Lois Ann's Christmas MemoryIt had been a particularly warm winter that year in the 1980s, no snow at all. The temps were extremely high for the Buffalo, New York region. Everyone was depressed because of the lack of snow.
Creative Gift Wrapping - Hiding Gifts in the PantryFor anyone wanting to hide gifts and save on wrapping paper, use boxes out of your pantry. When I start collecting gifts I hide them in my pantry in empty food boxes, they would not look into. I glue the boxes shut.
Removing Packaging From Toys Before Wrapping ThemOne tip I have for toys under the tree is to remove them from their packaging before wrapping them. Toys these days have so much plastic and twist ties that it can take forever to get a toy out of their packaging.
Don't Give Live Pets as PresentsIf you wish to give the gift of a cat or dog for Christmas, give a gift coupon you make attached to a stuffed animal or an animal toy. Wait until after the holidays to get the new pet.
Christmas Decorations as Gifts for Young AdultsI have some nieces and nephews that are young adults and starting out in their apartments for their 1st Christmas celebration. Being limited with money they don't have a lot to spend on decorations.
Clothing for a Sports FanGifts for sports fans... Rather than buying expensive official merchandise you can buy shirts, hats, scarves, etc. that have the same colors as their favorite sports team.
Remembering Which Ingredients Have Been AddedWhen baking, in order to remember which ingredients have been put into your bowl do this: Place all items to the left of your bowl. As you use them; move to the right of your bowl.
Quick Holiday TreatsIf you really hate to bake, try dipping Oreos, pretzels, or dried apricots in melted chocolate to have some "homemade" holiday treats.
Party Egg NogCombine all ingredients in blender; blend until smooth. Sprinkle with nutmeg, pour into punch bowl and serve.
Fudge CakeCream butter in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add sugar, beating well at medium speed. Add eggs, one at a time. Combine buttermilk and soda, stirring well...
Give the Heartfelt Gift of a PoemOne year I couldn't afford gifts for giving. So I wrote poems for each of my individual loved ones and put them in picture frames. My dad wept when I read the poem aloud and presented it to him. He proudly pointed it out for years to whoever would come and visit him.
Gift Exchange at Nanny's HouseWhen I was young, we each had our Christmas at our own home Christmas morning and then rushed to Nanny's house where Great Aunts and Uncles and everyone showed up for a gathering.
Poinsettia Tree DecorationsSilk Poinsettia clusters tucked into the branches of your Christmas tree is attractive and cheap when you buy them at "after Christmas markdowns."
Half of a Christmas TreeIf you have limited space, use an artificial tree and place it close to a wall and leave the back branches off and decorate. It still looks good in less space.
You may want to attach a string to the middle of the tree for added support and put a tack in the wall and tie the string to it.
5 Tips for an Easier Holiday SeasonUse gift bags instead of wrapping gifts.So much easier and you can still use cute little package tie ons for the bag handles such as candy canes, ornaments or anything you can think of.
Reindeer HayAs a kid we always had animals and on Christmas Eve would put a box of hay on the porch for the reindeer. Every Christmas morning it would be all gone, eaten by the reindeers. Made me a believer!
Peppermint SnowballsIn a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar; add vanilla. Stir in
flour; knead until well mixed. Reserve 1/2 cup of dough; shape
remaining dough into 1-inch balls...
Holiday Broccoli Rice CasseroleI came up with this combination for broccoli rice casserole for a holiday potluck party for work. We have several vegetarians, plus one allergy to egg, one to corn and one to wheat.
Check Out Terms and Expiration Date on Gift CardsNot all gift cards are a good deal. Check on expiration dates and such before you buy. Some companies deduct money from the card every month the account is open. Why should you pay up front, and then have them charge the recipient for the privilege of holding your money?
By Linda
Address Labels Inside and OutsideBe sure to put an address label inside and outside of any packages your are sending. If the exterior gets ripped or is illegible, the postal department can still figure out what to do with it.
By Linda
Festive Napkin Rings With Cookie CuttersSeasonal cookie cutters make great festive napkin rings and can be a little party favor, too. Just add a bright bit of ribbon or raffia.
Christmas Cherry SaladCombine all ingredients BUT DO NOT DRAIN PINEAPPLE.
Mix well, refrigerate for 3 hours before serving, be sure to chill well.
