Tama Fortner is a mom to college aged kids. She can look back with clarity on the ways she managed (and mismanaged) the Christmas years throughout her mothering career. This episode is full of Tama, Krista, and Alex’s insights on helping moms manage Christmas, keeping the special without keeping the crazy.

Tama shares some easy recipes, how she divides and conquers on food responsibilities, and how she creates gifts themed around what someone loves. We talk through how to manage a child’s gift request that parents aren’t willing or able to fulfill and how to approach the child about the why behind the decision.

Whether you are wanting to simplify food or gifts, you are wanting to ensure you keep the holiday season meaningful, or you simply want some fresh encouragement as you step into a busy few weeks, this episode will break down how a few moms consider food and gift choices this time of year.

Tama’s new devotional book is titled Simply Christmas, and it’s about keeping the simple in Christmas.

Connect with Tama

On her website, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Listen to this episode

On iTunes or watch it here:

Mentioned on the show:

Tama’s new devotional book for moms: Simply Christmas: A Busy Mom’s Guide to Reclaiming the Peace of the Holidays: A Devotional

Tama’s children’s book for Christmas: Christmas Is Coming!

Dollar Tree

Target Dollar Spot

Hobby Lobby

Holiday recipes from Tama:

The Most Amazing Fudge Ever

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 stick of butter (the real stuff), cut into chunks

2 ½ cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips

Stir all together in a glass bowl. Microwave at half-power for roughly four minutes. Stir until smooth, and pour into a parchment-lined 8×8 dish. Chill, cut, and enjoy!

Note: This is the blank canvas of fudge. Experiment with different kinds of chips, stir in candies or cookies, or sprinkle sea salt on top. Make it your own!

Another Note: This makes a great gift. Simply tuck pieces of fudge into a pretty tin and top with bow.

Souther Sausage Balls

1 lb. hot sausage

1 cup sharp, shredded cheddar cheese

2 cups Bisquick

Mix all together. (A stand mixer or food processor makes this sooo much easier.) Roll into 1-inch balls. Lay out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and flash freeze. Store in Ziplock bags in the freezer until ready to bake. Bake (frozen) at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Best if served hot, but yummy cold too.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

1 14-oz jar artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

1 10-oz package frozen spinach, thawed and drained

1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese

1/8 tsp. garlic powder

dash of cayenne pepper

1 cup Parmesan cheese

1 cup mayonnaise

½ tsp Worchestershire Sauce

Mix all together. Spoon into lightly greased 1-quart casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Serve with toasted bread, crackers, or tortilla chips.

Super Easy Chocolate Fondue

1 12-oz package semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 can sweetened condensed milk

½ cup heavy whipping cream

1 tsp. vanilla

Stir all together in a small casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Stir until smooth. Serve with cubes of pound cake, fresh fruit, or pretzels.

Note: My kids love to dip spoonfuls of peanut butter or hunks of cookie dough in the chocolate. I like Pringles chips myself. J

Another Note: The perfect treat to serve while watching Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory—the original with Gene Wilder is the best!

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