How to personalize Christmas gifts for co-workers you don't know well

It's time once again to exchange Christmas gifts with your co-workers. You want to personalize your gift, but you haven't really gotten to know the person whose name you drew. You don't want to blow your secret Santa cover. What do you do?

How can you personalize Christmas gifts for co-workers you're not close friends with? How do you know what they like? How about having a little fun playing secret Santa detective? It's the best way to learn about your co-workers so you can personalize their gifts with amazing accuracy.

Talk to the boss

One person at your job knows at least a little about every employee. If you're truly stumped about what a co-worker might want as a Christmas gift, talk to the boss. It's the bosses job to get to know co-workers. This is the one person in the company that every person (hopefully) has daily conversations with. At the very least, the boss can clue you in to who your co-worker is friends with.

Talk to their friends

Spend some time talking to your co-workers friends. Ask about any hobbies or interests their friend has. Find out if they have mentioned anything they would like as a Christmas gift. It's OK to tell them why. A secret Santa only has to remain secret to the recipient of their Christmas gift. You can't personalize a gift for someone you know very little about.

Strike up a conversation

Hopefully, you will run across your co-worker in the break room sometime before Christmas. If you really want to personalize your secret Santa gift, get to know the recipient in person. Strike up a conversation of any kind. Talk about what you do in your spare time. Find out what your co-worker enjoys doing during non-work hours. This should help clue you in to what they might want for Christmas.

Listen in/pay attention

Maybe you aren't a people person. That doesn't prevent you from doing a little snooping around. Keep your eyes and ears open. Chances are you will overhear or observe something about your co-worker to help you personalize their Christmas gift.

Maybe they're always talking about motorcycles, horses or art. Maybe they have an interesting piece of jewelry that reflects their taste. This is all good information you can use to personalize a co-workers Christmas gift. Do try to talk to your co-workers, though. In addition to helping you personalize gifts, it will help you move forward in your job and life in general.

Making personalized Christmas gifts by re-gifting with a twist

Got art supplies? Make art!

Yes, I know. Re-gifting is not very personalized under normal circumstances. Plus, re-gifting carries the risk of gift recognition. Still, it's possible to re-gift with imagination. What's the harm in re-gifting anyway? The gift was for you, right? It's yours now. You should be able to do what you want with it. I'm not suggesting you do outright re-gifting. You can, however, make some pretty awesome personalized Christmas gifts by re-gifting items with a twist.

Re-gifting decorative candles

What will you do with all the candles you've received over the years? Even burning them at both ends won't make a dent. I have a great idea for making personalized gifts by re-gifting them with a twist. How about making pretty candle gardens for all your friends? Use some decorative deep plates. Center one or more candles on them. Surround the candles with rocks, sand and shells. Shrink wrap it, tie a bow on and it's ready to give. Who wouldn't love this re-gifted Christmas gift?

Re-gifting bath and body gifts

Maybe you didn't like the scent. Maybe you're allergic. For whatever reason, you're never going to use all those lotions, perfumes and bath beads. Why not make some personalized gifts by re-gifting them with a twist for Christmas? Surely, the person who chose them for you, must have liked them herself. Maybe one of your other friends would like them, if you're not that bold. Of course, you can't just re-gift them the way they are. Why not empty the original containers, package them prettily and toss them in a basket? Add a few grooming supplies like loofahs and such for a nice touch.

Re-gifting chocolate

I know what you're thinking. Who would give away chocolate and how could you possibly re-gift it anyway? Well, not everyone is crazy about chocolate. If you're dieting, you might not appreciate the temptation. Still, you can't re-gift chocolate as is. You can, however, melt it down and make some awesome chocolate coated candy canes or some yummy dipped shortbread. Christmas re-gifting with a twist doesn't get much simpler than that.

Re-gifting art and craft supplies

Making personalized Christmas gifts from the arts and crafts supplies you received last year is a no-brainer. What better way to show loved ones you are making good use of their Christmas gift? Use the knitting book and yarn you received to make Christmas stockings, scarves or hats. Use that oil paint and canvas to make some wall decor. Sometimes re-gifting is a good way to show appreciation for last years Christmas gifts. Making personalized Christmas gifts by re-gifting is resourceful, considerate and appreciated if you do it the right way.

Old time Christmas joy A holiday haiku

My brother and me in front of the fireplace my Dad built.

This is about Christmas when I was a kid. We always had a fire going in the fireplace my Dad built. Dad would bring a holiday tree (planted by my brother and sister) in from the back lot.

He trimmed it and fed the leftovers slowly to the fire so as not to cause an inferno. The smoky pine smell filled the house.

Us kids would be bustling about putting up homemade decorations. Mom would be in the kitchen doing Mom stuff.

Someone would exclaim, "Look, it's snowing!"

We would all run to the window. Our fingers would trace the leavings of Jack Frost on the glass while we gazed out on the gently falling snowflakes. It was beautiful!

I wish everyone could have that kind of childhood. 

