Minnesota Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Minnesota and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Wyoming Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Wyoming and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Utah Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Utah and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Illinois Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Illinois and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Nevada Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Nevada and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
South Dakota Christmas CharitiesIf you live in South Dakota and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Hawaii Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Hawaii and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Rhode Island Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Rhode Island and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Oklahoma Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Oklahoma and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
New York Christmas CharitiesIf you live in New York and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Connecticut Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Connecticut and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Pennsylvania Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Pennsylvania and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Ohio Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Ohio and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Montana Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Montana and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Alabama Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Alabama and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Idaho Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Idaho and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
New Jersey Christmas CharitiesIf you live in New Jersey and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
North Carolina Christmas CharitiesIf you live in North Carolina and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Virginia Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Virginia and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Mississippi Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Mississippi and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Vermont Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Vermont and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Tennessee Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Tennessee and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Michigan Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Michigan and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Florida Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Florida and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Alaska Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Alaska and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Georgia Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Georgia and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
New Mexico Christmas CharitiesIf you live in New Mexico and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Maine Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Maine and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Massachusetts Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Massachusetts and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Thrifty Lighted Holiday BasketAll you need for your lighted holiday basket (that can be used year round) is a nice large basket, a 50 light strand of Christmas tree lights, plenty of assorted sizes of pine cones, sweet gum balls, magnolia pods, etc.
Christmas Gifts For SeniorsWe all have someone on our gift list who is hard to shop for because they already have it all, or have limited space, such as someone in a nursing home or assisted living home.
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.
Reindeer FoodMaking "Reindeer Food" is a great kids craft. This simple Christmas craft would also make a great gift for kids that you know.
Add Colored Lights To Clear Prelit TreeWe have a clear prelit tree. Then we take a strand of color lights, and start at the top. We run them up and down as we go around.
Add Colored Lights To Clear Prelit TreeWe have a clear prelit tree. Then we take a strand of color lights, and start at the top. We run them up and down as we go around. It is best to have 2 people for this. Then if we want more lights, we run a set starting at the top going around until we get to the bottom.
Drape Christmas Lights Around Each BranchAt my house, we always start wrapping the lights from the top down. We wrap all the branches individually, and work the same level around all of the branches, before moving down to the next level.
Holiday Digital Scavenger HuntHere is an easy, free idea for your next party, a digital scavenger hunt. It is great for all ages and has the added benefit of providing a great mix of entertaining family memory photos.
Burned Out Bulb DecorationsThe "wreath" is a captured quilled wreath. The two little bulbs are recycled burned out bulbs with glitter (tape/glitter) and the round recycled light bulb is quilled tight coils! Fun and easy peasy!
Christmas Charities And Gift AdviceFor all the people that ask for help with gifts at Christmas, here is a little advice. First of all call the HELPLINE!, their number is 211, it is a nationwide clearing house that keeps a list of organizations in each area that provide different kinds of help for people.
Using Disposable Tablecloths to Wrap Large ItemsWhen wrapping larger Christmas gifts, instead of using a lot of wrapping paper and tape, buy a holiday tablecloth, and tie it at the top with ribbon. It works wonderfully!
Make Your Own Holiday CrackersI use paper rolls from toilet paper, paper towels, gift wrap, and anything else that has a roller in it. I have used them for all sorts of gifts.
"Soft Wrap" Presents For A Green ChristmasMy family always has a chore of finding correct size boxes for Christmas gifts, and then having to break them down afterward for the recycle bins. This year, we have pledged to "soft wrap" every gift. There will be no more boxes, and no chore we all dislike.
Keeping Track Of Christmas Purchases Year RoundI shop year round for Christmas gifts. Many a time, I have forgotten where I put the items by the time the holiday arrived. I now have a foolproof tip.
Noodle AngelsThe "heads had the faces painted on already. I painted the rice "hair" after it was glued on. On some, I used hot glue. For others, when I had the time, I glued with tacky glue.
Rubbermaid Boxes For Christmas DecorationsYears ago I bought two of those Christmas Rubbermaid type boxes. You know the kind, red with a green lid. I then went to the package store and asked for a couple of empty boxes with dividers.
Stress Free ChristmasChristmas is a time which cause many people to be stressed about money. Let's face it, it's way over the top. So here is how I cut my Christmas gift list to 4 gifts (yes, 4).
Hyacinths for GiftsAt this time of year, we get ready to plant some hyacinth bulbs for Christmas. All year, I pick up pretty bowls from thrift shops and jumble sales as I see them. In October, I'll fill them with bulb fibre and plant two or three bulbs in each one, covering the bulb.
