Home Giveaways A Simple Holiday Tip, PAM Cooking Spray and $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

A Simple Holiday Tip, PAM Cooking Spray and $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

by Jamie

My daughter Anna (age 5) on Christmas Eve 2002, getting ready to participate in a Nativity re-enactment. 

I am going to admit a little something to you today.

Sometimes I get a big fat pit in the bottom of my stomach when I can see another Christmas season rolling into view. It’s not that I don’t love holiday cheer. I do! I really do! But sometimes I assign myself a few too many holiday projects of wonder, and by the time the jolly day arrives I am down right exhausted, frazzled and full of grinch-itus.

One year, when my oldest three kids were just tiny I decided to tackle several DIY projects as gifts. On my to do list where…1) Re-finish and paint a wooded doll house as a gift for my then 4-year-old daughter Anna, complete with homemade curtains, linens, bed spreads, and some doll clothes. 2) Sew matching robes and pillow cases for all my kids. 3) Make homemade caramel, fudge and toffee for all of my neighbors. 4) Make heaping plates of Cinnamon Rolls for all of my siblings and their families (I have 12, including both sides!). 5) Cross stitch a beautiful Christmas Stocking for my then 8 month old daughter Emily.

Needless to say, it was too much! What was I thinking!  To top it all off, several days before Christmas MyHandsomeHusband got super sick with the flu, and wasn’t able to help me finish up the doll house, deliver goodies to neighbors, or any of the many other tasks of Christmas. With three small children to care for, the doll house half done, none of my presents wrapped, and zero plates of Cinnamon Rolls complete… I showed up at our extended families Christmas Eve party pretty worn out, and frustrated. Fortunately for me, my sweet brother and sister came home with me that night and helped me finish up the doll house and wrap all of the presents. (What would a girl like me do without brothers and sisters!)

I’ve learned a few things since then.  The most important being…keep it simple. Sometimes we women try to complicate life by making things Super Spectacular and Grand, and then feel “less than” when we can’t make it all happen. Did you know my 8 months old daughter had no idea her cross stitched stocking didn’t get hung that year! Crazy, right. 🙂 The doll house we worked hard on ended up being used by Anna to hang her frilly dress ups on. Now that I have driven this motherhood train for 16 years, when I see Christmas on the horizon and I feel that familiar pit in my stomach…I remind myself to simmer down, girl. I don’t want to get so caught up in all of the rush, that I forget to enjoy the simple, fabulous things the holidays can capture. I love snuggling with my kids next to the Christmas tree while we read a story.  I love the beautiful lights shining through the snow. I love hearing MyHandsomeHusband play Christmas songs on the piano. I love the generosity that appears in so many. Keeping my Holiday plans simple, really allows me to enjoy it all so much more.

That is my advice to you.

Plain and simple.

pam cooking spray

Those of you have read my blog for a while, know that cooking spray is pretty much my best friend. I don’t know that I have ever written a recipe post with out typing the words “cooking spray” at least once within it. Truly, I couldn’t function in the kitchen without it. Not only do I use it to coat the bottom of baking dishes and pans, but I often spray it all over my hands when I am working with bread/roll dough. I also spray it on my rolling-pin, and on my counter top to help when I’m rolling out cookies.

PAM Cooking Spray is especially fabulous and works so much better than the generic brands. Did you know that it leaves up to 99% less residue than bargain brands, and has zero calories? Isn’t that great! PAM Cooking Spray is a simple, fabulous way to add ease to your holiday cooking and baking. I highly recommend it.

Below, there are links to 4 fabulous recipes from my archives that are SIMPLE to put together, but taste fabulous and will make any Holiday Breakfast or Brunch a breeze to put together. Pam Cooking Spray plays a big part in all of them. Enjoy!

resized at 9 the one

Cinnamon Roll Cake

This Cinnamon Roll Cake has all the flavors of Cinnamon Rolls…without all of the work. 🙂

IMG_0417Easy Overnight Sticky Buns

These babies can be put together the night before you need them.