Old time Christmas joy

Smoky, piney air
Red and green everywhere
Light snowflakes falling 
 

No wrap Christmas gifts

Sick of wrapping Christmas presents? On your way to a last minute Christmas party? Need a fast gift you don't have to wrap? There are plenty of gifts you can bring unwrapped or in a card. Why fuss around with all that paper and tape only to have it thrown away? Wrapped gifts aren't the most ecofriendly options. Give no wrap Christmas gifts to save time, energy and the earth.

Bottle of wine

A bottle of wine is a great host or hostess Christmas gift that requires no wrapping. Everyone knows what it is by the shape. Why cover it up? The host or hostess will see you come in so they know who it's from. Stop at the local supermarket for a cheap bow if you like. If your host or hostess doesn't drink, use non-alcoholic bubbly as a yummy wine substitute.

Box of candy

Just like a wine bottle, everyone knows the shape of a box of candy. You can buy a box of chocolates in a Christmas design box all ready to give. Some even have to and from tags printed on the box. If not, just use a permanent marker to write them neatly on the package. What if your friend is a diabetic? No problem. This no wrap Christmas gift comes in regular and sugar free.

Stuffed animal

Suppose the hostess or host of the party has small kids? You don't want to show up without a gift for kids on Christmas. A stuffed animal is often to awkward to wrap. People don't expect them to be wrapped as a general rule. Just put a pretty Christmas bow on it and hand it to the little girl or boy. They won't notice you gave them a no wrap Christmas gift. They'll be too busy hugging their new toy.

Gift cards and more

Some of the best no wrap Christmas gifts come in an envelope. Stop by the local big box store or supermarket for a wide selection of gift cards from local restaurants and stores. Not sure where they shop? Give a Visa gift card. Better yet, enclose some cold hard cash. Still not sure about this? How about a pair of tickets to whatever they like? All these no wrap gifts can be enclosed quickly in a Christmas card for giving.

Memory book/photo album

The nice thing about giving a photo album for Christmas is that the real present is inside. It already has a pretty cover. Plus, who doesn't like a book full of happy memories? You can buy a nice photo album or scrapbook at a big box store. Fill it with pictures and memories. Tie a pretty ribbon around it in both directions. Write a nice note on the inside cover as a gift tag.

Large item

The bigger and better it is, the less they expect it to be wrapped. Do you really think your wife will care that the new car you bought her only has a bow on it? Will your son mind that his new bike isn't wrapped? Will your daughter complain that her brand new pink scooter and helmet is a no wrap Christmas gift? Heck no, they'll be too busy jumping up and down and hugging you.

Quick, cheap, easy wraps for Christmas gifts

Wow your friends this Christmas with your gift wrapping genius. These quick wraps for Christmas gifts are cheap and easy. No more taping your fingers to the package. Say goodbye to paper cuts. Stow and go is the word for these cheap, easy quick wraps for Christmas. No more fumbling and mumbling to package gifts for Christmas.

Organza bags

Find these sold in large quantities in the wedding aisle of the craft store. Made for tiny party favors, these quick wraps for Christmas gifts are cheap, elegant and easy. Pop the gift into a box or wrap in cloth. Slide the gift into the bag. Fill the space with candy or confetti. Pull the strings. Make a bow. Slap on a self stick gift tag and you're done.

Homemade fabric gift bags

Here's another perfect cheap and easy way to wrap gifts. Take a piece of fabric twice the size of your gift. Lay it out on a flat surface. Center the gift on the fabric. Pull up the edges of the fabric. Tie a pretty ribbon around the fabric. Try organza circles from the wedding department or fancy handkerchiefs for this cheap and easy idea.

Roll it up

Gift wrap can be easy too. Just leave off the tape. Use string to hold the wrap on the gift. Use two pieces of string running in different directions. Tie them together in a bow. You can also roll the gift up and tie the ends like a piece of candy. This quick cheap Christmas wrap works with paper or fabric. Tie ends with colored yarn or pretty ribbon.

Custom made gift boxes

Check out the craft store for cheap papier mâché boxes as quick wraps for Christmas gifts. These boxes look like cardboard but can be decorated to suit your needs. They come in all shapes and sizes. Plaster them with stickers, bows and whatever else you can think of or just spray paint them. Pop the gift in and pop the cover on. Slap on that gift tag and head for the party.

Wine bottle bags

Sure, you can use these quick wraps for wine bottles but there are other uses too. Tall candles fit great in these easy Christmas gift wraps. How about a curling iron or hair straightener? Anything that's oblong and not too large can be wrapped in a wine bottle bag. Can't find a wine bottle bag? Use a plain lunch bag sized gift bag. Scrunch the top of the bag to fit the bottle. Tie a ribbon bow around it.

Christmas stockings

Cheap red and white felt Christmas stockings are perfect Christmas gift wraps. Buy them on clearance after Christmas for pennies on the dollar. Fill them up with whatever gift or gifts will fit. Adults love getting presents for Christmas in a stocking. Kids will love having an extra Christmas stocking to open on Christmas too. For variety, use old fashioned sock monkey socks.

