How to Prepare for a Stress-Free Holiday Feast

It may seem counterintuitive, but don't run your oven's self-clean cycle in the days before cooking, because the cycle is so stressful on the appliance, it could cause it to break down. Instead, use a damp cloth to wipe around the burner elements and and save the big cleanup until you're lunching on cold leftover stuffing.

Also make sure your oven's temperature gauge is functioning properly by picking up an oven thermometer at the grocery store. Place the thermometer in a middle rack, set the oven to 350, and wait for it to warm up. If the thermometer read out matches the temperature you chose, all is well. You'll also want to check door seals and gaskets. If they don't provide a proper seal, the oven can lose heat and waste energy.