Here in the Mid-South region of the Memphis metro area, Mississippi, and Arkansas, many families are preparing for winter holidays. Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s all fall during the second half of December, which means that this time of year is a festive time for many people around the country and around the world. The Tub Pros would like to wish everyone a safe and happy 2022 Holiday Season.
One highlight of many celebrations is the food. The kitchen is called the heart of the home for a reason—preparations for any holiday often start in the kitchen, which is where many guests will be drawn right away. But with grocery prices skyrocketing, and after a Thanksgiving season when many families chose to cut back on the celebrations, many people might be wondering how to get their kitchens, menus, and party plans ready for the holidays on a tighter budget than usual.
The great news is that it’s entirely possible to celebrate holidays in tough financial times, and to have a great time doing it. Here, we’ll break down some tips for getting your plans and kitchen holiday-ready, and let you know how the Tub Pros can help you, not just in the busy holiday season, but all throughout the year.
Hanukkah Preparations
Hanukkah—which happens in 2022 between December 18 and December 26—isn’t the most important Jewish holiday, but can be a fun celebration, especially since it occurs when many kids are out of school. But it can also be a financial strain, with eight nights of gifts—especially for families celebrating Christmas as well.
But with planning, celebrating doesn’t have to be a financial strain. First, consider with your family what kinds of gifts you’re going to give, and when. You might choose to give one main gift and small ones the other nights, or designate just one night for gift-giving. Or, opt for a gift swap, with a price point that all your guests can afford—this has the benefit of being a fun activity as well. Maybe designate a “homemade gift” night, and another a “repurposed gift” night.
Then, consider skipping huge meals, and sticking to just a few items—the traditional Hanukkah dishes, like doughnuts and latkes, are inexpensive to make or buy. And remember—this holiday, which centers around lighting the menorah together, is based on a time of not having much—the celebration should be about enjoying time with loved ones.
Christmas Preparations
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day—December 24 and 25—are widely celebrated here in the Mid-South. Like Hanukkah, Christmas celebrations center around a story of not having much, and not having a fancy location to have a celebration – we all know the child in the manger story – something to keep in mind as you plan your celebrations.
While Christmas trees, ornaments, and other decorations can easily increase your expenses, remember that they don’t need to be expensive—DIY ornaments can be a fun craft to make with kids, while also saving some money. Some families like to stick to the 5 gift rule, or put a limit on how many gifts Santa brings to the kids. A Secret Santa can be fun for a larger group, too, and gifts that are inexpensive and edible—like hot chocolate, candy, and cookies—are widely enjoyed without breaking the bank.
Kwanzaa Preparations
Kwanzaa, which runs from December 26 to January 1, was started by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966, and centers around gathering with family and friends to discuss principles of the holiday. It’s based on African harvest festival traditions, which lend themselves to a celebration of sharing and enjoying what you have—whether that’s on a budget or not.
While multiple nights of celebratory feasts might sound extravagant, the holiday is about sharing traditions, and doesn’t have a set menu—preparing traditional favorites in your family can be a great way to spark conversation and enjoy favorite foods without breaking the bank. And gifts don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful—in this holiday, they’re meant to educate kids about their roots, which can be adapted to fit your family.
New Year’s Preparations
Most folks enjoy celebrating the end of the year by staying up late to ring in the New Year on December 31. But welcoming 2023 doesn’t need to be expensive to be fun. Light snacks can be easy to graze on while binging movies or shows with kids, or while enjoying conversations at larger parties. Asking guests to BYOB (Bring your own booze), bring a hot or cold dish, chips, or soda drinks, can make a party easier on your budget while letting other attendees share what they enjoy. And party decorations don’t need to be expensive—some DIY confetti can be a great way to celebrate. Some families might want to reflect on the past year or set goals for the new one, while games and fun conversation can help make any party enjoyable.
The Tub Pros is ready to help you bring in the new year.
The kitchen is usually the main gathering place for guests, and is a hub for family activity any day of the year. That means that it often takes a beating from heavy use—cracks, chips, burns, damage, or other issues with your counters, tile, or sink can leave the kitchen looking tired and a little too…well-loved.
That’s where The Tub Pros shine! Our trained professionals offer counter and sink refinishing to Memphis residents—and residents of the greater Memphis area of the Mid-South. Our refinishing process is fast and clean and will get your space looking good as new—whether you simply want to restore a surface to its original look, or want to change your space to match kitchen trends for 2022.
This process takes just a fraction of the time of a larger renovation, and a fraction of the budget, too—leaving you more time and money to spend enjoying your space with loved ones during the holidays. Even better? We can help with bathrooms, too—whether you need to refinish shower, tub, or sink areas, or install accessibility features.
So when you’re wondering “where can I find corian countertop repair near me, counter and sink reglazing near me, or bathroom refinishing services near me”, The Tub Pros are here to get the job done! Give us a call at (901) 871-8827 or use our online contact tool to get a free estimate and get started on making your home the best it can be. Additional free value added information can be found in our website article library.
**Disclaimer**Please be advised that all content, including Blog articles, on the website thetubpros.com and The Tub Pros LLC is for INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR SUBSTITUTED FOR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. THE INFORMATION INCLUDED IN OR AVAILABLE THROUGH THE SITE MAY INCLUDE INACCURACIES OR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS. No guarantees are made and the use of the website, content, and any information provided is at your own risk. If you are seeking professional advice, you are strongly encouraged to consult with a competent specialist in your area who can provide you with specialist advice on your particular matter or need.