Clay pots

Clay pots are cheap at the craft store. Decorate them with paint and fill them with gardening gifts. Pop them into a pretty red shrink wrap bag to disguise the gift. These quick gift wraps will please any gardener. They can use the gift and the wrapping. Your friends will think you're so clever with all these easy gift wrap ideas!

Tips for sending Christmas cards efficiently

Sending Christmas cards may seem elementary. Still, there are things that will make the process quicker, easier and less costly. If this is your first time sending Christmas cards there are strategies you may want to keep in mind. Why not add your personal touch to Christmas cards as well? Here's how you can save time, money and stress when sending Christmas cards.

E-cards

Sending e-cards saves postage and time. Pick a design for each recipient or send the same one to everyone on your list. Animated e-cards are especially fun for both sender and recipient. Sending Christmas e-cards is a great option for procrastinators. They arrive almost instantly. They can even be sent Christmas morning if you wish.

Picture message cards

Everyone has a cell phone these days. Grandma and Grandpa might prefer you sending traditional Christmas cards. Friends might be just as happy with a picture text message. Take a nice or silly picture of you and the family in Santa hats. Send it to all your friends with a Merry Christmas message below. If your cell phone plan is all inclusive, it's free.

Snail mail for rookies

It used to be that people needed technology directions. Now we're more likely to need snail mail directions. The stamp goes in the upper right hand corner. The sender's name and address goes in the upper left corner. The name and address of the person you are sending it to goes centered at the bottom. Don't laugh, I have actually had people ask me these things.

Purchasing cards

Smart folks who are in the habit of sending Christmas cards every year know this trick. Christmas comes every year. Buy Christmas cards for pennies on the dollar at end of season sales. Send them next Christmas. It's one less thing on your Christmas shopping list. Save even more time by purchasing several years worth at once and/or buying Christmas cards at the dollar store.

Sending money

Here are some tips to remember when sending monetary gifts in Christmas cards. Avoid sending cash if at all possible. Checks are no good either. Why? Thieves can steal checking account info from them. The postal service is reliable but there are thieves in any organization. Opt for sending Visa gift cards. They can often be canceled if lost or stolen. Check refund and replacement policies when you buy them.

Making cards

Making and sending Christmas cards may not be efficient. Still, it's so much fun! Whether you are two or eighty two, people appreciate you going to the trouble of making and sending your own cards. It doesn't really matter how they turn out either. You can make your own cards even if you're not a professional scrapbooker. Get messy, have a finger glue peeling time and most of all, have fun.

Timing

Sending Christmas cards too early is better than not sending them at all. If you plan to take a picture for inserting in cards do it in November. That way your card is not sitting there waiting for the picture that never gets taken. Sending Christmas cards on December 1st means no waiting at the post office and no getting bogged down with other Christmas mail. Forget to buy stamps? Just bring the addressed cards to the post office. They'll stamp and mail them for you.

Nobody's perfect

I know my sisters are reading this and thinking about all the times when my cards arrived late or not at all. Sending Christmas cards doesn't have to be a perfect science. The idea is to try your best and hope it works out. If you have friends and relatives like mine, you know they'll love you even if your cards are late or you forget to send them entirely. It's all about love. If the love is there, the cards aren't all that important.

Why retailers put out Christmas merchandise so early

Oh, come on! It's July for heavens's sake!

Why do retailers put out Christmas merchandise so early? Why are we subjected to Santa Claus and his reindeer before we've even packed away our summer sandals? Without a doubt, the most common statement heard in retail stores everywhere in late summer and early fall is, "Christmas, already?"

I spent many years in retail, so I should know. I can give you the insider secrets, the scoop on early Christmas merchandising, if you will. Why do retailers put out Christmas merchandise so early? There are a multitude of reasons.

Supply and demand.

That's right consumers, retailers put out Christmas merchandise so early because you buy it. Whether it be a crafty person (needing supplies for their Holiday projects) or a Grandma shopping early (so as not to leave anyone out),

Christmas merchandise is popular merchandise. Retailers are in business to make a profit. If they didn't make a profit, you would have no place to shop. Early Christmas merchandise sells well. That's the bottom line.

Retail stores have to shop too.

In order to get you the Christmas merchandise you need and want at the best prices, retailers have to shop warehouses early. Retailers who delay ordering their Christmas merchandise from warehouses and manufacturers may not have anything left to buy.

Buying early also means they have a lot of merchandise in their own warehouses. It's sitting there, just collecting dust and taking up space. They have to make room for the next season's merchandise. Why not put it in the stores to increase their profit margin and make space in the warehouse for incoming shipments?

Extending the season.

The Christmas shopping season is the time when retailers make the most profit. Often, the profit from holiday sales carries retailers through the rest of the year. Christmas pays their bills. It keeps employees basking in job security.

Why not extend the Christmas shopping season? Doing so enables retailers to stay in business in a bad economy. It also gives them a longer time period to sell Christmas merchandise. Why is this necessary? To avoid waste.

Avoiding waste and lost profits.

