Your Days Are Numbered

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Featured Story

38 Days and Counting

You read that right. The clock is ticking, and the game is on. Five weeks left until the big day, and a week after that, we’re kicking down the doors of 2026, which, honestly, is a year I never even visualized. When I was in middle school, I was convinced we’d be flying around like the Jetsons by now.

Last issue, we talked about some local shops you should check out. And while shopping local this season should absolutely be at the top of your list, what you really need is a plan, what to get, when to get it, and why. With so many family-focused holidays hitting back-to-back, you’ve got to be on your A-game.

The gap between Thanksgiving cleanup and Christmas dinner is shorter than you think, so here are a few tips to help you crush your holiday hosting this year and walk into the new year looking like you’ve done this a thousand times.

1. Make a Master List (Then Make a Backup One)

Don’t rely on your memory, it’s still recovering from last year. Write down everything: gifts, groceries, décor, who’s bringing what, and which cousin can’t have dairy. A 10-minute list now saves a 2-hour panic later.

2. Shop Local Early

Those last-minute Amazon heroes won’t save you from holiday traffic. Hit the local shops early. You’ll find better gifts, support small businesses, and avoid the “out of stock” heartbreak.

3. Prep Your House Like Company’s Already on the Way

Do one room a day. Not the whole house. That’s how people end up questioning their life choices. Just one. By the time guests arrive, it’ll look intentional… not accidental.

4. Plan a Crowd-Pleaser Dish

Have one meal you can make with your eyes closed, a signature dish you’re known for. When everything else goes sideways (and it will), you’ve still got a guaranteed win.

5. Set the Mood Early

Candles, music, lights, and ambiance matter. Turn the house into a Hallmark movie before the first guest walks in. It hides the stress. And the dust.

6. Stock Up on “Just in Case” Items

Extra ice, batteries, toilet paper, and snacks. These are the items people forget until it’s too late. Future you will thank present you.

7. Delegate Like a Boss

You don’t earn bonus points for doing everything yourself. Assign a dish, a task, or a person to watch the kids. Spread the work. Keep the sanity.

8. Embrace the Imperfections

Someone’s going to spill something. Someone’s going to be late. Someone’s going to bring the wrong dish. It’s fine. Perfect holidays don’t make memories — the chaotic, funny, slightly messy ones do.

Things to do

What’s Washing Up on The Shore This Week

Southshore Spotlight

Elmira’s Wildlife Sanctuary

Elmira's Wildlife Sanctuary in Wimauma is a volunteer-run nonprofit devoted to giving exotic and wild animals a forever home, complete with enrichment, care and educational tours.

Nominate your local hero by emailing us at [email protected]

We Know a Guy…or Girl

Stellar Notary Services

Interested in joining the list? Shoot us an email to [email protected]

“Keep it Local!”

Foodies Only

Marcos Pizza

With all that shopping you’ll be doing, don’t forget to grab a bite. Marco’s Pizza has the perfect power-up to keep you fueled and ready for round two of your holiday spree.

If you’ve got a restaurant, food truck, or even a lemonade stand, it could be featured here. Email us at [email protected]

Local Sports

News or Events you’d like to share? Email us at: [email protected] 

Until next time,

Keep It Local.