Breakfast Casserole Breakfast Casserole with Potatoes, Ham, Eggs and Cheese

This savory casserole can also be made the night before you need it.

gawler

Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast with Strawberries

I am going to sound like a broken record here…but this fabulous recipe is made the night before as well.

Here’s to a super, fabulously simple holiday season, guys. 🙂 My best wishes to all of you and yours.

PC240007My daughters Anna (age 6) and Emily (18 months) and many cousins, on Christmas Eve 2003

PS…PAM Cooking Spray and BlogHer would like to give one of you wonderful readers $100 Visa Gift Card! Super nice of them, right?! To enter all you need to do is leave a comment below telling me how you keep your Christmas season simple.

Sweepstakes Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winner  will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 11/20/13 – 12/29/13.

Be sure to visit the PAM Cooking Spray page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

 

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559 comments

Emily November 20, 2013 - 11:54 am

I keep it simple by shopping online as much as possible and by spacing gift purchases out so that we don’t have a huge expense in December. I also keep the decor around the house really simple because we are never home on Christmas.

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Heather W November 20, 2013 - 12:03 pm

Thank you Jamie! I was just giving myself that pit in the stomach filling thinking of all the things that need to be done before Christmas and then I read your message… thanks for the reminder! I just tried the PAM baking spray with flour on a set of layered cakes, worked fabulous!

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LaVon November 20, 2013 - 12:04 pm

We need to enjoy the simple things, like enjoying time spent with our families instead of trying to over do it with too many projects.

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Jodie November 20, 2013 - 12:04 pm

To keep things simple I always start saving money in June and start shopping in September/October! I know this may be hard if your children change what they want a million time 😉 I also try to set a limit on how much we spend… Things can get pretty tempting around the holidays

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MarlaK November 20, 2013 - 12:18 pm

We started last Christmas not to give gifts to each other, just a stocking instead slow down, enjoy the season. We have a big meal, play games that everyone can enjoy. It’s less stressful for everyone.

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Lindsay November 20, 2013 - 12:21 pm

This is the second blog post I’ve read today about keeping the holiday season simple and not stressing about making it “perfect” (the other one was here http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/11/give-yourself-break.html). I must have needed to hear it 🙂

I try to keep it manageable by saving $20 each month all year to use for Christmas shopping. I don’t miss $20 a month, and that way I don’t have to pay for it all out of 1 or 2 paychecks. I also start shopping in October and get the easy ones out of the way first. That way by the time December rolls around I’m only left with a few gifts to buy and I have time to come up with ideas for those impossible to buy for people. I like to start early so I can enjoy all the festivities in December, not just cross each one off the list and move on to the next.

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Barbara Bradford November 20, 2013 - 12:27 pm

Keeping Christmas simple is almost impossible, with schedules and extended families… so we have simplified it by going back to the traditional small hanging stocking. Carefully filled with sweets, and little treasures, nothing expensive. The toe holds a cash gift for each person. I think the cash comes in handy, mainly when they discover that they may have overspent.

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Casey C November 20, 2013 - 12:31 pm

I try to not go overboard on the present department for my kids. They don’t need a TON of stuff.

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Donna Jones November 20, 2013 - 12:36 pm

For Christmas we keep it simple we it one exchange gift per person then we let the children do the same for the family get together. The balance of the money all of us would spend on gifts we collect and we find two or three families depending I how much we collect and buy a complete dinner and gifts for the children deliver it along with a small decorated tree. We all feel better about the season and don’t have to fight to exchange things after the holidays. Much better to give than receive!

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Jackie Clotfelter November 20, 2013 - 12:36 pm

I keep it simple by making notes throughout the year about what my girls want – that way when it is time to shop I have a list already prepared.

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Bayda Z November 20, 2013 - 12:38 pm

We don’t travel and keep the focus on the real meaning of Christmas. This way we spend quality time as a family and don’t spend too much time waiting in line to get a picture with Santa, etc. or going crazy buying gifts for everyone. Since we have kept it simple, everyone is happier and enjoys Christmas! 🙂

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Jan November 20, 2013 - 12:41 pm

I save money during the year for Christmas plus I do not put anything on credit. If I can’t pay cash then I do not buy the gift.

