News Taffy

You are probably in the middle of the holiday rush; shopping, church events, school concerts, addressing cards, going to parties. What’s supposed to be fun and joyful becomes stressful. Here are a few tips to ease the load and make the holiday more enjoyable.

One person does not have to orchestrate the whole holiday. Spread the joy around your family - even young children can help. Let them put the stamps and return address labels on Christmas cards. Your teen can wrap the presents or prepare a meal. Your husband can go to the post office for stamps or to mail packages. Everyone can help decorate; it’s more fun together. You don’t have to attend every party or be at church for every single event. It’s ok to just say no once in awhile as long as you aren’t turning into Ebenezer Scrooge. Pick a few of your favorite things to do and stick to it: the office party, your child’s band concert, Christmas Eve services.

Don’t neglect your exercise; that is the best way to lessen stress. Eat sensibly most of the time. You will feel better and more energetic if you do. Don’t drink too much. A hangover won’t feel festive the next day. Don’t fall into the trap of overspending. The stress and guilt you will feel come January is not worth the temporary joy of gift giving. The real joy of Christmas comes from spending time with those you love, not in a greedy gift grab.

Please take time to relax and cherish the moment. Nothing is perfect so don’t fret over the details unnecessarily. Spend some time reminiscing with your loved ones by the tree. Write a note in the Christmas card to a far away friend. Smile at the store clerk and say “Merry Christmas!”.

Here is a quick and satisfying soup to end your stressful day. Anyone can make this soup if they can use a vegetable peeler. Keep it simple and serve with some crusty bread.

White Bean Potato Soup

INGREDIENTS:
*1/2 cup sliced celery (1 stalk)
*2 medium carrots, sliced
*1 clove garlic
*4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
*2 tsp. dill
*3 medium potatoes, cubed
*1 15 oz. can white beans, drained and rinsed
*1/2 cup sour cream
*1 Tbsp. flour
*1/4 tsp. pepper

DIRECTIONS: 
Sauté the vegetables in a large pot in 2 Tbsp. olive or canola oil. Add the chicken broth and simmer 25 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir in beans, pepper and dill. Mix flour into the sour cream and add to the soup. Cook a few more minutes until hot and thickened. You may be thinking “dill?!”, but I promise that it really adds a neat twist to this soup. The beans, carrots and celery add fiber and other nutrients, making this more than ordinary potato soup.

Until next week,
Lisa