy my family will love these. I’m so looking forward to your holiday season videos… we all need a bit more calm with all the craziness. Bless you both.
They are sooo good! If you make them I would refrigerate any leftover roll ups.
You can buy faux cream cheese here in Australia - so handy and it's just as good.
I've used it along with coconut condensed 'milk' to make no- bake lemon 'cheese'cakes 😊
My mouth is watering! Thank you for this recipe.
Hope you enjoy! I would refrigerate any uneaten rolls if you make them.
I have had the same artificial Christmas tree for over 20 years & it is so easy to put together. I don't spend money on gifts unless i know it is absolutely something the person needs. I have chosen to only buy necessities for friends and family, or to wrap and give away necessities instead of people's wants, because that way I know the gift is going to be used and appreciated and not a waste of my money or time trying to find a gift. I will gift someone something they really want if its something dirt cheap or free that I can get or find or have at home tho...
Thanks for this video! Emmy, when you were flattening the bread for the cream cheese rollups, I thought of two bread alternatives: pancakes or tortillas.
Yes, you sure could use those!
I start buy pantry thing that I will use for Thanksgiving and Christmas in August I keep list and check it off as I shopping I am 77 years old I do this to make it easier for me I to have family over because here Michigan the weather can be snow and I don't drive in it period anymore. So I love having company and staying home.
Love that!
I no longer use ice-melt or rock salt due to my fur babies. I use sand instead. I also keep some in the car, helps you get out, in the event that you get stuck in the snow. ….. stress free holiday for me, I no longer give into the comercial rush… gifts are personal, from the heart, from baked goods and jams to a home made candles or scarf. Thank you for another great video ❤
Yes, us as well!
Oh wow, that star looks beautiful. Paul did an excellent job.
Thanks so much, Ruthie!
Ever since I started watching your channel, my mindset has really changed dramatically. Thank you for sharing your tips and showing me what I needed to do.
WE love to hear that, Vicky! So glad our videos are encouraging!
I usually only buy gifts for people in our home. I ask those people what they want in October, no guess work, no stress and I know they want what I get them.
Great idea!
I have a Christmas cookie Gooseberry Patch book and it's one of my favorites! Not only are all the recipes I've tried yummy, it's such a pretty book that I display it in my kitchen as part of my holiday decor. :) Thank you for a great video and putting me in the holiday spirit!
What a lovely idea!
I can't wait to try making your recipe with my little granddaughters when they come visit over the holidays. It's always fun to make memories in the kitchen. My suggestion for creating a meaningful, budget-friendly holiday would be to look for all of the "free" things there are to do. Many local churches put on big musical productions that are very well done and free to the public, we drive around and look at Christmas light displays taking a snack and hot cocoa with us, our downtown area sponsors a gingerbread house contest each year and the gingerbread houses are all on display in the store windows so you can walk through the downtown area to see how creative people are, if nobody in your social circle has planned a Christmas party - plan one yourself and ask guests to bring an appetizer or dessert and play games. Another great video Emmy & Paul!
They are so yummy! If you make them I would refrigerate any leftover roll ups.
Thanks for the tip!@@FrugalMoneySaver
I am making those cinnamon roll-ups!! When my kids were young, on Christmas morning, it would be impossible to get them to eat breakfast. So I started the habit of cinnamon rolls and sparkling apple cider (which I served in fancy glasses). It was always a hit with the kids. Now that they are grown, they have carried the tradition over to their homes. I also gave them their gifts from me on Christmas Eve…new pillows, blankets and pajamas. We also got a holiday movie and popcorn. We would get in our pj’s, watch the movie and eat popcorn. I sometimes miss those days!
They are so good! If you make them, I would refrigerate any uneaten rolls ups.
I usually store my headlamp in my wardrobe, for when I have to pick out what to wear on those dark wintery mornings, and everything just looks navy and black and indinguishable, for example tights. And when i need it, to go down to the cellar, or to take it on holiday with me, i can just take it out.
