While certainly not as important as a raw turkey, it's time to get that ham ready!

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Most of you probably bought a refrigerated and not a frozen ham. With cured meats thats perfectly cool, they tend to last a LONG time refrigerated. On the off chance that you got a frozen one, or froze yours, it's time to put it in the refrigerator.  Okay, let's back up a bit, I know grandma used to defrost things on the counter, that is NOT good. The outer layer of the meat can start growing bacteria while the inside is still frozen hard. Defrosting is best done gradually and under 45 degrees.

So, simply put, one day for every three to four pounds of ham and you should be alright.  If it's not mostly defrosted by Christmas Eve night, just put it in the oven a littler earlier on Christmas and you should be find.

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