Save on Textured SnowAs an avid crafter, I am always looking for ways to save money on supplies. I often experiment with ideas in hopes that I can recreate an item that will last longer and cost less.
Frame Calendar PicturesWant some inexpensive picture frames for your decor, but don't want the expense? Save your calendars and select florals, scenes, etc. to accommodate your living decor. You may have to crop and cut them to fit behind the 5 x 7 and 8 x 10 inch opening mattes.
Reuse Christmas Cards as Gift TagsSave your used gift cards. Cut the fronts of the cards to make lovely gift tags using fancy edged scissors if desired. Punch a hole in the top of the tag, then thread a colored string through.
Storing Christmas Ornaments and...Do you have several "stray" ornaments that you want to store safely but don't want to spend a lot of money on storage units? Use a box that you may have around that house that had drinking glasses in it.
Christmas Letter QuizI received the neatest Christmas Newsletter from my aunt (a retired college professor). She put 10 photos on the left side of the page and mixed the 10 3-4 sentence descriptions on the right. You were directed to match the descriptions with the correct photo.
Store Christmas Bulbs in Egg CartonsStill trying to come up with a foolproof way to store those fragile Christmas ornaments? Try using egg cartons. The larger-count cartons should work best, but it shouldn't matter whether you use paper or styrofoam.
Inexpensive Christmas Gift IdeasFor those of us who have children and need low-cost or free gift ideas.
Storing Artificial Christmas TreesMy artificial Christmas tree has "colored" ends on the limbs, which you match up to the base of the tree as you are putting it together. When I take my tree down, I rubber band or otherwise secure all the limbs of one color together.
Restaurant Gift CertificatesFor those of you with hard to buy for parents, here's a last minute tip that can be used for any occasion. My parents love to go out to eat, especially after Mass on Saturday. Each year, I get them restaurant gift certificates.
Everyday Dishes For HolidaysInstead of purchasing expensive serving dishes for every holiday, place a cloth napkin over an everyday plate. You can place the plate on a cake stand for a little extra presentation. If serving foods that may stain, line with a small piece of wax paper.
Give Child A Christmas Ornament Every YearWhen our kids were little, we bought or made two ornaments with dates each year for the tree for each child. When the oldest got married and left home, we were able to give him a box with all the ornaments from his first Christmas through the most recent.
Vinyl Tablecloth as Tree SkirtI no longer have to worry about a skirt for my Christmas tree. Last year, I bought a round vinyl tablecloth on clearance after Christmas for $0.79. I found the center of the tablecloth, cut a slit to that point and cut a small circle out of the middle.
Christmas PillowcasesThis year, I am giving each of my grand-nieces and nephews a personalized pillowcase made of Christmas-print cotton fabric. My daughter is putting the names on the opening edge, so everyone will know whose is whose.
Homemade Crafts As GiftsOnce every 5 years, I give only gifts that are home made. Since I crochet and knit and do plastic canvas, that's what it usually is. This year, I crocheted lapghans for everyone in the family.
Salt Clay RecipeFun with the kids, great for this time of year, but can be used for any holiday or event.
Make Christmas Card GarlandIf you're looking for something to do with Christmas cards that you've received throughout the season, cut the backs off and use a single hole punch to make a hole at the top of each card.
Storing Christmas BowsBefore you even think about putting those lovely handmade bows away, save up old tissue paper or Christmas wrap to put inside each bow loop so it will hold it's shape and be ready for reuse next Christmas.
Barter For Christmas GiftsThis is really not a new concept, but it really does work. Bartering! Especially for the holidays. My early Christmas present was an antique cedar chest. My husband helped move a china cabinet and for his time, he was able to choose a piece of furniture as payment.
Lighter Egg NogWe love Eggnog for the Christmas holidays, but it is so expensive and so high in calories that I have found a way to reduce both the cost and the calories. I buy a half gallon jug of Eggnog (Yikes! $4.12), and pour it into a gallon container.
"Pine"apple Christmas Tree Centerpiece.Take the top of a fresh pineapple, remove any really damaged leaves, and turn it upside down on a platter. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and decorate with "ornaments" of maraschino cherries.
Use Women's Skirt as Tree SkirtFor an inexpensive Christmas tree skirt, buy a knee length secondhand ladies skirt. Just select one in the appropriate color you desire.