One major problem in the retail industry is selling all the holiday merchandise. It's a delicate balance between ordering enough and ordering too much. Sometimes seasonal merchandise is even thrown away at the end of the season. Why? There's no room for it in the branch store warehouse. Throwing or giving merchandise away is cheaper than shipping it back to the main warehouse.

By putting out Christmas merchandise early, retailers hope to have a better chance of selling everything they ordered, rather than selling it at a loss, giving it away or tossing it in the trash.

Christmas cheer and goodwill toward man.

No offense to all the cheerful customers out there, but not all customers are good at it. In fact there is a running joke in retail about giving good customer classes along with good customer service classes. There are a lot of demanding and unreasonable people out there giving customer service people a hard time on a daily basis. Customers can be very defensive and even downright spoiled.

At Christmas time, however the tide turns for the better. Everyone is happy. The merchandise flies off the shelf. Goodwill and good wishes are abundant. Can you blame retailers for wanting this moment to last more than a few weeks? After all, next up is inventory time. ARGHH!

Christmas gifts for kids – Sneaky, fun fitness

Sneaky parents know that Christmas gifts can be fun and still help your kids stay in shape. The holidays are filled with sweet and fattening treats. Why not give kids a way to work it off with these Christmas gifts? They'll be having so much fun, they won't even know it's good for them.

Swimming lessons

Check your local community pool or rec center for inexpensive indoor fitness classes to get kids through the winter doldrums and keep them active. Swimming is a valuable skill and excellent exercise as well.

Nintendo Wii

This game is one of the healthiest Christmas gifts for kids around. That's because they will actually use it. There are even games healthy kids can play with parents so you can get in shape too.

Bikes

Giving bikes as Christmas gifts is a long standing tradition for good reason. Kids love having their own transportation. They won't even think about the healthy part. Buy them for the whole family and have great fun together while staying in shape.

Kites

Kites are tons of fun and good exercise too. All you need is an open field for running room. This is another good whole family gift.

Jump Ropes

Good for both girls and boys, these are awesome cardio exercise tools and inexpensive too. Boys who shy away might be reminded of their use in macho boxer movies.

Fit-Bit

This handy gadget measures walking distance and more. Consider contests between siblings or parents and children to see who can log the most miles in a day. Winner is relieved of dish duty.

Frisbee

Spend a great day in the park tossing a Frisbee around. Even the family dog can join in on this fun sport. Pack a healthy lunch to eat. Walk, don't drive to the park.

Sleds/toboggans

This is cheap, old fashioned healthy fun. No ski pass required, just find a gentle slope in your neighborhood and go to it. Don't forget to bundle up and bring water bottles.

Roller skates, roller blades

Healthy kids can have fun just skating around the block. Add a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads for safety. In this same category of healthy kids Christmas gifts are skateboards and ice skates.

Tennis equipment

A racket and balls is all kids need for this sport. Start with something inexpensive. These Christmas gifts can be used at local park tennis courts for free. Consider an extra racket for a friend.

Deck the halls with Christmas candy

Looking for a different Christmas activity to do with the kids? Christmas candy is an inexpensive and fun ingredient for making cheerful Christmas decorations. It's both colorful and delicious. Decorating with Christmas candy makes your home sparkle. You'll all go to bed with visions of sugar plums dancing in your head after seeing your halls decked with these cute Christmas candy decorations.

Gumdrop swords

These Christmas tree ornaments may get gobbled up long before the big day. You'll need a package of toothpick swords sold at party stores, some string and a package of colorful gumdrops. Just fill up the swords with gumdrops by stabbing and sliding them on to the toothpick. Attach a string to sword handles for hanging and you're done. These also make great party candy without the string attached.

Colorful candy ball ornaments

These Christmas decorations can be used on the tree or as edible gift accents. Purchase snap together plastic ball ornaments at the craft store. Fill them with loose, colorful, small Christmas candy. Gum drops and peppermint lozenges work well. Fill both sides before snapping them together. Add a red ribbon for hanging or tying to large gifts.

Ribbon candy icicles

These pretty Christmas candy ornaments can hang on your tree or from garlands. Purchase ready made ribbon candy. Carefully make a hole at one end with a hand drill. The easiest way to do this without a drill is to use the tip of a sharp knife. Spin the knife point gently, like you would the drill. Thread colorful yarn through the hole for hanging.

Christmas candy candle holders

These are pretty and practical. They make a nice lighted centerpiece, accent or luminaria. Fill a plain glass ivy bowl with red and green M&Ms or other small Christmas candy. The candies hold the candle in place. Surround the candle with peppermint sticks or candy canes.

Note: Use electric tea light candles in these. Real candles may cause the candy to melt!

Wrapped Christmas candy garland

It's easy to make Christmas candy garland using wrapped candies. Use a needle and thread to string a long garland of different size, shape and color Christmas candy. Small candy canes in between peppermints is one way to do this. You can also push unwrapped gumdrops directly onto the string but this gets a bit sticky.

