Posts tagged Decorating

It’s every parent’s worse nightmare — Christmas is coming and money is tight. Many parents out there sympathize with you, and are going through the same thing you are. You’re definitely not alone! Here are some tips for Christmas fun on a budget.

Buy on Sale – If you can, don’t leave all the shopping for the last minute.  There are some great sales on the run up to Christmas. Look through your local papers and try to buy items before they go up in price.  And remember you don’t have to buy tons of presents for a lot of people, be measured in your buying and remember that Christmas is not just about presents.

Don’t Forget the Yard Sales – Depending on the weather where you are there may not be many at this time of year but you may still find some good bargains in your local magazine.  Often times people will sell toys that still look like new for a fraction of the price, your kids won’t mind or even know they’re not new and you’ll save a bundle of money.

Handmade Gifts – Are you a crafter? Use your talents for creating handmade items and make all your Christmas gifts this year. Kids love things like long, funky scarves and hats. Not only can you make gifts, but your kids can, too. Let them make cards, calendars and scrapbook pages on the computer to print out for family members. Homemade goodies like cookies or candies are great presents to give to teachers and neighbours too.

Fun for Everyone – Is there something that all your kids have wanted for a while? Purchase one nice, “big” gift for them to share. Kids are almost always flexible when it comes to these things.

Buy for Younger Kids Only – Tell your family that you will only buy presents for the kids in the family and that they don’t have to worry about giving to you either.  This will take the pressure off you and the less you have to buy for, the easier it will be to stay within budget.

Stay Home – Christmas means traveling for many families. This year, save your money and stay home for Christmas. Your family will understand if money is tight. Staying home will mean less stress for you and less money spent.

Volunteer – Volunteer your family’s time at a local shelter or nursing home. You will be amazed at how much fun your children will have helping others. Even if you are on a tight budget yourself, this is an opportune time to see just how blessed your family is this holiday season.

Kerry

Christmas Decoration Ideas

Ready to decorate for Christmas? Try these simple ways to add some Christmas spirit to your home this holiday season.

Use Bows – Pretty Bows add a special touch to any decoration. Choose your color scheme this year, then buy matching ribbon and make lots of bows to add around your house. You can even find color-coordinated pre-made bows in the Christmas section to match your tree decorations.

Indoor Lights – Use clear, white lights to decorate inside this year. If you have indoor trees or greenery, add a small string of clear lights to them. You can add lights just about anywhere. Placing a string of white lights in an oversized vase or bowl will make a festive modern statement. String some lights on your mantelpiece for a more traditional feel.

Front Door Wreath – Instead of buying a wreath to hang on your door this year, let your kids make one. Buy a plain, undecorated wreath and a nice variety of miniature tree decorations. Supervise with the hot glue gun while the kids create a special wreath for your family’s front door.

Nature Centerpiece – Do you have pine and oak trees in your front and back yard? Gather pine cones, acorns and colourful leaves. Create a beautiful nature centerpiece for your holiday dining table. Make holiday swags with sprigs of green pine needles, complete with a red bow in the center.

Holiday Scented Candle – Stock up on holiday scented candles. Keep several candles lit in each room while entertaining unless you have little ones running around. Some popular holiday scents are gingerbread cookies, French vanilla, cinnamon sticks, and eggnog. Check your local department stores or specialty candle stores for more fun holiday scents.

Cheers!

Kerry

Christmas is a time for family and friends.  The traditions you create or pass down to your children now will create lasting memories for years to come. Here are a few Christmas Eve traditions for your family.

Attend Church – Many churches hold special services on Christmas Eve to celebrate the birth of Christ. Bring your family to church to the special Christmas Eve service. Take this time to remember and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas or go on Christmas morning to really feel the true meaning of the holiday.

A Festive Home – Is your home in the Christmas spirit? Light cinnamon- or cookie-scented candles throughout your home. Decorate with ribbons and bows. Make simple swags and table centerpieces with baskets of cinnamon-scented, wax-dipped pinecones. Add single strands of clear bulb lights to your mantle. Simple touches create a warm, holiday environment for your family.

Visit Family – If you have family to visit, plan your trips for Christmas Eve. Bring your gifts to deliver to friends along the way. Many families travel during the holiday season, so remember to drive with caution.

Christmas Cooking – Get your family involved in the Christmas cooking. Make candy and cookies with your children. Have them roll the dough, or cut out the cookies, even young children can help. Christmas cooking is always a fun thing to do on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Walk – Bundle everyone up and go for a walk or drive around the neighbourhood to look at the lights.  Children love looking at Christmas lights and this will really set the festive mood for the holiday… and don’t forget the hot chocolate when you get back home!

Tell a Story – Set the mood for Christmas on Christmas Eve, gather everyone around your cozy living room, light the tree, serve some hot chocolate or eggnog with a few Christmas treats and tell a special Christmas story.  You can tell the story of the meaning of Christmas or a story about Santa for younger children.  You can even sit around and talk about the meaning of Christmas, the upcoming year or everything you have to be thankful for.

Enjoy this special time with your family and remember that you’re creating life-long memories for your children… make it special.

Kerry