Paint Inside of Clear Glass OrnamentsTo make beautiful homemade Christmas tree ornaments, pour or squeeze craft paint, your choice of colors, into clear glass bulbs. Twirl the bulbs around, holding your finger over the open top, and watch the paint swirl around.
Crafted Christmas Table Place MarkersHere are some festive and frugal ideas for crafted place markers to help you get your guests seated where you want them!
Use Spray Paint To Change DecorationsSpray paint things that you need to change. For example, I went from gold to silver with my decor for Christmas. I spray painted baskets, ornaments, pinecones, etc. silver.
Address Labels for Christmas CardsSince my handwriting is so terrible and I hate asking for more help than absolutely necessary, I found my own solution for our annual Christmas card exchange at church. Use business address labels for your Christmas greeting and mailing information.
Angel Feather Christmas PoemThis can be a refrigerator magnet or a gift tag attachment and is simple to make. Take some card stock and print the following poem on it. Then attach a fluffy feather to one side of the printing.
Quick "Eggnog"For a quick holiday eggnog cup of cheer, add a scoop of country style vanilla ice cream to a mug then pour some scalded milk over the top. Add your adult beverage choice of rum or brandy.
Keeping Lights on Weak BranchesMany of our outdoor shrubs have soft needles and branches. When decorating the shrubs with outdoor holiday lights, we pin the light cords to the branches using clothes pins.
Wrap Presents in Reusable TotesI've been collecting inexpensive cloth tote bags for gifts. I buy these tote bags at grocery stores and thrift shops. They cost $1 or $2. I put birthday and Christmas gifts inside the reusable tote, instead of a gift bag or wrapping paper.
Christmas Dough OrnamentsOne of the best ways I get into the holiday spirit is to make something fun with my grand-kids. Get together to make homemade ornaments from baker's clay
Handmade Christmas Cards as GiftMy daughter-in-law is very gifted in creating beautiful scrapbooks and greeting cards, so every year for my birthday, which happens to fall in November, I receive a lovely array of handmade greeting cards including a minimum of 20 Christmas cards.
Buy Thrift Store Gifts For ChristmasOur family usually draws names and we have a limit to spend on each person. Next year we decided to do something out of the ordinary and have a 'thrift store gift Christmas'. It will be fun to see how many more gifts you can buy for a person on your list.
Secret Santa Gift IdeasHoliday secret Santa gift giving is easy for me. I go to Walmart, Marshalls, and Target.
Christmas Candy OrnamentsYou will need a number of metal (or other heat-safe) cookie cutters for this recipe. It yields 12-16 small (around 2 inch) shapes, or 8-12 large ornaments. The exact yield will depend on the size of your cookie cutters.
Applesauce Cinnamon Christmas OrnamentsIn medium bowl, combine cinnamon, cloves, allspice, ginger, and nutmeg. Add applesauce; stir to combine. Work mixture with hands two to three minutes or until dough is smooth and ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
Use Shepherds Hook As Candy Cane DecorationUse your garden shepherd hook to create a candy cane Christmas decoration! I had some silver tinsel like garland that I used on last year's tree and wrapped it around the shepherd hook from top to bottom.
Christmas Light Roof ClipsClip those roof clips onto the hem of your jacket/sweatshirt. It will save you a lot of time.
Refresh Old Holiday DecorationsIt's wonderful to use seasonal decorations every year, but the years can take their toll. Remember that it's easy to re-furbish your decorations, just use colored nail polish and assorted colored permanent markers.
A Christmas Cake for JesusWhen my children were very small, I wanted them to have fun with Christmas and Santa, but I also wanted them to understand what the true meaning is behind this holiday.
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.
Decorating a Christmas Tree With LightsLights add so much to a Christmas tree. And putting them on can be a lot of fun. But when it comes to taking them off after the holiday, now that's another story altogether!
Hang Ornament on Lamp SwitchFor some added flair when decorating the home for the holidays, hang a large sized ornament from the turn switch on a lamp. This is a great way to change up the lamp for the season.
Use Card Fronts as Recipe CardsRe-use Christmas and Hanukkah cards for recipe cards to include with a holiday food gift.
Beaded Styrofoam Ball OrnamentDon't throw away those old satin covered Styrofoam Christmas balls. They can be recycled into beautiful ornaments. If you happen to find some old ones at a thrift store, make sure they are Styrofoam.
