Overwhelmed!

Well I have today and half of tomorrow to get the entire disaster I call my house cleaned up, Make my first turkey EVER, create something similar to stuffing and purchase the ingredents for them!  I also have to shop for the other half of my x-mas presents AND wrap ALL of them!  I'm not looking forward to the next 36 hours.......I don't know when I'll actually sleep!  I need to go check my turkey to see how it's thawing.....I bought it and left it in my car since I didn't have room in my freezer....it's 16 pounds and I took it out of the car yesterday.....here's to hoping it thaws by tomorrow afternoon!  My family is coming from 250 miles away and this sucker needs to be ready to go by 8pm!  Wish me luck.....and at least 2 hours of sleep!

Good luck! Try to hang in there.

Maria

Ya know that "making a list and checking it twice" stuff.  Works in this case too.  As one who has done more of my share of big family meals (I'm 61), it always works out.  Do what you can early, and even if it is late, everyone will be so happy to see each other that no one will care.

Easiest way to cook a turkey, is in the Oven bags! Never fail , well as long as you dont over cook it. As far as stuffing goes, get a box of stove top and you cant fail there either. Good Luck and let us know how the turkey turns out.

Don't forget to take your time to enjoy the moments.  One of my favorite and hardest life lessons has been "Don't over look the good in your quest for perfect."  Christmas is about joy, family, relationships.  The turkey and the presents are just a bonus.

So what if your house isn't immaculate?  So what if your meal doesn't turn out like you planned?    Gift bags are easy wrapping! 

Don't put too much pressure on yourself.  You don't need to have the perfect Christmas.  A really good Christmas with a few flaws and less stress is even better. Don't forget to let people help, but mostly ... enjoy the holiday!

If you find that it's not defrosting fast enough, try the old trick of putting it in the sink covered with cold water for several hours - works every time!

I've made turkeys before, but this year I tried something different for Thanksgiving.  (Biting my nails the whole time - who tries something new for Thanksgiving Dinner with the main entree????)  

I took 6 tangerines and quatered them (leave on the skin) and marinated them in 1 cup of red wine over night.  The next morning, I poured off the excess wine and put the tangerines inside the bird.  On the outside of the bird, I sprayed Butter Flavor Pam and rubbed in salt, pepper, and sage.  Put the whole thing in a Reynolds Oven Bag and cooked it according to the directions.  I didn't tell anyone what I had done.  Immediately, people started commenting on the tenderness of the bird and the taste with a hint of citrus.  (Even my father in law - who never comments on food, told me it was the best turkey he'd ever had!!!!)   YUMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I will be doing this from now on. 

Best of luck - you can do it.  And, like others have said, if the house isn't perfect, who cares.  Enjoy your time with family and loved ones.  Make memories in the next 36 hours, not stress! 

Merry Christmas!

good luck and love ur new pic

Alright girlie...now it's MY turn for some encouragment! YOU CAN DO THIS! I read the other post and they have great ideas. Thaw the turkey while finishing shopping and then while the turkey is in the oven, wrap the gifts! If you lived anywhere close, I'd come help you! Like the other poster said, just ENJOY your family and being together. Baby Jesus makes Christmas but family is what helps us celebrate it! Have a wonderful time, and I'll talk to you soon...