Holiday Tip #1: Always keep a lot of wine on hand so if you forget someone on your list (or get a surprise gift) you can just part with one in your vast collection. I better stock up asap! Actually, this tip kind of applies year ‘round…
Holiday Tip #2: If you’re traveling, don’t wrap gifts until you get to your destination as the TSA may want to unwrap them, just like they unwrap you with their naked scanner.
Which leads me to…
Holiday Tip #3: If you refuse the naked scanner and opt for a feel up pat down – request a TSA employee of the opposite sex or the most attractive person you see in line – because someone should get enjoyment out of the degrading experience!
Holiday Tip #4: A marzipan pig is vegetarian. Gross, but vegetarian.
Fun fact: It’s a tradition in Germany, Norway and Denmark to give marzipan pigs as a gift or stocking stuffer. It symbolizes good luck and a prosperous New Year! (source)
I got this one at Costplus World Market if you’re interested 
Holiday Tip #5: Don’t buy presents for yourself. (I’m very bad at this one…)
Holiday Tip #6: If Ben tells you that “so-and-so LOVES Nutella and we should buy them an industrial sized jar for Christmas” DO NOT believe him. 
Because he’ll open it when you’re not looking.
And spread it on a scone…
and your powers are useless against Nutella. 
Holiday Tip #7: Putting a frozen veggie lasagna on a plate with salad and a potato makes a quick and delicious meal during this very busy season. 
Holiday Tip #8: Don’t worry if you don’t have time to think up clever segues for introducing your afternoon snacks on the go… 
Any holiday tips I forgot?
Thanks for the holiday tips! I chuckled aloud when I read the Nutella tip. I love nutella and it’s not allowed in my house since I can not control myself.
i saw the mini to go nutella packets at cost plus the other weekend and thought of you and ben.
holiday tip: if the weather outside is frightful…turn to lifetime christmas movies.
My holiday tip: Do not argue with your mom if she insists on doing dishes. It’s probably the only way they’ll get done. hahahahha
I just can’t get down with the Nutella. I’ll eat chocolate peanut butter all day long, but I just can’t handle the taste of Nutella!
Oh my god now I want Nutella!!
Tip #1 is actually an excellent idea! I also keep some frozen cookies in the freezer to give as last minute gifts too.
another tip: do not drink wine (or egg nog) while wrapping said gifts as they may not get wrapped at all!
Great tips, Monica!
I laughed a lot about Ben’s Nutella…
It looks amazing as a scone spread 😉
Thanks for the holiday tips! I chuckled aloud when I read the Nutella tip. I love nutella and it’s not allowed in my house since I can not control myself.
I’m not going to lie, I am a little sketched out by that pig…
my holiday tip…don’t bake 5 dozen cookies as gifts for your neighbors/coworkers, etc. three days in advance. you will not have enough cookies for everyone after you’ve been alone in the house with 5 dozen cookies for three days.
My holiday tip:
Just complete ignore any obligations that you normally take care of – returning library books, going to the bank, paying bills, cleaning, etc so that you have time to shop, wrap gifts, and bake around the clock. That stuff is overrated anyway.
Am I the only person that saw the marzipan pig and actually thought it looks good and I want to eat one??
You crack me up every day! Thanks!!
Loved tip #6…Nutella is amazing!
#9: While it may seem like a good idea to sample one or two of EVERY kind of cookie you bake during an all-day baking marathon (you wouldn’t want to give away crappy cookies, right?)…your tummy will NOT be very happy with you in the AM 🙁
Loved tip #6…Nutella is amazing!
#9: While it may seem like a good idea to sample one or two of EVERY kind of cookie you bake during an all-day baking marathon (you wouldn’t want to give away crappy cookies, right?)…your tummy will NOT be very happy with you in the AM :o(
Good advice 🙂
#9 Always, always buy 2 jars of nutella. I’ve learned this with any nut butter in my house b/c my husband always raids the jars!!
hahah great tips! that wine one is CLUTCH though. my tip is similar: keep a lot of nips on hand, especially when dealing with relatives 😉
Ben is always craking me up with his funny expressions!
Love the wine tip, because my mom taught me that growing up, something she would always do!
Hmmmmmm how about you can eat as many christmas cookies as you want because its only once a year you get good cookies like that!
Thanks for the reply too about the peanut flour : )
I love the wine tip. I use that one all the time.
dont wait till the last minute to buy gifts, you’ll never find what you’re looking for.
To go with tip #1: Make sure you also have a bottle stashed to pop open for yourself – you might need it to relieve some holiday/family craziness.
I’m powerless against Nutella too! My mom gave me some for Christmas last year and I opened it right there on the couch 🙂
Me too! Nutella is a serious problem… I think there is nicotine in there.
#9 buy another jar of Nutella.
I do #1 quite often, and I totally want a marzipan pig. I won’t eat it, but that not important.
😀
I think that Ben’s first and foremost goal was to scoop the nutella directly into his mouth, and who could blame him?
Holiday tip: Make sure to order your Chia Spongebob early so that they don’t run out! 🙂