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Judy Beauchene November 20, 2013 - 12:48 pm

gift bags cut down on wrapping time, keep it simple!

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Jhinnah November 20, 2013 - 12:52 pm

I don’t really try to keep Christmas simple. I go ALL OUT! I LOVE Christmas!!! But at times I do get overwhelmed and that’s when I stop and remind myself about the true meaning of Christmas and then I can breathe again.

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Angela Y November 20, 2013 - 1:02 pm

We keep it simple. I do shopping online and for dinner, everyone brings a dish.

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Angela Y November 20, 2013 - 1:02 pm Reply
Karalee November 20, 2013 - 1:03 pm

I try to have more people come to our house for get togethers. Too much running around to different Holiday parties wears out me and especially my young girls.

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Sharla November 20, 2013 - 1:08 pm

Last year, in an effort to save our breakable ornaments from our 2-year-old, we let the kids create their own ornaments for the tree using their art supplies around the house. It was one of the most beautiful trees we’ve ever had!

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Amy November 20, 2013 - 1:09 pm

We keep it simple by limiting how thin we spread ourselves. We pick 3-4 types of cookies and only make those. We have also stopped trying to make an appearance at every single family function during the season. We make a point to see out out of town family early in December so we can stay home, or near home, for Christmas.

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Dana November 20, 2013 - 1:12 pm

We have always tried to just focus on the “true meaning of Christmas”. Focusing on Christ, I find that all of the other “stuff” doesn’t really seem to matter.

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Christie November 20, 2013 - 1:18 pm

I try to put aside a little bit of money all year so I’m not slammed with bills after Christmas and I try to do a lot of my shopping early so I can enjoy holiday baking in December instead of running around to a million stores!

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Pam November 20, 2013 - 1:20 pm

Nothing like having a major health issue to make you realize how to cut back. In 2010, my husband would be diagnosed with late stage cancer. We would go for close to a year without any income before he finally was granted his disability. No income means no luxuries, at all. Fortunately my children were all grown but I had 4 grandchildren that weren’t. It bothered me more than my kids that gifts weren’t under the tree. I was blessed with a few cash gifts near Christmas that allowed very modest gifts for the grands. It really made us focus more on the love of family and the true reason for the day of celebration. Gifts are nice but relationships and family are so much more valuable.

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Rachael November 20, 2013 - 1:23 pm

Keep it simple by planning ahead! Don’t leave it all until the last week before Christmas! Then you can relax and enjoy the holidays.

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KimMJ November 20, 2013 - 1:25 pm

I used to stamp/embellish all of my holiday cards. Now I only make them for close friends and family and have started using ‘photo’ cards for the rest. I also search the internet for quick and easy make ahead recipes. Your cinnamon roll cake is a must this year!

Thanks for sharing all of your delicious recipes as well as your wonderful stories. 🙂

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Elena November 20, 2013 - 1:35 pm

I plan everything ahead and cook the day before celebration

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Debbie H November 20, 2013 - 1:37 pm

Plan menu ahead, make and freeze as much as possible. Online shopping for gifts. Thanks for your tips and stories. You are amazing!

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Siobhan November 20, 2013 - 1:40 pm

Christmas was never my favorite holiday growing up. Having my own family has changed that. I can’t seem to keep to simpe! I simply have to go all out!!

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Heather B November 20, 2013 - 1:45 pm

I do not go completely overboard like some people in my family. I like to keep everything nice, simple and organized.

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Celine Lehman November 20, 2013 - 1:48 pm

…by not overspending…by not overdoing…just loving, and being with family and friends. Less IS more!

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heather November 20, 2013 - 1:52 pm

We keep Christmas season simple by remembering the true meaning of Christmas and not getting too caught up in the hype of high value presents.

