Keep holiday gatherings small and simple to reduce stress

Dear Readers: We are in the middle of the holiday season with Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s approaching. This time is filled with smaller gatherings this year because of COVID-19. So, I think we can approach it this way — by keeping it simple and making it easy.

Here’s what we don’t have to do: No need to put on the ritz for our family and friends. We don’t have to make it really elaborate this stressful holiday, because that will take lots of time and energy. There’s no need to try new recipes that may not work out. Instead, prepare family favorites that are always a hit.

— Heloise

Dear Readers: For a beginning cook, try this recipe.

1. Put the turkey into a baking pan. Then rub lots of real mayonnaise (not light) all over the surface of the turkey. This will make it moist and tender.

2. Place an aluminum foil tent over the turkey. Cook it at 325 degrees for the required time for the size of your turkey. Read the label to find out the weight and time per pound that it will need to cook completely.

3. During the last 20 to 30 minutes, remove the tent so the surface of the turkey will turn golden brown.

— Heloise

Dear Readers: If family members or guests want to bring a dish, tell them exactly which dish you would like them to bring, like an appetizer, dessert, side dish or a bottle of wine. And, if they want to help out when they arrive, let them, if you want their help. Give guests a specific task.

— Heloise

Dear Readers: When you are hosting a family event,let family members pick which jobs they would like to do to make the gathering fun and to help you out. If they don’t want to choose, put all the tasks that are needed on slips of paper and drop them into a glass jar. Let each family member pull out a slip or two to find out what they will do.

— Heloise