THE BEACH HOLIDAY.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 301, 19 December 1931, Page 20 (Supplement)

THE BEACH HOLIDAY.

Preparations Devolve on Busy Mothers. PLANNING AHEAD. (By K. 8.) Christmas is approaching “and more rapidly than ever before,” is the belief of many mothers who dread that last frantic week before the family leaves for its annual holiday at the seaside. Endless seem the tasks that mother must perform before the great day arrives. Naturally, she greatly appreciates the fun that the family derive from the beach trip, but, if truth were told, she is always glad when it is safely over, and the everyday routine is running smoothly once again. It is in the preparations of the final few days that she becomes so weary, so much so that when the desired destination is reached, she is more fit for the comforts of a rest home than to minister to the needs of her exuberant family in, generally, a bach where Space is limited and culinary conveniences few. Much of this tiredness would be eliminated were she to take time by forelock and start at once with preliminary preparations. The large items are quickly assembled; it is the small ones that take the time. Mother’s brain usually works overtime during the week preceding Christmas, and many littlo things are forgotten, to be considerably regretted later. The wise woman will start immediately and compile a list of everything necessary for simple comfort and for emergencies. The large drawer in the

bmg]inni mm ® ®®@mum ®mw ®so chest must be emptied and therein the foundations of the holiday may be laid. On small, strong paper bags large labels should be pasted and tlie nature of the future contents printed legibly thereon. Sewing and darning requisites, safety pins in all sizes, shoe cleaning outfits, playing cards, writing material (including stamps)—these are to mention hut a few of the small things that could be placed in the “holiday drawer.” On the wall of the “summer residence” tack a large square of cretonne and "with safety pins attach the bags to it. The offender who omits to replace any article in its proper bag must be penalised. What trouble is saved when one can place her hand immediately on the required object. The beach medicine chest could also be prepared. A large paper bag will be needed for bandages. These will probably not be needed, but it is well to be prepared. It is advisable to include boracic acid and lint in. airtight containers, iodine, picric acid for burns, lanoline, vaseline and that sovereign remedy, castor oil.

While there is yet time, provide for the wet days. The terrors arising from a small house, a young family and a wet day, vanish if their needs are intelligently anticipated. Books suited to the individual tastes of the young people should be collected, also games, pencils and paper, paints and brushes, odd bits of fancy sewing, coloured wools and needles. The wettest day need not be a dull one.

Include a stout length of rope and plenty of coathangers with which to improvise a wardrobe. On the rope, stretched across a corner of the bedroom, and with large sheets to protect them from light and dust, the garments of the family will find their proper station.

In the preparation of the provisions much time may also be saved. Cakes and biscuits sealed in tins keep indefinitely and generally improve in flavour. Salad dressing may be made in quantities and placed in screwtopped jars, preferably small ones. . Beetroot, if

desired, could be preserved in similar bottles. There are many suggestions that will arise to the far thinking housekeeper. Tf this time-saving plan is brought into operation the mother will be surprised how last moment worries are minimised, and how much easier is the settling in the more restricted temporary home, be it house, bach or tent. Weeks of forethought will certainly add greatly to the enjoyment and benefit erf that often mucli-dreaded beach holiday.