I adore Gooseberry books too. I have several.
Aren't they the best!
I love the star I have been looking for a star just like that, and it’s amazing that you turned it into a lit star brilliant
He did a wonderful job!
It reminds me of a fancy French toast….will definitely try this 😊❤️. Paul great job on the star
Thanks so much! 😊 I would refrigerate any uneaten rolls.
Slowly gift giving has shifted in our family homes. We are finding our time together is more priceless than any gifts received!
Love this recipe. Will be trying during the Holidays.
Knowing others find joy in this way of life, being content, makes me smile with each one of your videos Thanks for another wonderful video! ❤️
Yes, everyday we find joy and give thanks!
I keep a small gift closet stocked with all sorts of items that I buy throughout the year when they are at super-low, clearance prices. Then I can fill stockings with them or create themed gift baskets wrapped with basket cellophane and ribbons I find in thrift stores. Also, I stock up on baking ingredients on super sale for the cookie platters I give. Your Christmas star is stunning! You are so creative!!
Mrs. D-Hudson Valley
Thanks so much!
That star is lovely ❤. I have my own Christmas trees. And decorations. I did my shopping during the sales. Been done shopping for gifts since July. The only addition I did was I am making Christmas decorative pillows for the holidays. I bought the fabric on a massive discount at my local fabric store. I just did my Costco haul for the fall season and have most of my holiday supplies to bake all the cookies, cakes and pies. My family is hounding me to make my dinner rolls for both holidays. I know my family is spoiled but I love baking them all their favorites. My oldest son is a cordon bleu trained chef. So we have a great time in the kitchen during the holidays. Thank you for the lovely video. You and Paul always inspire me. We love the holidays and always make our focus the Reason for each holiday season.❤ gives us peace of mind and keeps our home harmonious. Those rolls look yummy. I play Christmas music starting after Thanksgiving. I have the DVDs
I already started playing Christmas music lol! Thanks for a lovely comment! I would refrigerate any leftover cream cheese rolls if you make them.
@@FrugalMoneySaver❤
I am absolutely in love with my planner
YAY! They are addicting lol!
Great video. Can’t wait to make that recipe. I try to sit and pray through the heat. Family getting together is sometimes- no most times, stressful I enjoy sitting quietly in prayer for a sense of peace and harmony. Love 💕 and Hugs. ❤❤❤
They are so good! I would refrigerate any uneaten rolls if you make them.
Fifteen more great ideas for emergency supplies. I made a crustless quiche yesterday-I think of you with thanks every time I make it. You demonstrated the recipe several years ago.
Yes! That's a great recipe! Thank you!
Absolutely love that star. Well done Paul. x
Thank you!
I have a money saving tip that I just discovered recently I buy iceberg lettuce and you always usually always take the outside leaves off because they’re a little wilted and we think they’re dirty will take those leaves and soak them in ice cold water, and I was amazed I got a whole salad out of those two leafs that I took off where I would normally have thrown them away.
Great tip!
I try to go to a concert to hear Handel’s Messiah. (Free if possible, but if you have to pay for tickets, it’s well worth budgeting for). It keeps me focused on the meaning of Christmas.
Yes! I need to see if we have that any where in our area!
I always donate money donate money to our local animal rescue center. It relieves my stress focusing on them instead of spending too much on gifts for loved ones..
LOVE this, Janet!
God bless you both ❤️ its always so uplifting to watch your videos. No nonsense is a wonderful way to live. We are having a birthday get together for our only daughter this evening. Im making a pavlova this afternoon rather than a cake..the birthday girl requested this. Shes 30 and it has just been a blink of an eye since she was little. Our children and first grandchild will be with us to make precious memories.
Oh how wonderful! Praying blessings over you all!
Hi all! Excited for today’s tips!
Thanks so much!