Candy mosaic

Use a piece of poster board or foam board and all different types of Christmas candy for this decorating idea. Lay the candy down to make the desired pattern or picture before gluing. Pick up each candy one by one and dab it with glue before putting it back in place. Coat finished mosaic with acrylic craft spray. Let dry and hang up for a beautiful and unique Christmas decoration. Do not eat.

How to keep your Christmas tree fresh longer

Cutting down and bringing a live Christmas tree home is one of the most enjoyable family Christmas activities. Doing so fills your home with the fresh scent of pine. It brings an old fashioned feel to your celebration. Unfortunately, live Christmas trees shed if not properly cared for. They can also be a fire hazard. Keeping your Christmas tree fresh will lessen the chance of it igniting or making a mess out of your home. Help keep your home safe from fire by following these directions for keeping your Christmas tree fresh longer.

Before leaving to cut or choose your Christmas tree, mix up a tree preservative.

Add the following ingredients to a five gallon bucket:

*2 cups corn syrup
*2 cups chlorine bleach
*¼ cup Borax
*1 tsp. Epsom Salts
*2 gallons hot water

Mix all ingredients together. Once the preservative is ready, cover the bucket to keep out pets and children. Prepare an area for the initial soaking by placing the bucket on waterproof tarps near a wall that can support the weight of the tree.

Upon arriving home with your tree, you'll need to make a fresh cut to help the tree absorb more preservative. This is done by sawing in a slightly slanted line across the bottom of the trunk. Keep in mind that the tree will have to be placed in a tree stand when making your cut. Now place the cut tree in the bucket of tree preservative for 6-8 hours. This gives it a nutritional boost which will be supplemented by daily watering.

After the tree has soaked for 6-8 hours, remove it from the bucket of solution. Do not discard the remaining tree preservative. Transfer it to a covered container instead. Place the tree in a Christmas tree stand with a water reservoir. Tighten the tree until it is in a straight upright position. Fill the water reservoir with Christmas tree preservative on a daily basis until the tree is ready to be removed for recycling.

Christmas shopping treasures abound in dollar stores

Dollar stores sell all the gift wrap you need for just 1.00.

Oh yes, they do! You can find the coolest Christmas gifts and decorations at the cheapest place in town. In fact, you should start your holiday shopping in dollar stores. That way, you'll avoid the disappointment of buying something more expensive elsewhere and finding it could have cost you just a buck if you'd checked the dollar store first. That's right. Dollar stores have some of the same exact things you buy at large retailers. The only real difference is the price tag.

Ornaments and décor

When it comes to decking the halls, Dollar stores have you covered. You'll find hidden gems in every aisle. For instance, you can buy houses and figurines for your Christmas village without spending the usual small fortune they retail for. Turn a corner and you'll find pretty snowflakes to hang on the tree or elsewhere. There's some cute holiday signs for your door too. You can buy giant candy canes to line the path to your doorway. There are ornaments, stockings, etc. The list goes on. In fact, you can find anything and everything you need to decorate your home for the holidays at the dollar store.

Fuzzy socks!

What girl doesn't love fuzzy socks and mittens for Christmas? Dollar stores have huge displays of them every year. There are scarves and hats too! There's no sweaters, of course. But hey, you could find one to match those dollar store items elsewhere and assemble a whole cozy themed gift bag for someone special. Or, you could just stuff a stocking full of fuzzy warmth.

Soaps, body washes, bath scrubs and more

Pamper your princess with bath goodies. Dollar stores have plenty of them. They even sell long lasting hand milled soaps! Who knew? Grab a dollar store basket and fill it with luxurious bath items. Some Dollar stores even have loofahs, scrubbers, back brushes, perfumes, make-up and hair care items like pony tail holders and scrunchies.

Candles, scents, candle holders and lights

Thinking of a scented candle themed gift set for someone special? Look no further than your local Dollar store. They even have scented wax melts, scented oils and tealights (both conventional wax and electric). They have cute little battery operated window candles and other small lighted decor items too. They even sell cute mini light sets that could wrap a gift basket handle!

Pictures, frames and words for the wall

Looking for a frame for that family portrait? Give one to every family member by utilizing Dollar store frames to cut the cost down. Got a loved one who's short on wall decor? The dollar store has lots of cute, small signs and framed pictures to brighten up their home. They're perfect for kids' bedrooms or dorm rooms. They also carry adhesive words, sayings, butterflies, flowers and more that can be mixed and matched to suit any theme.

Crafty kids' stuff

Got artsy crafty kids to buy for? Keeping them busy on the cheap is no problem. Dollar stores sell all kinds of paint, brushes, craft supplies and more. They have drawing pads, poster boards, sticky foam art, pipe cleaners and colored craft sticks. They even have some Christmas themed craft kits and games.

Toys and candy to stuff the stockings and more

Dollar stores are chock full of every kind of small toy imaginable. There's a whole wall of fun little toys. Check out the party aisle for party favors. They're perfect for stuffing stockings. They have plenty of candy too. They even sell microwave popcorn, popcorn buckets and movie candy, for a fun, themed stocking.