Bring a List to After Christmas SalesHave a list of items that you really need before you shop sales. No point in having a lot of multiples of Christmas supplies that you won't use, no matter how cheap they are!
They take up storage space.
By Syd
Karen's Family Tradition - Christmas Ornaments with StoriesEvery year, I buy everyone in the family a special ornament that has something to do with their past year, their interests or accomplishments. When I got divorced and had 2 young girls, we started some holiday traditions of our own.
Moose/Reindeer NuggetsOne year a friend of mine gave each of my kids a Reindeer Nuggets box (Whoppers candy). It was the cutest idea and my kids just loved it! You could use Milk Duds or gum balls that are in similar containers.
Easy Christmas Tree DecorationsIf you are new to decorating your own tree and don't have a lot of decorations, here are some thrifty ways to decorate your tree.
Personalized Ornaments as Gift TagsAn ornament personalized with a paint pen makes a great add-on gift when used instead of a gift tag.
Taking the Little Ones ShoppingWhen my niece was old enough to save money, which was about 4 or 5 years old, I took her and her cousin Christmas shopping the day school dismissed. By the time she was in first grade the number of "guests" had grown to 4. They may have had a total of $2-$3, I would give each of them $5 each
Create Wall Decorations With Last Years Christmas CardsEvery year you find the Christmas cards you had received from the year before when going thru your Christmas stuff. You can put those cards to good use by cutting them where the card is folded, so you have the front of the card in one piece and the greeting in the other...
Holiday Travel TipsIf your Christmas includes travel, allow plenty of time at the airport or on the road. If flying, drink lots of water during the flight to stay hydrated and help combat jet lag.
"Thank You" Gift For Nursing Home EmployeesMy mom is in a nursing home and she receives very good care from the employees. When Christmas comes I like to thank them with an original gift. Seeing that they receive so much goodies like candy, pastry, etc. (mostly all high in calories) I bring them a large box of fresh oranges.
Hot Christmas (Or New Years) WassailCombine juices and sugar to taste. Put in crock pot. Put 2-3 cloves in sides of rings. Add cinnamon sticks. Enjoy!
Use a Timer for Christmas Tree LightingFor many years we would plug in our tree every evening and then before we went to bed we would unplug it. It finally dawned on us that we could eliminate doing that by using a timer connected to that outlet.
Holiday Dog CollarUse some scrap fabric and sew a tube twice as long as your dog's collar and wide enough to pull the collar thru. Gather as you go, then buckle around the dog's neck scrunched up like a scrunchie. Holiday festive!
By Linda
Help Out Your Adult Kids Who Are Parents During The Holiday SeasonPlan to pick the grandkids up after school and take them to your home. Spend time with them playing cards, games, reading or just chatting.
Easy Gingerbread HousesFor easy gingerbread houses just use graham crackers assembled with regular tub frosting. You can make the houses ahead of time and then let the kiddos decorate from there. We just did this for 7 little kids and they thought it was great.
Label Your Children's New ApparelBe sure to label your child's new Christmas apparel like jackets on the inside with indelible marker. With all the kids having new stuff after the holidays, when they start back to school, even they don't know which jacket or boots are theirs.
Remember Your NeighborsRemember your elderly or just alone neighbors who might not have family with a few Christmas goodies, or, better yet, an invite to join your family for Christmas morning or dinner.
Leewards Advent Calendar?I too am looking for the Leewards Advent Calendar from the 1970s that is a Christmas tree made from felt on a white background with felt/sequin ornaments that hang on it - there's a candy cane, house with snow, panda bear, clown, rabbit, etc.
Paperwhites Make Great Greenery During the WinterPaperwhites make great greenery during the winter and don't need a period of cold in order to bloom. They can be planted in a bowl of rocks or sand with garlands to make them look more festive.
By Lynn
Hiding Gifts From Children and Other Family Members?Tips for hiding gifts from pesky and curious family members. Post your ideas.
Packing Peanuts for DecorationsYou can use a large needle with fishing line to string together packing peanuts for draping over trees in the yard at Christmas. It won't hurt the tree, but if you live where there is significant wind, forget it. You can also use them indoors on the Christmas tree.
"Silver" Chain Outdoor Tree DecorationHave the kids or grandkids make you a chain of silver for the tree. Mine made me enough to decorate my dwarf peach tree when they were in grade school. Now they are grown and it is still used. They made a "paper chain" using foil.
