We’re winding down after the holiday merry making and not to be grinchy, but let's take time to think of lessons learned during the season’s festivities. When future holidays are suddenly upon us, (they sneak up, right?) we’ll thank ourselves for the insights.

Here are some things to consider:

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What went well that you want to repeat?

What was a mess to avoid in the future?

What could use some editing?

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It’s simple to do this!

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Make recipe notes in your phone, on a Post-it tucked into your go-to culinary magazine, or on that beloved recipe card complete with a gravy stain. Note what was a success to be repeated, what was not, and changes you would make to a recipe or hosting plan. Your future self will appreciate the info about your to-dos and not-to-dos. Here are a few of my holiday notes from Christmas 2022.

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1. Repeat – Soup as a starter. This was a bigger success than I anticipated. I wanted to have something ready for when my family arrived and my usual go-to is spiced nuts or a cheese plate. This holiday, I opted for a warm soup. Why will this  be a repeat for future? It can be made ahead of time and warmed in a crock pot the day of. It isn’t too filling, and is a warm welcome for guests. Want the recipe? This soup comes from the Gourmet November 2009 issue, a treasure (since the magazine halted soon after), and my issue has countless notes across it’s pages. Scarlet Carrot Soup. My one edit to the recipe to keep it easy – I skipped frying carrot ribbons and added a crumble of Original TerraChips on top.‍
2. Repeat – savory vs sweet holiday gifting. This year I opted for savory vs sweet gifts. We get so many treats during the holidays (which I will gladly eat), but this time I gifted savory offerings like artisan breads from Mediterra Bakehouse, BBQ sauces from The Old Blind Dog, and Moqui Mix Bean Soup from Jack and the Bean Soup.‍
3. Repeat - shop small! The savory gifts mentioned above all came from my local farmer's market. This made for fun and relaxed shopping in support of small businesses.‍
4. Edit - Good bye, pie. My mom had planned to bake two pies for dessert and the day of, we edited to one. We are all sweeted-out by late December with the cookie baking and winter Stollens so her tasty pumpkin pie with a pecan crust was the perfect finish - and still left room for a cookie or two.‍
5. Don’t - make poor potluck decisions! I have a mess from Christmas past when I once made a delicious but delicate corn pudding for a potluck. Trying to maintain the fluffiness of this dish in a taxi traversing the hills across San Francisco to Glen Park was trying and... unsuccessful. My takeaway from this buttermilk mishap? For potlucks, choose dishes that can withstand transport!

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