Christmas Calamities: Your Festive Problems Solved

Christmas Calamities: Your Festive Problems Solved

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Christmas, that most wonderful time of the year… and one of the most stressful! To make sure your festivities go without a hitch, we have compiled a list of common festive woes, with some tips on how to solve them. Consider it our present to you!

The fairy lights aren’t working

We are sure you have been here before. You string your festive lights around your home and the Christmas tree, turn on the switch with high expectations and…nothing! Chances are, it’s only one bulb that is causing the issue, but when that blows, so does your indoor winter wonderland.

Tip: Buy encapsulated LED lights as they don’t have any troublesome bulbs. Alternatively, buy your lights from a reputable dealer, and remember, you get what you pay for. Cheap lights are probably not going to be reliable. Be sure to buy a spare set too, so if all fails the first time around, you have something to fall back on.

You don’t know what gifts to buy

Whether it’s the difficult to buy for man in your life or a friend or relative who seems to have everything they could possibly want, there will be times when you are stuck for present ideas. You want to avoid a disappointed face on Christmas day, so what should you do?

Tip: Forego the idea of a physical present, and think of something unique. It may be a season pass to the cinema or a booking at a nearby spa. Provided you know a little bit about the person’s tastes, you should be able to find something to their liking, even if it isn’t wrapped up in fancy paper and a sparkling bow.

You have one dinner guest too many

You are looking forward to spending Christmas with your nearest and dearest, but days before the big day, you discover that your partner’s long-lost cousin is coming for lunch with his bothersome brood, and you just don’t know how you are going to accommodate them.

Tip: You could turn all the lights off and leave a note on the door telling them you’re away skiing for the winter, so sorry for the inconvenience. Alternatively, you could prepare in advance for unexpected guests by buying extra dining chairs and dining products, and asking your extra guests to contribute to the Christmas meal. Another solution would be ditch dinner at home completely, and book a table at the nearest restaurant, and let the staff deal with your extended family’s demands.

You have forgotten to defrost the turkey

You have peeled the sprouts and prepared the pudding, but on Christmas Eve you realise you have forgotten to take the turkey out of the freezer. You don’t mind eating the meat cold, but not when it’s a block of ice. When it’s your head on the block and not the turkeys, what are you supposed to do?

Tip: A turkey normally requires two days to defrost thoroughly, but if you are in a hurry, submerge the turkey in a bowl of water. Your turkey will thaw at a rate of 30 minutes per pound, so we will let you do the math. Alternatively, save the turkey for Boxing Day, and serve one of these tasty alternatives on Christmas Day instead.

Finally

We have only covered a few of your Christmas problems, but they should go some way to ensuring the festive season isn’t a complete turkey this year. If you have further festive tips for our readers, be sure to let us know. Merry Christmas!

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.