Hanging Christmas Lights Without A LadderWe don't have an extension ladder, just a standard ladder and we're not really looking to spend $100's on the extension ladder just to hang Christmas Lights. Luckily our home has hooks already in place from the previous owners.
Save Time, Money And Aggravation During the HolidaysAre you old-fashioned like me and still like to go to the store to see and feel the gift you are selecting? Do you still enjoy the process and thrill of finding that special gift, wrapping it, and giving it?
Last Minute Christmas TipsI was wrapping some last minute presents tonight and came up with these ideas. They won't get on before Christmas, but for next year and for non-holiday presents, this might help.
Keeping Your Christmas Tree Fresh LongerMost people cut a bit off the bottom when they 1st get the tree, but if your tree dries out the closer it gets to Christmas this is easy to do while the tree is in the stand still.
Stock Up On Candy CanesCandy canes may be one of the least expensive holiday decorations and treats you can buy. Purchase a supply to incorporate into your holiday decorations. You can find various craft ideas that include candy canes.
Christmas Light Roof ClipsClip those roof clips onto the hem of your jacket/sweatshirt. It will save you a lot of time.
Turn Unwanted Sweater Into a PillowSo, dear Aunt Sally gave you an ugly sweater for Christmas this year. You really don't want to hurt her feelings by telling her that it's really not your style. Turn the sweater into a pillow case by cutting off the sleeves and stitching up the armholes.
Use Thrift Store Dishes At PartiesWhen you go to a meeting that requires you bring food, shop at the thrift store or Goodwill for platters. You can usually get them for a buck. Then when you bring your baked item, use it for that one time.
Use Paper Clips to Hang OrnamentsAre you trying to hang a Christmas ornament on the tree but you can't find your hooks? Take a paper clip and unfold it (lift the outer loop up as if you were opening a lid) so it is in the shape of a letter S.
Have a Swap for "New" Toys for ChristmasMy daughter and her friends are not buying their children any new toys for Christmas. Instead, they are having a toy swap among themselves. Their kids will get all "new" toys without having to spend a dime!
Check the Dollar Store for Holiday SuppliesBefore you go out to the discount stores like Wal-Mart or Target to buy Holiday supplies like gift wrap, bags, bows, cards, and basic ornaments, look for your local dollar store!
Make Your Own Cake for ChristmasMake a cake for Christmas instead of buying one. Cake mix and frosting are on sale this time of the year. Where I live, cake mixes are on sale for 88 cents a box and frosting for $1.50.
Use Photos as Gift Tags at ChristmasI have a Christmas package tip to share: My niece, just turned 5, loves to pass out the gifts on Christmas morning at my house.
Buy a Little Present Every Month for ChristmasWhen my 3 children were little, money was tight. So I bought a present for each child every month. Granted they were very inexpensive gifts but they still had 12 gifts to open on Christmas morning.
Alternative to "Secret Santa" for the WorkplaceThis year only half the office wanted to have Secret Santa (gift exchange where you pick someone's name). Even those who agreed gave a lukewarm response to the idea. The people opposing the idea did not want to spend the money, some others mentioned that they usually get gifts that they don't use/like at these gift exchanges.
Tips For Mailing GoodiesDivide layers of holiday cookies/cakes/candies etc. with coffee filters that you plan to ship by mail in a large coffee can. If your foodies need cushioning, use marshmallows and add a small pack of homemade hot cocoa mix.
Helping 95 Year Old Mother with Christmas GiftsMy 95 year old Mother found buying and wrapping gifts for her 50 descendants was too big a chore. We took a picture of her on her birthday and printed 50 wallet size photos and bought her Christmas cards and postage stamps. Now we will enjoy sitting with her and helping address the cards. She loved the idea.
Use a Flannel Backed Tablecloth to Protect TableI don't like for the heat from the plates to create those hard-to-remove white spots on my table. To prevent this, I decided to use a flannel backed vinyl tablecloth underneath my regular polyester/cotton tablecloth.
Using Christmas Towel to Display CardsDon't have a holiday card holder? I have an idea to get those Christmas cards up for friends and family to see. Take a Christmas towel, and hang it on the wall with 2 thumb tacks.
Keep or Sell Pine Cones for ChristmasFor those who are overrun with pine cones in the yard, especially the big, pretty ones, Bag 'em up! They can become natural decor for Christmas. Some places don't have pine trees, so you may actually be able to sell them online, at a flea market or a fair.
Wrap Kids Toys Out of PackagingHave you noticed how much packaging they put on kids toys these days? With all the tape, cardboard, twist ties, and plastic, it can take most of Christmas day just to get the toys out of the package and then you still have to put them together!
Thrift Stores For Christmas DecorationsThrift Stores For Christmas Decorations. For years, I envied pricey holiday decorations from specialty stores but they weren't in my budget. But in the last few years, I have discovered that thrift shops are a great source of really nice and classy holiday stuff.
Whipping Cream TipsYou can whip cream faster by chilling the bowl and beaters in the fridge before whipping. A few drops of lemon juice will help the cream stiffen.
Outwitting Curious ChildrenAround October, I start buying gifts to avoid the December price crunch. It is difficult to hide presents from snooping children.
Putting Out Holiday CandlesWhen you light candles at holiday times, write down the number of candles lit and inform someone where the piece of paper is that has the candle information on it.
Using Up Eggnog - Egg Nog French ToastIt's hard to gauge how much food and drink to provide, especially for holiday feasts. After the recent holidays, my family had about a gallon of perfectly good eggnog leftover!