Homemade Honey Baked Ham RecipeI found this online a few years ago and have yet to make it but am hoping someone else can use it in light of the upcoming holidays!
Traditional Family Recipe VideosMy mom and aunts have many wonderful recipes for foods we enjoy at get togethers and Holiday's that were passed on to them from my grandmothers. The only problem is that my cousins and I have not really taken the time to learn to make these dishes.
Christmas CarolingOne of the things that our family enjoys most each Christmas season is to get together with other families for a night of good old fashioned Christmas caroling!
Getting Our Tree in the National ForestMy husband I have a favorite Christmas tradition that we started several years ago. Every year, we cut our own Christmas tree in our nearby National Forest. We leave work early and have a wonderful time tromping through the snow to find just the "right tree."
Bev's Christmas Stocking Stuffer IdeaI used to feel a real anti-climax when at the end of Christmas my children would be gloating over their presents and little treats in their stockings and I end up feeling feeling left out, even though I had presents from my hubby or children.
Original E-mail Greeting CardsUse clip art that you can snag on the Internet and save to a 3-1/2" floppy file, for later use. Look at some old greeting cards for verses and email your personal greeting card messages to friends.
Food Gifts for People Who Live AloneFor a Christmas gift for older ones, this year I bought small disposable aluminum baking tins and made mini lasagnas which I put in the freezer. I taped the date and baking direcions written on a mailing label on the top. Often older people don't bother with this kind of dish because it makes too much for them to eat.
Gift Wrap HangerWith boxing day sales ahead of me I know I'm going to have a lot of extra wrapping paper that needs to be stored away until next Christmas. I recently saw a gift wrap organizer that hangs in the closet and I thought it was a great idea - except that it cost almost $25.
Decorate Wal-Mart LayawaysIf you pick up Walmart layaways and they are wrapped in the brown craft paper just use holiday stencils to decorate. Of course, you'll want to peek to figure out just who's gift it is.
By Melanie
Need Help with Christmas Presents?Can my children and I get help with Christmas presents this year?
Editor's Note: ThriftyFun does not give direct help to those in need. Please do NOT post requests for help. We encourage posts with ideas for those that need help.
Collapsible Chair Bags for Storing Wrapping PaperIf you don't keep your collapsible chairs in the pouch they came in, you can store your rolls of wrapping paper in them. It keeps light and dust from ruining the rolls of paper.
Stringing Popcorn for the TreePopcorn for stringing will crumble less easily as you string it if you pop it the day before you use it and let it sit out and get a wee bit soggy.
Milk Bottle (or Carton) Christmas Candles?I have heard about people on Christmas Eve surrounding their house with candles in milk bottles or cartons. I would like to hear from anyone who can give me details on how this is done.
Bev's Leftover Turkey or Ham CasseroleLet's face it. We are usually fed up with turkey and ham by the time Christmas has finished. I know that I don't even like to see it in the fridge but there it is staring me in the face every time I open the fridge door.
The New Year's Angel To The RescueThe month of December is a stressful month for children. It leads to squabbling. My father said they opened 1 gift on Christmas and the rest on New Year's Day. The New Year's angel came to our house starting the first of December.
Celebrating Christmas With My Italian RelativesBecause we now have 4 generations of relatives we hire a hall. We do this about the 2nd Sunday of December. That way everyone knows every year when to plan to celebrate.
After Christmas ReturnsWait a week or so before making after-Christmas returns. Lines will be shorter, stores will be more re-stocked, and you will have had a chance to get an idea what you want to buy with the cash or gift-card you will get.
By Linda
Congratulate Yourself After The HolidaysCongratulate yourself for pulling off another "holiday" with a treat-massage, facial, pedicure etc.
An After Christmas TraditionAfter I moved off to college, my family started a new tradition. Every year we'll all get together the week after Christmas in a city that's about equal distance for all of us. We'll stay in a nice hotel, watch as many movies as we can, do some shopping, go to a museum or two, and catch up. This is when we exchange our family gifts.
Christmas Breakfast CasseroleMake a breakfast casserole on Christmas eve that you can pop into the oven while your family opens gifts having coffee and cocoa.
