Yay! It’s the holiday season. A time for either gathering’s or solemn reflection. Either way it’s time to eat. Whether you’re by yourself or with family, a feast is in order. Cooking a great meal is a great way to end the year. With many cultures around the world having a feast. Why not attend a function or just have a hearty meal all to yourself.

It all starts with budgeting for a good meal. Putting money aside money out of your paycheck solely dedicated to celebrate any feast this year. For most people, $50 dollars is enough to really dig into any plate. Please don’t be cheap with relatives, friends or family. Some people tend to show up for a holiday meal empty-handed. That’s not a good idea. You will look like the unsuccessful freeloader who wants everything for free. Be generous and give as well as receive.

Cooking is a big part of the holiday feast. It’s not just eating. If you’re the one cooking, take your time and cook with love. Put a sense of passion in your food. Add the spices and ingredients that will make your food simply irresistible. Remember people eat with their eyes, so presentation is everything. Take the time to make your food look as good as it tastes. You want to leave your mark on somebody’s mind. People will remember what you cook and how it tastes. If you want that holiday bonus, then you better cook like your promotion depends on it.

If you’re alone for the holidays. It’s all good. Don’t feel like celebrated, cool. You can embrace it or reject it. The holiday are here, and they are going to be gone sooner than you know. But this time is key for a vast number of communities and it’s important for the next coming year. This is the time when deals are made and hands are shaken. So you may not feel anything toward the holidays (that’s fine), but for other aspects in your life, you might want to be a little social. Put your best foot forward and join in the festivities.

So if you decide to go to a family function or hold one of your own. Then remember, have some money in your pocket and joy in your heart. If you are cooking, make your food sing. If you’re spending it alone, it will get better and their’s always next year. Enjoy the special holiday feast with a smile and a full belly.