Filler presents

Spent all your cash on big surprises? That's OK. You can give kids a few more things to open by taking advantage of the larger toys and other items at the dollar store. They have puzzles, games, stuffed animals and all kind of fun, albeit cheap, bigger toys for kids too. Don't worry, you'll find plenty of filler gifts for the adults too.

Wraps, bags, tins, bows, tags and tape

The dollar store is the only place you should shop for gifts bags and wrap. The same rolls and bags you buy in other stores are just a dollar. They even have popular Disney movie themed wrap, booklets of gift tags and bags of bows. Why pay a fortune for Christmas gift wrap if you don't have to? Make Dollar stores your go to guy for all your Christmas needs. You'll save a bundle and beat the crowds!

Keeping carols in Christmas with kids

Are you one of those corny parents who sings Christmas carols around the tree with your kids? Do you serve hot chocolate and homemade cookies, too? Good for you! Activities like singing traditional Christmas carols may seem a bit typical, however, they are an important part of Christmas memories for kids. Here's what makes them so important.

Christmas carols are about traditions and memories.

Traditions and memories create stability in kids' lives. No matter how bad things are, cookies, cocoa and carols for Christmas are affordable activities that provide a sense of security. That's more important than most people realize. Presents aren't always an option in some families. Small things, like Christmas carols make up for shaky finances. That makes the holidays special for kids, no matter what your budget looks like.

Singing carols with your kids is a bonding experience.

We hear that phrase a lot, don't we? What exactly is a bonding experience? Well, simply put, it's working together to do or build something fun and positive. When kids sing Christmas carols with their families, they also enjoy a lot of love and laughter. They grow closer through the common experience. Great times inspire great memories. Spending time connecting with your kids is the most important thing you'll ever do as a parent. Singing Christmas carols is just one way to do it.

Singing boosts kids' skills.

Singing Christmas carols is fun. It's also a learning experience for your kids. It helps them practice memorization skills they'll need in school and in adult life. Singing publicly exercises the vocal chords. It also helps kids overcome shyness. Remember, music is the universal language. So, singing Christmas carols puts your kids on the path of understanding others too.

Keeping kids busy is constructive.

Keeping kids busy keeps them out of trouble. That's not all it does. Doing things like singing Christmas carols, learning all the words and perfecting their singing voices, gives kids a strong sense of self worth. They feel confident and empowered. You might not think Rudolph and his red nose could do all that, but they really can.

Christmas carols bring out the best in kids.

Whether you sing traditional religious carols or light-hearted, non-denominational ones, most have a positive message. The holidays are the time of year when we focus on doing the right thing. That spirit is reflected in the music. As your kids sing carols, they can't help but think of the message behind the music. That may be the most important benefit of singing Christmas carols with your kids, no matter what your personal beliefs are.

Christmas ornaments from recycled cards and wrap

Looking for an unusual after Christmas craft to do? Every year you keep those beautiful Christmas cards and leftover wrapping paper. You just can't bear to throw them away. How about turning them into old fashioned Christmas ornaments for next year? Friends and family will love seeing their Christmas cards kept and re-purposed. Imagine their surprise next year when they see what you've done with their Christmas cards and bits of recycled wrapping paper. Better yet, why not invite them to join you for this craft project?

What you will need
In order to complete this project, gather up all the leftover cards and wrapping paper from last Christmas. Set them to one side.

You will also need:

• a pair of good sharp paper scissors
• white glue
• some pretty ribbon or yarn
• paper punch
• decoupage glue
• a one inch craft brush
  

Now you're ready to make Christmas ornaments.

Choosing a design

Take a look at the recycled Christmas cards. You're looking for large objects on the recycled card that can be cut out. There will need to be room for a ¼ inch border all the way around the design. This border allows for holes to be punched. Do not cut the cards right away. There is a special method for cutting out the designs that will make the Christmas ornaments. The recycled wrapping paper backing must be attached first, so that it gets cut right along with the Christmas card.

Preparing the materials for cutting

Cut the white back off the Christmas cards. Save it for the next recycled project. Glue the wrapping paper to the back side of the printed card. Use a thin layer of white glue for this step. Now you should have two printed sides. One with the wrapping paper print, the other with the picture you want to cut out. Let the glue dry. Use the paintbrush and decoupage glue to thoroughly coat the printed card side. Let dry again.

Cutting and punching

Once the card is completely dry, it's time to cut out the recycled Christmas ornament. Use sharp scissors to cut out the design. Parents should do this for kids as a safety measure. Cut all around the design you have chosen, leaving that ¼ inch border around the design. Punch a hole at the very top of the recycled Christmas card design for hanging. Now punch even holes all the way around the design for lacing. The holes should be as close together and as even as possible.

Lacing, tying and finishing

Use the ribbon or yarn to lace all around the recycled card design. Go in and out of the punch holes. Leave the ends of the ribbon or yarn at the top of the ornament for hanging. Add a few purchased or leftover scrapbook embellishments if you wish. Spray with glitter, add snow paint or whatever you like.