For me the best way to avoid stress was to budget all year for presents and to minimize activities, I always tried to pack so much into December but really all my daughter wants is to make some treats (cookies, gingerbread house, candy) watch christmas movies and see some holiday lights, my birthday is in December and I love the holiday lights to so we usually go see something for my birthday, but keeping it simple and having the $ set aside for gifts has helped reduce my stress greatly
Wonderful! Thanks for sharing, Kaitlyn!
Wonderful video. Perfect ideas for me. I'm all for simple, meaningful gifts. Gooseberry books are amazing. I fell in love with them while working at a library. I'm doing gifts in a jar (cookies & meals in jar like hamburger helper).
Yes, I was looking through it! Great ideas!
The star that Paul made is beautiful. You guys are so creative! One way I am saving money this year is my family, not my children, have decided that we are not giving gifts this year. We will play the left right game using items we purchase for $2-5. It has been decided that we will play games and enjoy a meal together.
Sounds fun!
I always use kitty litter for ice melt. My wooden deck can't tolerate salt & pavement can't either. I use the cheapest I can find. Taste of Home & Goose berry Patch are my favorite books for crafting & baking for gift giving. I also make my own vanilla for gifts each year.
That's a great idea! Thanks!
I really needed to see one of your videos yesterday...and then again today. I have lost my frugal mind set!! I'm in a funk and my brain is NOT stopping me from being wasteful. Yesterday, there was a minor plumbing issue- an actual very easy fix. I was proud of myself for taking it on and $20 part later (and a couple hours to find the part, lol). It was all taken care of. I could have called a plumber on a weekend for $$$$$, or phoned a relative and taken them away from their weekend plans. That led me to cleaning out my big freezer and my fridge. Too many lost badly freezer darned items tossed out!!! Ugh!!! Dinner today will be a made up recipe from fridge recipes and the meal plan for the week is to use up items that I found. It actually made me mad to see how wasteful I'd been, but has spurred a cleaning frenzy! So thanks for your content that I can go back to again and again for inspiration. Think dinner would have been Paul approved, lol
So wonderful you fixed the plumbing problem! Eeating out of your freezer is great!
@frugalmoneysaver you should make a video on what to do when you lose your frugal mindset - thank you!
I do a marathon baking morning. I get all the baked goods and breads (there are so many during the holidays!) the dinner rolls, the breakfast rolls, the appetiser shells, the pie shells, the cookies, the toasted bread cubes for turkey dressing. I get everything up to the shaping stage (the bread is shaped and in the loaf pan, the buns are shaped and in the baking dish, the pie crusts are in the shell, the cookies are shaped on a sheet, etc.). Then I cover and freeze them. I use a lot of foil pans from the Dollar Tree. It's one morning's hard slog, but then every single special family recipe is a breeze. Just thaw and heat as needed. The pie shells thaw so quickly, that I can pull them out and let them stand while I'm mixing up the filling and pre-heating the oven, and they're ready to go. It spreads out the workload and streamlines holiday cooking no end. Love your tips, Emmie, you are a very inspiring cook!
Sounds great! I wish I had the freezer room to do that lol!
When I first saw the star the first thing I thought of was: this is folk art .......nice buy
Thanks!
My tip, make a list of everything, and I mean everything, you think you are going to need. Prioritize, shop early, and seek out the best deals. I like to have every thing that MUST be done, ready by Thanksgiving. I like to make gifts when appropriate. Of course if you're making a sweater, got to start early on that, same for mittens, scarves and quilts, blankets, etc.. Shipping early is also a necessity as I have a few things I send both nationally and internationally. For me, getting ready for Christmas giving takes planning. That means money for our church as well. Have a blessed day 💖✝🦃🎄
Great tips! Thank you, you as well!
Paul, the lights turned out perfectly
Thank you so much!
That star turned out great.
Thanks, Tracy!
Perfect easy recipe
Absolutely! I would refrigerate any uneaten rolls if you make them.
To be stressfree niw and anytime is to be prepared.
