I envy anyone who is organized enough to assemble meals in large quantities to prepare later. I’ve tried it once or twice, and I’ve done the make-it-and-take-it route in area shops. The results were terrific, but for me, getting that organized at home is a stretch.

So I’m impressed with the month’s featured cooks, who get together once a week prepare three entrees, plus side dishes, that they can cook later for their families. (And wouldn’t it be nice to have a number of dishes waiting in the freezer when friends and relatives arrive during the holidays?)

Get some tips from our cooks on page 76.

Our calendar is always filled with things to do throughout the month, whether you have guests to entertain or not. December is especially packed, including lots of holiday events. Get into the spirit of the season as November rolls into December with the annual Christmas in Davidson festivities. Listen to music, visit the live Nativity scene, watch a parade, sample cookies and hot chocolate, and see pets in their best attire at the doggie fashion show. It runs the evenings of Nov. 29 through Dec. 1. You can get a preview with our story on page 16.

That same weekend, you can tour beautiful east Lincoln County homes, including historic Ingleside, and help build Sally’s Y in the Denver area. The YMCA is being built in honor of Sally Clark, who died along with her cousin Grace Jordan, in a car accident in 2004. Her family’s home is one of those on the tour. The families are turning their tragedy into something wonderful for the community. Learn more about the tour and the proposed YMCA in our story on page 34.

You also can tour America’s largest house during Christmas at Biltmore, which runs through Jan. 1. There are daytime and candlelight tours of the magnificent 250-room house in Asheville. Our story on page 55 gives you a taste of what you will see.

And you just never know what you’ll find as you travel. Just after Thanksgiving last year, as I was walking on the beach, I happened upon none other than Santa. Maybe the jolly old elf was taking a few moments to relax before his annual global run.

Take that as an example and set aside a few minutes for yourself during the rush of the holidays. You’ll have more fun.

Enjoy this time, whatever your religious leanings and whatever you celebrate. Then join us back here in January. We have some very special features and a special year planned for you.