Are you in charge of making the holiday meal this season? Don’t start cooking before you read Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine’s Top 10 cooking tips.
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By Tech. Sgt. Anthony Nelson Jr. Air Force Social Media
Unofficially Thanksgiving is the kickoff to the season of gratitude and thankfulness expressed during the holidays. The Air Force social media team would like to say that we are grateful for the opportunity to highlight and share the stories of our most valuable assets in the Air Force’s inventory. That’s our Airmen! We would like to take a moment to express our thankfulness to the Airmen for all your hard work supporting the mission of the Air Force, to fly, fight, and win; in air, space, and cyberspace. You continue to demonstrate with confidence our Air Force core values: Integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all you do.
By Staff Sgt. Antonio Gonzalez
Air Force Public Affairs Agency
Most people are familiar with the carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” We put an Air Force spin on this classic song, highlighting events that take place AF wide during the holidays. So without further ado…
On the first day of Christmas my Air Force sent to me, a master sergeant on a Christmas tree.
Continue reading Twelve Days of Christmas – Air Force style
By Senior Airman Michelle Patten
Air Force Public Affairs Agency
Whether your Airman is stationed stateside or deployed to a remote location, the holidays are a special time of year. For many Airmen, the gift they really wish for is to spend time with family and friends. If this isn’t possible, or if you just want to make the holidays extra special, here are some ideas about what may be on your Airman’s holiday wish list.
by Airman 1st Class Andrea Posey
1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
The holidays are fast approaching, and for many this may lead to overspending – a common occurrence among Airmen.
The average family charges around $1,500 on credit cards during this time of the year. Consider this, if your credit card company charges a 14-percent interest rate and you pay only the minimum amount each month, it will take you eight years and cost over $1,000 in interest to pay it off.
The following tips can help Airmen to avoid overspending so they can enjoy the holidays without debt.
· Save throughout the year: Many banks have special savings accounts, called “Christmas Clubs”, you can contribute monthly allotments into to save for the holidays.
· Plan holiday spending: Create a written plan with spending limits for each gift, or draw names with friends and family and only buy a gift for one person.
· Avoid shipping charges: Plan for an additional $10 for gifts bought online to cover shipping costs so you don’t exceed your spending limit. Watch for specials that offer free shipping, or buy a gift card instead.
· Shop year-end sales: Shop after-Christmas deals and put the gift away for next year.
· Portion the holidays: Gift purchases should be portioned by what can be afforded, by cash, check or debit card. Aviod using credit.
· Consider layaway: Many stores offer layaway plans with little-to-no fees. Put gifts on layaway three to four months ahead and make payments over time instead of all at once. Be sure to make layaway payments on time.
· Personalize the holidays: Put thought into your gifts and consider making something instead of buying. Gifts like baked goods, handmade ornaments or pictures in nice frames offer a personal touch.
The holidays are a time to enjoy family and friends. You’ll be able to enjoy it more knowing you won’t be haunted by bills long into the new year.