Reusing Biodegradable Foam For SnowDon't toss away all the biodegradable foam that come in packages. Instead use them as artificial snow on and beneath your Christmas tree.
Store Wrapping Paper Inside the RollAfter Christmas, if you take your leftover Christmas wrap off the roll, roll it back up, and place it inside the cardboard holder it will keep better for next year.
By Sharon
Cure For The "Gimme" Mentality At ChristmasSomething to keep in mind for next Christmas: if you are dismayed at the "gimme" mentality displayed by so many kids at Christmastime, instead of asking them "what are you getting for Christmas this year?" ask them instead, "what are you GIVING for Christmas this year?". Ask what they are giving Mom, little brother, etc. This helps take the emphasis off receiving and puts it back on thinking of others.
By Becki in Indiana
Zachary's Crème Drops FudgeDon't know what Zachary's Crème Drops are? You will find these in the candy isle of grocery stores, Wal-Mart or drug stores. They are in a "whiteish" looking bag about 6 inches high and about 4 inches wide. On the bag it shows a picture of the candy.
Video Taping Your Christmas DecorationsI always video tape my house at the holidays, then the next year it's easy to see where I had put things and it makes decorating much easier to do and also time saving.
By Darija
Clean Up For Next ChristmasI don't know about any of you but for me the holidays are so busy it is almost impossible to get everything done. Well, the holidays are now over. Through the course of the season, we may experience a broken but fixable ornament (or two) or you get a brainstorm of a gift you might want to make for next year.
Keeping Christmas Wrap Rolls from UnrollingWhen putting my Christmas wrap, ribbon, bags, etc. away I noticed the rolls wouldn't stay rolled up without the aid of tape (which ruins the paper). I'd just removed a pair of knee high nylons, with a run in one of them.
Gift Bags Instead of Gift JarsIf you're going to be sending gift mixes, put them in a quart-size freezer bag instead of a glass jar. It will weigh less and cost less to ship.
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!
Yard ArtYou might consider it a decoration idea. My husband and I make and sell yard art. We also give yard art to our friends as Christmas gifts. This picture is one of my friend's snowman after a rare snowfall here in central Arkansas.
By Harlean from AR
Organized Christmas Cards ListFirst label a piece of paper with Christmas and the year, list people you are sending cards to. When received cards come in put check by their name on your list. This way you can see who you sent and received cards from.
Family Picture CalendarsFor Christmas gifts for grandparents and aunts and other family I take pictures with my digital camera. I then upload onto my computer and put them on a calendar for the following year.
Baby Food Jar Christmas TreeHere's a picture and instructions for the baby food jar "Christmas tree" my daughter made for my friends 80th birthday.
Check the Doctor's Hours On HolidaysAnytime when going to the doctor for a routine checkup like a blood pressure check or allergy shot make sure the office is open during the holidays.
Cheaters Brownie Bags - Easy Gift Idea!Do you know how everyone is making those fun "brownies in a jar" gifts? Well they're great! But I can do you one better! The next time that the grocery store puts a good brownie mix on sale, grab a bundle of a special flavor, like peanut butter cup or caramel nut.
Holiday Appetizer Pie (Hot Dip)Blend cream cheese and milk. Stir in beef, onion, green pepper, and pepper. Mix and stir in sour cream.
Holiday Wreath or Easter Egg NestsCombine marshmallows, butter, and vanilla plus food coloring in top of double boiler. Heat over hot water until marshmallows are melted.
Christmas Decoration with Postal Foam BeadsSave those postal peanuts! A nice decoration can be made from them.
Cinnamon Hard CandyThis recipe is a Christmas favorite of mine. Makes your house smell wonderful when making.
Double Sided Tape For Wrapping PresentsWhen wrapping any type of gifts, especially at Christmas time, a roll of Scotch double sided tape is a wise investment. It is easier,and faster to wrap the gifts, and the packages are more attractive, since no tape is visible on top of the paper or ribbons.
Christmas Fruit PunchThe ginger ale added just before serving will make this a bubbly, sweet holiday punch.
Caramels (A Christmas Favorite)In heavy saucepan, melt butter. Add corn syrup and sugar. Boil for 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly. Add 1 1/2 cans Eagle Brand milk. Mix flour thoroughly with remaining milk; then add to corn syrup-sugar mixture.
