Dolly Parton could certainly afford to hire chefs to cook her Christmas meal, but she insists on doing it all herself. The 74-year-old prepares a massive feast for her family and friends, with plenty of food for everyone.

“We do all of the traditional stuff, just like everyone else,” Dolly tells CMT’s Cody Alan. “The turkey. The dressing. Sometimes we just make big fat chickens instead of turkeys, but we do all of the hams, and the stuffing, and pumpkin and sweet potato pies.”

“I make a big pot of chicken and dumplings every year,” she continues. “My family loves that. Momma used to make dumplings at Christmas, so I still do that in addition to all of the other stuff.”

The country music superstar also makes sure her house is always festive, and has very strong opinions about how long the decorations stay up after Christmas as well.

“I put up my Christmas decorations the day after Thanksgiving,” she reveals. “So, we decorate, and I celebrate Christmas all the way up to my birthday on the 19th of January. I always make them leave my decorations up to my birthday because I am still celebrating.”

The East Tennessee native is generous all year long, but especially during the holidays, hoping others will follow her example.

“I think we should all be givers; that’s what Christmas is all about,” Dolly tells Sounds Like Nashville. “It’s better to give than receive, but it’s just as important that once you get into a position to be able to help that you really should. It really helps a lot of people and it makes you feel good about yourself. I love being able to be in a position to help. There’s a scripture in the Bible that says, ‘To whom much is given, much is required.’ I always think about that. I’ve been given so much, so why not give back?”

Dolly’s recent A Holly Dolly Christmas album is available for purchase via her website.