Newspaper Bags as Gift WrappingKeep the plastic sleeves that protect your newspapers from inclement weather. They come in handy as upcycled gift bags for small items. Cut a bit of the open end off so the bag is not too long, slip in a layer of colorful tissue, and finish with a pretty bow. Voila!
Warning: Cut Christmas Trees Are A Fire HazardSeveral years ago, I put up a cut pine tree for Christmas. Afterward, I took it out back to the burn pile and lit it with a match and one section of toilet paper. Within seconds, the fire was out of control, and so hot that I could not approach it.
Common Sense Holiday Gift GivingIn the current time of having to be thrifty with your money and make it stretch way beyond what you think you should, something handmade or a box of favorite candies will suffice as a warm message to someone to just show them you care.
Taking Out the Christmas TreeFor easy removal of your Christmas tree, with a sheet on the rug to catch the needles, clip off the branches at their base with a sharp garden tool and put them in a garbage bag.
Give Gifts of TimeOffer a free Christmas gift this year, such as a night of free babysitting, a day of house cleaning, an afternoon tutoring a child or adult, or even just spending time with a shut-in person who is unable to get out.
Tomato Cage As Outdoor Christmas TreeThese "trees" are great for apartment balconies as well. Take a tomato cage, turn it upside down, and bend the legs into the center. Wind one or two strands of Christmas lights around, securing with ordinary twist ties and voila! A Christmas Tree.
Left-Right Christmas Gift ExchangeThe soon-to-be here Christmas holiday often has people wondering how to do a gift exchange. Here's a fun way that's good for parties, group gatherings, teens and adults: Have everyone bring a gift ($10 or less) and sit in a big circle holding their gift.
Watch for Extra Charges when Shipping PackagesTo save money on shipping for the holidays, ship from the Post Office. Almost all other places that accept packages, though very convenient, also have a handling charge.
Apply Early if Needing Help for the HolidaysI have seen several requests for help for the holidays. While volunteering, I learned that some agencies in this area require that you apply for help in early November or even late October.
Donate Blood for the HolidaysTwo major holidays are coming up. They are the most traveled holidays in the USA. Before you go off to Grandmother's house for those wonderful dinners and family time, take a few minutes and drop by the blood bank and donate blood.
Teach Children to GiveIt's that time of the year when most children are wanting gifts from Santa. While that is typical, please teach your children that giving is more important than getting. That is the real theme for Christmas.
Jingle Bell Alarm for PetsIf you have toddlers or pets who might get into your Christmas tree, tie some bells (craft store ones work fine) around the lower branches. If the tree is disturbed you will hear the bells jingle.
Celebrate the Holidays After the HolidaysThe suggestion to be flexible about with whom to spend holidays is excellent. When the children were grown with families of their own, we started the "tradition" of having a party on January 6th (Twelfth Night).
No Toys As Gifts For The HolidaysDespite the fact that one of her sons thinks she is the meanest mom in the world, a good friend has informed the grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. that if they want to buy her children gifts they must be books, clothing, gift cards, etc.
Store Christmas Decorations in Santa SacksEach year I store away all my decorations in Santa sacks that have a drawstring top. When Christmas rolls around again I get the bags down from the storage rack in garage. There is no dust and everything is just where I left it.
Hide Gifts in Popcorn Ball OrnamentsFor a good, old-fashioned Christmas surprise, wrap some tiny gifts in wax paper and conceal them inside popcorn balls. Hang the balls from your Christmas tree.
Inexpensive Wreath FormA very inexpensive way to get a wreath form is to buy the pipe insulation that has a slit in it in the size you need and form it in a circle. This insulation is firm and is a dark charcoal gray.
Christmas In a BoxMy grandchildren have plenty of toys, and sometimes, like other children, would rather play with the box the toy comes in than the actual toy itself. As a result, for their Christmas and birthday presents, I have put together craft projects.
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 Hair Scrunchies as Christmas BowsI am not using ribbon, paper, or any other kind of bows this year on my packages going to girls with long hair. I am going to buy those little fabric scrunchies and make a bow out of them. This way the bow is not just decorative, but useful.
Wrap Pictures On The WallOne year our small church was hosting a Christmas banquet and was short on funds. We needed some type of inexpensive decorations for the room it was to be held in, so we wrapped large framed pieces of artwork in Christmas paper and added ribbons and bows.
Get Yarn From Thrift StoresDo you like to knit or crochet? Yarn can be quite expensive and you can't always hit the sales.
