Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Living Well with the Carrie Connection

Just some thoughts to get you through the holiday season:

Plan your schedule during the holidays loosely. Ask yourself does this have to be done before Christmas?

Make a point to attend every party you are invited to during the holidays, even if only for a few minutes. People remember.

Fill the house with the fragrance of simmering spices on the kitchen stove.

Sprinkle holiday confetti (red and green) in your holiday cards and letters.

During the holidays try at least one new recipe and one new decorating idea.

Every year purchase a tree ornament for each of your children or grandchildren or godchildren. The ornaments would be especially wonderful if they could represent important events or milestones that took place or were achieved during the past year in the child's life. When children move away from home they will take their collection of ornaments with them for their own tree.

Amidst the hustle and bustle, stress and strain, take a moment to be good to yourself.

Keep a gift list and save it from year to year. This will help avoid duplications and will give you ideas for next year.

CHRISTMAS

WEATHER SAVER

Each time we go through ice and/or snow conditions I am reminded that each and every one of us needs a well stocked car to see us through. I have shared this list before, but what a wonderful gift this would make for a loved one. Here it is again:

Winter weather emergency road kit;

Blanket;

Extra socks and gloves in case of wet conditions;

Towel;

Hat (You loose a lot of body heat from the top of your head);

Water;

Chocolate (For energy to help stay warm);

Reading material or something to pass the time with;

A sign for "Help" (This should never leave your car):

Flashlight and batteries;

Battery cable connectors (Take your own since most people do not have a set in their vehicle);

Cat litter (It's good for tire traction);

Cellular telephone (Keep the battery charged.); and

First-aid kit (You never know when you'll need this).

Place everything in the back seat so that you will be able to get to it. Storing your emergency road kit in the trunk is not a good idea, you may not be able to get out of the car to the trunk.

The office of the Nevada County Cooperative Extension Service wishes each of you a very happy holiday season and thank you for your support throughout the past year.