THANKSGIVING on a Budget
by Susan Dunn
 Yes,
it's the time of abundance, but if you're on a budget, stick to it and avoid
some stress and guilt. It's the emotionally intelligent thing to do!
Holidayorganizer.com has some great savings tips, and I've added a few of my
own.
1. Know your portions.
It's tempting to have a big, beautiful bird, but it's more sensible to buy
only as much as you'll need for your family. The formula is 1 lb. per
person. If you want leftovers, 1.5-2.0 lbs. per person.
2. Take good care of the bird right after dinner.
If you'll take the time to remove the meat and wrap it carefully in saran
wrap or air-tight containers, it will remain nice and moist and tempting for
the next meals. For the immediate next dinner, place the turkey in a plastic
container, put a piece of waxed paper and then put some wet paper towels
atop that. Keeps it nice and moist for sandwiches the next night.
3. Plan your leftovers.
Get those recipes ready. The meal's good just warmed over for the next
night, as long as the gravy holds, but after that there's Turkey Tetrazzini,
turkey soup, turkey hash. Rotate it with other meals. (Don't refreeze
once-frozen turkey.) Tray a variety of flavors to go with the turkey. T.T.
is bland. Try your own version of Eggs Benedict, using turkey instead of
Canadian bacon. The hollandaise will add a zip. Make King Ranch Chicken (aka
Turkey) with hot sauce. They won't even know it's turkey! End with cold
turkey salad; the mayonnaise will moisten it.
4. Grocery shop the day after Thanksgiving.
Bargain-o-rama. Have you ever been? Surplus fresh turkeys at pennies on the
dollar, bakery items, breads, fresh yams. Clean out your freeze and get
ready. So ... shop for your Christmas meal the day after Thanksgiving!
5. Pay for convenience when it counts.
I like to buy throwaway aluminum pans to cook the turkey in. It's just such
a mess to clean up afterwards. My sister buys gravy from the catering shop;
an indulgence, but worth it to her.
6. Consider alternatives.
Make your own pie crust and bread. Unless you live in sweet potato country,
canned yams or sweet potatoes are a better bet than fresh. Pre-baked breads
are often sacrificed as loss leaders and with the rest of the spread, people
don't really care. Pumpkin filling mix, often on sale, is cheaper than
buying canned pumpkin and adding evaporated milk and eggs.
7. Make your own stuffing.
That's never on sale! Start on your stuffing mix now. Easy as pie! When your
load of bread is getting old, put the last pieces on a cookie sheet and put
it in the oven. Warm at 350 for 5 mins., then turn off. Leave the bread
there to dry out. Put into baggies and save. Keep doing this. If you like
cornbread stuffing, start planning lots of chili and cornbread meals! When
it's time to make the stuffing, crush the dried bread (still in the bag)
with a rolling pin and it'll look and act just like the storebought mix.
8. Decorations? Festive wear?
If you didn't do it last year, do it this year. Go out the day after
Thanksgiving and pick up all those napkins, tableware, and cute decorations
for a pittance. If you like a holiday sweater or t-shirt, check those sales
out too. And don't let Medison Avenue jerk you around with the change of
color-scheme every year. Choose one you like and stick with it!
9. Don't forget about potluck.
Most people who are guests at your table for Thanksgiving, would actually
love to bring something so they feel they've contributed are are part of the
holiday. My daughter-in-law's Mom and Dad have pecan trees in the back yard,
so they always bring the pecan pie, and what a savings that is!
10. Trompe l'oeil, it's called in France -- fool
the eye.
My grandmother taught me this one. She mashed the potatoes and then put
dollops of butter on top to melt -- for the eye. Splurge maybe on one item,
for instance, some of the stores sell molded butter in holiday shapes. This
can sure dress up the brown'n'bake rolls!
(c) Susan Dunn, the EQ Coach, helps clients develop
their emotional intelligence and personal foundation for more health,
success and happiness. Visit her on the web at www.susandunn.cc and
mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc for FREE ezine.
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