Burned Out Light Bulb Christmas OrnamentsUse old burned out light bulbs as Christmas Bulbs: Paint and decorate with glitter, sequins, spray snow, and then add a decorative string or ribbon around top (base) of bulb for hanging.
Tips for Shipping Baked Goods OverseasNo butter, margarine, peanut butter or nuts should be used. These fats go rancid too fast in high heat. Butter flavored shortening however can be used.
Snowman Favor CupFrom the Laundry Room to Snowmen! Save those big caps from your Liquid Laundry detergent bottles. Wash them out good and turn them upside down (so it looks like a cup).
Frosty Chocolate NogIn a medium saucepan, combine milk and chocolate drink mix; heat over low heat until hot, stirring occasionally, for each serving, place 1 scoop ice cream in each cup; add 3/4 cup hot milk to mixture.
Recycled CD OrnamentMake a beautiful ornament with an old CD. This is very simple and easy to do. Let your imagination soar!
Looking for Glass Ball Ornaments?I am looking for someone or some place that I can get information on getting 3 inch (or larger) glass ornaments. They need to be clear with large tin covers for hanging on a Christmas trees.
Create a Christmas NewsletterUse your calendar as a diary. When things come to mind that you are proud of about your family, jot it on the calendar. There's also extra space on the bottom of most calendars to write notes.
Start Christmas Lists in JuneMake a list of all the names on a large sheet of paper. Leave room for notes and check-off marks. Grandparents can use stamps and envelopes and cute return address labels.
Christmas Craft Ideas?I'm looking for christmas gifts to make for my Sunday School ladies. We're middle aged and want to make something for each of them.
Preparing for Christmas In July (or August)Here are some fun things to do and make ahead for this Christmas. Kids will be back in school soon and Moms will have a little extra time on their hands. Think ahead and make a list of those special people on your yearly shopping list.
Creme De Menthe CakeMix cake according to box directions. Add creme de menthe. Bake in greased and floured 9x13 pan; cool. Add fudge topping. Top with Cool Whip and creme de menthe.
Cork Gingerbread Man Christmas Ornaments?My kids and I have already begun thinking Christmas. We started making Gingerbread Cookies. (Not the real kind).
Christmas Gifts from My KitchenThis Christmas, gifts to friends will be from my kitchen. Homemade jams, home canned spaghetti sauce for my pasta loving friends, and chicken soup to get them through the cold and flu season!
Personalized Christmas OrnamentsI often buy white Christmas balls that have a pearly appreance after Christmas when they reduce the price. I keep paint pens and hand decorate them.
Candy Cane PlanterTo give as a gift, add a 4 inch potted plant; a poinsettia, rosemary, or Christmas cactus looks really good.
Lickity Split SpoonsWrap spoons in plastic wrap or cellophane and if you'd like, tie a little ribbon around the spoon. These spoons are great to just munch on or stir your hot chocolate.
Giving Recipes as a GiftI recently made a bridal gift but it could be used for a Christmas gift. I used a 3 ring binder and plastic page protectors. I put a recipe for each month of the year in the book. Some recipes were my own favorites or some were clipped from magazines.
Cinnamon Apple Sauce OrnamentsOk, it's Christmas in July, er August! Make these and store them for Christmas or use them hanging in your car.
Giving Gift CardsWhen giving a gift certificate to a loved one living away from you, make sure the recipient will be able to use it in their area. Don't assume that the place of business is in their area, just because there is one or several of these businesses in your area.
Buying Christmas Gifts EarlyHave Christmas gifts purchased by August and wrapped by September and you will have a relaxed holiday season!
Sugar Free EggNog (Diabetic)Place in a blender and blend for 30-60 seconds or till smooth. Chill for several hours. Shake or stir eggnog well to blend. Serve in glasses or mugs.
Using Key Chains as Christmas OrnamentsIn order to save money on Christmas tree decorations I use key chains as ornaments. Some key chains look similar to ornaments and are made of sturdier material. Keep this idea in mind when buying souvenirs on vacation.
Homemade Christmas Presents?I've just moved to my first home and money is a little tight. Could anyone give me tips how to make my Christmas gifts this year. I don't have a lot of money to spend, but I would like my presents to look nice.
Christmas Craft SuppliesSnatch up Christmas craft supplies at dollar stores as soon as they come out. If you wait til closer to the holiday, you might have to go to a craft store and pay full price.
