Holidays creeped up on anyone else this week? I bet I'm not the only one with shopping still to do before Thursday (bought gifts for my parents, my sister, my boyfriend's mom, and - heh - my boyfriend all in the past 48 or so hours) and my mom has done more holiday cookie-baking today than I have all year, so I thought I'd help out. Here's my last-minute holiday cheer guide - 'cause you can have a hurried and happy Christmas all at once.
Holiday Party Quick-fixes:
Don't fear the freeze: Not exactly Martha when it comes to the hors o'dourves? Break out the frozen, phillo-dough pastries. C'mon, you know everyone loves the mini-hot dogs anyway.
Surround-sound cheer: If you don't have time to orchestrate the perfect holiday play list (and who does?), check out Pandora's holiday stations. The variety is more surprising than whatever's playing on Lite FM, and you'll be so hip with your web-y and digital-y soiree.
Vino, Vino: Sure, it's cliche, but nothing does a party better than some booze. Class it up with your favorite Christmas reds, and maybe even add some sparkling choices into the mix. Check out last-minute sales at Pier 1 for some chic and shiny goblets that complete any party.
Gifting Scramble:
For those of us who don't have time to brave the bursting shopping centers or icy city streets (or just don't want to) - here are some gift ideas you can give even from underneath your warm, downy covers.
Magazine subscriptions: Okay, so I'm biased and on a crusade to save the industry (one glossy page at a time), but you'll get some smiles from any recipient, I'm sure. And all it takes is a few clicks on the mag's website, or other retailers like Barnes & Noble.
Netflix: Movies right to your favorite pal's mailbox for a month - or a year! However, buyer beware: Your recipient will have to put in a credit card number and Netflix will automatically continue their subscription (read: charge them) after the gift expires ... which is basically like paying for a new-member free trial for someone else (kinda lame). But (!), as I have discovered, if within the year your friend doesn't use the subscription, Netflix will offer you the chance to use it. All the Colin Firth movies you want and a way to test a not-so-appreciative friend? I'm on board.
Culinary delights: Perfect for the far-away loved one not expecting a present exactly on the 25th (more time - woo!). Send them a decandent trans-continental dessert or savory holiday basket of goodies. Companies like Wolferman's offer some delicious and bountiful options (the English muffins are an obvious, tasty choice), but my Philly-based fave? Hope's Cookies - a staple on my Main Line home-to-school route.
Goodwill in a time crunch:
Don't forget the kids: Pick up a toy - not exactly rocket science - and donate it to a family in need. Your local churches, charities, or even school districts probably have giving trees or toy drives for the holidays.
Send love to your neighborhood: Take the time to write some quick holiday cards to the folks on your block. Won't take much effort. but will probably make a winter of shoveling each others sidewalks a little more enjoyable. And don't forget to tip your mailman!
Donate to your favorite cause: We're all a little strapped this year, but that means those in need are even more so. If you can swing it, invest in someone else's holiday happiness, and feel good about helping out an organization that really means something to you ...perhaps a certain independent mag is your fancy?
That should do it! Merry Christmas and happy holidays.
Love, Life Minding oxo