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D Schmidt November 20, 2013 - 1:55 pm

My short cut is making cookies in advance and then freezing them, I also tend to do that with scones, fruit pies and pound cakes as well! I also admit sometimes when I am short on time to using ready made frosting.

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Natalie November 20, 2013 - 1:57 pm

I use Pam all the time thank you

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Sheryl November 20, 2013 - 1:59 pm

Thank you Jamie for the beautiful reminder and for your amazing blog! I also have 5 children and learned long ago to do anything possible in advance and a little at a time. For example, I might mix several kinds of cookie dough one day, and stash in the fridge to bake another day. For holiday dinners, I do nearly everything the week before and try to stay stress free and enjoy the magic of the season! Blessings to you and yours.

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Diana November 20, 2013 - 2:01 pm

We buy only for the young children. I also make them quilts, afghans and hair ties for the girls,the boys the same but no hair ties !LOL
We celebrate together with friends, family and those who have no one to go to for the holidays. We open up our family tradition to those who might otherwise spend it alone.
Everything is prepared ahead of time (except salads!LOL), so on that special day we have the time to just reheat and socialize!

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Sharon November 20, 2013 - 2:12 pm

We quit traveling four hour round trip to be with extended family. I miss them but it is a calmer day.

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Brigette November 20, 2013 - 2:29 pm

We keep Christmas day simple by snacking on a meat and cheese tray with tasty breads. Love this site!

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Janet November 20, 2013 - 2:41 pm

I try to keep it simple by doing a little bit at a time instead of waiting until the last minute. Thanks for the giveaway.

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Lizzy November 20, 2013 - 2:46 pm

I keep it simple making homemade gifts that are useful year round for my family.

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Vic November 20, 2013 - 2:47 pm

We keep it simple by purchasing gift cards & giving cash for my picky grown children. We give them clues & make them hunt all over the house for their cash reward.

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Lori A. November 20, 2013 - 2:49 pm

I try to keep it simple by shopping online. That helps SO much. We also try to keep it simple by just hanging out at home at least in the morning/early afternoon and relaxing.

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Rebecca A November 20, 2013 - 2:53 pm

I try not to overcommit with activities for the kids.

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Beth November 20, 2013 - 3:16 pm

I try to shop ahead and get the best deals, so it’s not as pricey as it could be. LOVE your blog for tasty and simple recipes, as well!

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Ashley H November 20, 2013 - 3:19 pm

I shop online to avoid the traffic and stress.

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Denise November 20, 2013 - 3:39 pm

We keep Christmas simple by not over-doing it and doing away with un-needed gifts to neices/nephews. Instead of doing gift exchanges for the neices and nephews, as entire extended family we’ve agree to donate the money that would have been spent, to a family in need! It’s wonderful and cuts down on un-needed stress!

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Mary S November 20, 2013 - 3:40 pm

We keep things simple now by not dragging the kids from family to family on Christmas day. They spend Christmas morning at home and have their Christmas meal in the early afternoon. Then they go to one of the grandparents. On the following week (New Years or after) they go to the other grandparent’s. This works out beautifully for everyone, especially the children. Reduces the stress of being dragged from pillar to post and all the hype & commotion.

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Martha November 20, 2013 - 3:44 pm

We keep it simple by starting in October and ordering online….it’s delivered to you and all I have to do is box and wrap…easy, Peasy! Dinner is a cinch everyone chips in…

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Katie November 20, 2013 - 3:45 pm Reply
Becca J. November 20, 2013 - 3:51 pm

Made that cinnamon roll cake several times now! It’s always a hit! And I agree, cooking spray is a kitchen essential–so much faster than greasing and flouring!

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Nikita Petersen November 20, 2013 - 3:52 pm

We used to spend hours and hours making all different kinds of candy for neighbor and friend gifts and we were so overwhelmed. Now we just make one kind of treat, possibly in advance, and we’re happy with that. As long as everyone knows we’re thinking about them it’s good enough for us7

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steve weber November 20, 2013 - 3:55 pm

We keep it simple by not buying gifts for everyone, but picking names.. and then just giving stocking stuffers to other people.

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