We had cleared out our freezer and it was housing a frozen turkey(47cents/lb) to donate to our local food bank. Now that space is empty and ready for some restocking.
I make freezer meals for us and/or handy to bring to others in need of a meal
Extra meals in the freezer are always wonderful!
Great tips…..I live where electrical power is frequent out in the winter…..disposable paper goods, etc, are a must….when severe weather is predicted, being fairly certain the power will be off in the morning, I make coffee the night before, then I reheat on the stove by lightly the gas burner with a match….couldn’t do that with an electric stove…..my stress is reduced by making most of my cookie dough in November, freeze it and thaw the night before baking…..thanks for that sweet treat recipe…..
Wonderful, Carolyn! I would refrigerate any leftover cream cheese rolls if you make them.
Not for everyone, but how I reduce stress during the holidays is to save a lot of vacation time so I don't work Thanksgiving week or the last two weeks of December. I also finish all my Christmas shopping by early November at the latest and focus on being at home, making homemade items, cooking, decorating, and focusing on the true meaning of Christmas. If I avoid the hustle and bustle of retail establishments, I am much less stressed. Thank you for another great video. We will definitely try the cream cheese rolls, and the star is beautiful!
The rolls are so good! I would refrigerate any leftover cream cheese rolls if you make them
Oh I love it! Stars are my favorite types of ornaments! So nicely done and beautiful result! Thank you for the good advice too!😁👏💕
Thanks so much! 😊
Just decided to pay off a thousand dollar bill for this season. We have one more bill to pay and then will just have our mortgage to pay off. This is the gift I decided we needed to have this year. Does anyone really need more stuff? There are things we want, but don't really need. I do thrift shopping and add to Christmas decor, but never get rid of my old decor and get new like so many people do. This year I will be making some gifts for friends and will be getting my son gifts, but otherwise we've decided to limit this year. Never use credit cards for gifting! If you feel that obligated then you really need to sit down and have some conversations. I've made some similar stars but smaller, wrapped with twine and put around the house for decor and they're so cute. I have fourteen of the fifteen items you mentioned. Stress less recommendations, for the month of November, but not Thanksgiving, eat from the pantry. No buy month for groceries in November can help a lot. I've also heard people use my fridge food app that is suppose to help you put in ingredients you have to find meals you can put together from the pantry.
Wonderful comment! Thanks for taking the time to share!
Congrats on paying off that big bill and then focusing on your mortgage. You will not regret it.
Thank you for sharing this lovely video. I will surely give some of your ideas a try. You have an amazing day.
You as well, thank you!
What a beautiful star. We bought a star at an auction years ago. It’s similar to your old star but it’s coated metal. It looks so pretty in my window. The recipe looks delicious. If you do cut the crusts off, you could dry them and turn them into bread crumbs. My best stress free holiday tip is to prep your holiday meal the day before. I am the host for the holidays. I make my desserts the day before. I have ingredients for other items that I prepare, chopped and ready in the refrigerator. All I have to do the next day is to put things together. I always ask my guests to bring something.
Yes, prepping ahead of time saves so much time and stress the day of the gathering!
Beautiful Beautiful STAR!!!! I think I would like 3 or 4 of those on display
Thank you!
I enjoy doing my make ahead sides for the holidays like lasagna or baked ziti in advance. Such a time and stress saver! Homemade cookies or the dough itself also freeze well.Some are gifts for the family! I listen to Christmas music when I cook or bake! It adds to the fun and festivities!! Love this video. One more thing I am sharing your Thanksgiving for $25 video on my 11/4 upload. You help so many with this! Just had to share! Thanks for all you do! ❤
Yay Jan!! I am already listening to Christmas music lol! Yes, prepping ahead helps so much!
Unfortunately, I am not sure that $25 menu is still valid with today's prices though.
@@FrugalMoneySaver I think the basic methods mentioned will last forever!!! They are timeless!!!