Sewing cheap homemade baby gifts for Christmas

Cheap homemade baby gifts for Christmas are both useful and treasured. Sewing Christmas gifts for baby is so much more special than buying them. "Handmade by" labels give cheap baby Christmas gifts a personal touch. Sewing these cheap homemade baby gifts for Christmas warms the heart of the giver, the parents and the baby for many years to come.

Receiving blankets
Sewing receiving blankets for homemade baby Christmas gifts is both cheap and simple. For single layer homemade receiving blankets, hem a 1 ½ yard piece of flannel.

Make a double layer receiving blanket by sewing two pieces of 1 ½ yard flannel together.

Turn right sides facing each other. Sew three sides together at the edges. Turn the blanket right side out. Fold the un-sewn side inward and stitch together. Bind if you like. To keep this gift from shifting in the wash, sew an x from corner to corner to hold the two pieces of fabric in place.

Homemade quilted blankets
Sewing cheap quilted baby blankets is easy using quilted ready made fabric. Christmas baby gifts like this keep infants cozy on cold winter nights. Buy 1 ½ yards of quilted baby or Christmas design fabric. You will also need 4-6 yards of binding tape to go around the blanket. Simply sew the binding around the blanket and you're done.

Homemade feeding bibs
Baby bibs are a useful and cheap Christmas gift. Use an old bib to trace a pattern onto flannel scraps. Cut out the bib shape. Sew binding tape around the bib leaving the excess to use as ties. Stitch the tie portion of the binding to itself to prevent fraying. Make a dozen of these cheap homemade baby gifts for Christmas and package together.

Burping bibs
This sewing project fancies up the plain cloth diapers most people use for burping babies over their shoulder. Find cheap pink or blue gingham checked binding tape in your local craft or fabric store. Stitch it around a plain cloth diaper to jazz it up. Tie several into a bundle with a matching pink or blue bow for giving.

Cloth books
Check the sewing department of your local craft store for Christmas fabric by the yard. There you'll find printed fabric to make cloth baby books. All the instructions and materials needed are printed right on the fabric. This is a truly cheap and easy homemade baby gift for Christmas.

Stuffed animals
You'll also find the fabric for easy stuffed animals in the fabric department of a craft store. Simple stuffed animal shapes are already printed on the fabric. Just cut, sew and stuff. All directions are once again printed on the fabric. What nice homemade Christmas gifts for baby!

Can sick kids play outside in cold weather?

It's winter break. Temperatures are in the single digits. Your kids are sick with the common cold. Is it OK to let them play outside? Will they get sicker? Well, I'm no doctor. Still, I have a few years of sage advice and parenting skills under my belt. I say, as long as your kids aren't burning up with fever, vomiting or showing other signs of a more serious illness, it's OK to let them play outside in winter weather with a simple cold. Here's why.

The germs are indoors.

By now, most parents know why kids get sicker in winter months. If you didn't, it's because the germs are confined to small spaces. Windows don't get opened as often. Therefore, germs linger around the home to infect both kids and adults. The air outside is fresh and clean. Why not let kids breathe a little in? It won't hurt. It might help.

Staying active helps kids get well faster.

If your kids are seriously ill, they need their rest. On the other hand, if they just have the sniffles and a slight cough, staying active might help their systems to heal more efficiently. Lately we've been hearing about the negative consequences of a sedentary lifestyle. Why wouldn't the same principle apply to your sick kids?

Cool, damp air helps clear lungs.

When kids have a cold, we parents break out the cool air humidifier, don't we? It helps loosen phlegm and mucus in their lungs, right? Well, what is the outdoors in winter weather? Isn't it just one giant cool air humidifier? Factor in the deep breathing kids do as they run and play outside and you have a powerful lung clearing activity.

Notes:

Do bundle them up.

I would never suggest you expose a sick kid (or any other kid) to freezing temperatures without some protection. Dress them in warm layers. Be sure they wear gloves, hats and scarves. Once they come in, remove any damp clothing. Have a clean, dry, warm outfit ready for them to change into. A little hot chocolate wouldn't hurt either.

Limit outdoor time.

Naturally, you don't want your sick kids playing outside for hours at a time in cold weather. Brief intervals are best. Monitor sick kids carefully. Check on them frequently to make sure they are staying warm and symptoms are not increasing in severity. Can you let sick kids play outside in winter? Absolutely. You just have to use common sense.

Please note:

The author is not a licensed medical professional. This article is an opinion piece based on parenting experience and not intended to replace professional medical consultation.

Accommodating kids at your holiday gathering

Got kids coming to your holiday gathering? Not sure how to accommodate them? Never had kids? Don't worry about the incidentals. Parents will take care of their basic needs. You really don't have to do anything to entertain them, either. Still, it's a nice gesture to provide them with ways to entertain themselves. It's also good to plan ahead for where they will nap, eat and play.

Designate a quiet room for naps.

Babies and small children might get sleepy at holiday gatherings. Some might not be used to the noise of multiple family members and friends. Holidays are so exciting for young kids. Sometimes they go into overload. Choose a space that's calm, quiet and uncluttered for kids to nap in. The less there is for them to get into, the better.

