Make Room For Holiday Goodies!

I'd have to say one of the biggest reasons I started freezer cooking was so that I could spend more time during the holidays actually ENJOYING the holidays. Add to that all the extra events that seem to be happening and less time to do our "regular" stuff AND make sure we had a healthy meal on the table? Seemed like an impossible task. But by planning ahead not only would we have more energy by eating healthier to actually enjoy the events, we would also be saving those dollars that might be spent on take-out or dinners out on holiday gift giving instead (or sharing it with families that are going with far less than we might during the holidays). Once I found out how much it helped I expanded from there and started doing bigger sessions and year round too.

A lot of my freezer cooking beginnings were inspired by the website Organized Home (and its sister-site Organized Christmas). If you really want to get organized for the holidays, start with their Holiday Grand Plan and Countdown (it's already started but you can start now and take notes for getting an earlier start next year--that's how I started--mid-December when things were already out of control!)

Ok, back on track. This week in the Countdown you should be cleaning out your freezer to make room for all those extra meals you'll be preparing (or doubling) in the coming weeks as well as the cookies or other holiday treats you'll be serving or bringing or giving this holiday season. So, take set aside a half hour or so (that's all it should take) to get the job done. I usually like to time it on the day before garbage pickup so that the UFOs (unidentified frozen objects) don't have to sit outside for too long (and risk a critter invasion like mine did one time when the lid was not on tight--that's a possum story for another time.) Preventing a major freezer cleanout by labeling and logging the items that go into your freezer is also a topic for another time too! (coming soon though!)



So, once you've gotten your freezer cleaned out and organized, you'll no doubt have some extra space to stock up on an extra freezer meal or two (or three or four....) to help you save your sanity during the holidays. Facing an even more empty freezer? How about getting a jump start on your holiday baking? You'll be ready for any entertaining opportunity that comes your way. Why not get started today!

Happy cleaning (and eating!)