Small kids need small furniture.

If you can borrow a kid sized table and chairs for holiday dinner, take advantage of that. If you can't, try to find objects that can be used as booster seats. We used to use phone books, when phone books were larger. Pillows will work too. Don't worry about the babies. Parents will likely bring something they can use to sit in while they are fed.

Most young kids like coloring books.

They're cheap, simple entertainment. Don't forget the crayons. Older kids might like to play some board games. If you have a video game system, kids will be more than happy to use it. Consider setting up a separate room so they don't disturb adult conversation with noisy play.

Outdoor play let's kids burn off energy.

What's Thanksgiving without a game of touch football? Snowmen, snow forts and snowball fights can keep kids busy for hours on Christmas. When adults join in, it's even more fun. Make sure there's plenty of hot cocoa on hand to warm big and little tummies after adventures in the snow.

After dinner, keep kids busy with holiday crafts.

Check craft stores for seasonal kids craft kits if you're not sure what to buy. If a lot of kids are coming to your holiday gathering, buy kits with multiple projects. We usually use a craft paper "tablecloth" on the kid's table. Handing out washable markers before dinner keeps them occupied while they're waiting for dessert.

Plant flowers with your kids this holiday season

Flowers aren't just for warmer months.

Why not plant flowers with your kids this year for the holidays? Wouldn't know how to begin? Do you have a sunny window in your house where planters can perch? If so, all it takes is some soil for the planters and a few flower bulbs. Wouldn't it be nice to have beautiful flowers blooming in your home during the cold winter months?
 
Why not start a new holiday tradition?

Who says you can't? Plant flowers with kids in your windows on Christmas. Better yet, start earlier for Christmas blooms. Any flower will bloom indoors regardless of the weather. How fun it will be to enjoy some winter gardening with your kids. Why wait until spring to make use of your green thumb?

See them sprout by Christmas.

Kids can have more to look forward to than presents on Christmas. Watching the flowers they planted themselves spring to life, will make the holiday special. It doesn't have to be flowers either. Kids can plant tiny pine trees. Holly and ivy are easy to grow and double as Christmas décor. Kids can plant whatever they like.

Watch flowers bloom in February.

Kids will love planting flowers and seeing them bloom in mid-winter. By January or February, the flowers they planted on Thanksgiving should be beginning to bloom. What a great way to brighten up the house and chase away winter doldrums. There's nothing like a flower to bring the hope of spring to a snowy day.

Plant them outside in May or June.

Kids can move their winter flowers outside in the spring time. Give them their own special garden plot to cultivate. Tropical flowers can be left in the pot. Arrange them among the permanent garden flowers for variety. Kids can bring them indoors when cold weather strikes again.

Watch your holiday flowers come up yearly.

Whether they are in the garden or the window, kids can enjoy their holiday flowers every year. Plus, by planting indoors annually, they'll have a full flower garden in no time. Why not plant flowers with your kids this holiday season? The benefits are endless. Time spent with your kids is precious. Plus, the beautiful blooms will make your house feel more like a home.

Take kids sledding without snow

Did you know you can easily take kids sledding without the snow? I've done this in the summer with my own kids. There are a couple of sledding options that don't involve that fluffy, cold, white stuff. Why should your kids miss out on sledding, just because you live in a warm climate or your area is experiencing a drought? Take them sledding using one of these great ideas instead.

Sand sledding is awesome.

When I was a kid there were sand pits near our house. A friend of mine lived directly behind them. We used a flat bottomed saucer to sled there in the summer. Now I live in Colorado. We have the Great Sand Dunes here. I've never sledded them, but several of my friends have. The sand does heat up though, so ironically, gloves are recommended.

Mud slides aren't always a bad thing.

You've seen people use them for recreation in the movies. Usually, these scenes involve a splashdown at the end. I've never tried it, but it looks like a blast. If you have a hill on your property, why not wet it down a bit so kids can go for a mudslide? It might be a bit messy but they'll have memories to last a lifetime.

Did you know you can sled on grass?

This works especially well right after or during a good rainstorm. The rain makes the surface of the grass slick. The steeper the hill, the better. Once again, you'll want to use a saucer-type sled. Be prepared for kids to get muddy as the grass may wear down after a few slides. You can also sled down a grassy hill on an ice block.

Gravel pits make for great sledding.

Anyone who's tried to climb up a gravel covered hill can easily see why. Landing can be rough for kids if they fall off the sled. Stick to pea-sized gravel piles to lessen injury. Flat bottomed metal sleds are the way to go on gravel. Runners will simply get bogged down in the rocks.

There's always the water parks.

If you have no snow to take kids sledding, water slides are a popular option. They're not all that original, but they're a ton of fun. In winter, there are indoor parks too. Most have tubes to ride on that mimic the blow up winter sleds.

Don't let your warm climate or unseasonably warm weather stop you from sledding this winter. Your kids will love these snow sledding alternatives.