Easy Kid's Christmas Craft: Ribbon Trees

In the past, I usually didn't put Christmas decorations in the kids' rooms mainly because they were to young and I worried  a) about their safety and b)that they would destroy them.  I can see my 2 year old pulling Christmas lights out of their socket and so on.

The girls love to get into my ribbon and at the start of Emmy's pre-k this year they were emphasizing small, medium, and large so we did a Christmas tree craft with ribbon and we reinforced this concept and had fun getting sticky fingers with glue.


I don't know where I got the idea.  I think I saw something similar in a magazine or online and just adapted it to my kids' abilities and what I had in the house.  They may have used paper rather than ribbon.  I cut different pieces of ribbon and then let the girls glue them to paper starting with the longest pieces of ribbon to the smallest to form a tree shape.  We glued them on construction paper and then I cut two triangles of ribbon to form a diamond shape at the top of the tree.  We tried to make a star with several triangle shapes but it didn't look right so we went with the diamond shape.  For the trunk, we used a different piece of ribbon. 

Here is what they looked like:

You could cut out the tree then when they dried and punch a hole in the top to make an ornament for the tree. I used yarn to make the loop to use to hang the new ornament.  Don't forget to write the date on the back so you can remember when it was made for future Christmases as you reminisce!

I wanted to put something in the girls' room to add some Christmas cheer so while they were making their's I made one to.

I used an artist canvas that I had picked up brand new at a yard sale for less than a dollar and used ribbon that coordinated with the colors in their bedroom for the tree. I also made it look like a present by adding a bow.

Here is how mine turned out:

I brought some Christmas into the girls' room but I don't have to worry if they destroy it since it cost less than two dollars to make.

What kind of homemade goodness have you made for your tree or to decorate your house?

Christmas Gives Me Writer's Cramp

While the girls are busy playing doctor-or I should say a Rapunzel and rock star are playing doctor and Ry is sleeping, I snuck away to write a quick post.  The kids are within ear shot and my line of sight so I can be there in seconds if anything goes awry in my living room/doctor's office.

I used to write lists of presents I needed to buy, who gots tins filled with cookies, what I needed to do and places we planned to go, not to mention the christmas cards that needed to be signed, the envelopes that needed to be addressed, and the tags on the presents that needed to be written from us and "Santa". All these things gave me a severe case of writer's cramp.

I still do the lists just so I think my life has some semblance of organization before it all goes down the tubes by 8:30 am.

One Christmas in recent years I started using address labels so I just need to update my list of addresses each year. Of course last year when I ran out of labels, I shouldn't have thrown the packaging away because I have no idea what kind of labels I used.  Hence, this is why my Christmas cards (which I've had before Thanksgiving) are still not sent out. Today, I'm heading to Staples with the crew (3 kids ages 4, 2, and 5 months).  God help me.

Since we've had kids, I figure everyone wants to see how cute the kids are much the kids have grown so we just do photo cards with a short message. No more signing cards makes Mommy sing hallelujah.

That only left the gift tags to give me a mild case of writer's cramp.  To bad Em can't write much more than her name (and that endeavor would take up the entire gift tag) or I would give that task to her.  Only children would find pleasure in tasks that I hate doing (like using a dust pan and brush to clean up the mess on the floor from every single meal).  I always sign all of our names on gift tags to family and friends since I feel weirdly formal writing "From so-and-so Family". 

I had a Vistaprint livingsocial deal to use up about a month ago and I figured I could do something with business cards so I could get out this task to.  I made gift tags with the "To" part blank and then signed all of our names in the "From" part.  Next year I'll make ones from Santa since Em will probably be old enough to be even more aware of all the technicalities of Santa's visit.  I don't want her to realize there isn't a Santa because she recognizes my handwriting.  After writing a few gift tags, I can see me getting sloppy and forgetting to "disguise" my handwriting.


Here is how they turned out:

So now all of the annoying little things are much simpler until next year when I am bombarded with questions about how does Santa do this and that (thank goodness we haven't had to deal to much with that yet) and I have to make up lie after lie on the spot which I stink at.  I know I will forget my own lies and I'll be found out.  I can't even remember to find our generic "elf on the shelf" a new home each morning so remembering what fibs I've told the previous day isn't going to happen.

How do you make the holiday season easier on yourself while still keeping up with family traditions?

When Mommy Ends Up on The Naughty List

Emmy was that child the other day at her preschool Christmas party...

After the children put on a short Christmas program, we went downstairs to enjoy cookies and punch.  My husband, my mother-in-law, my sister-in-law, and her boyfriend were also there (to witness my humiliation).

Santa made an entrance a short time later.  The look on Emmy's face was priceless.  She had just taken a bite of cookie when she spotted Santa.  Her eyes grew wide and her mouth dropped open.

Needless to say she had no problem abandoning her cookie for Santa's knee. 

Sitting on his lap, her shoulders hunched forward, mumbling what I thought was her Christmas list, I snapped several pictures. 

Her teacher looked at me and laughing said, "Mom I don't know know what you did but Em is telling on you!"  Apparently mommy was on Santa's naughty list, according to my daughter.

After hearing from a friend about how she was holding Santa over her three year old's head, I decided to try it the one day when Em wasn't being particularly nice to her sister. 

I guess I shouldn't have told her that if she wasn't good Santa wouldn't bring her any presents and he would give them to another little girl.

Of course that would backfire! Emmy had sat down in the middle of the kitchen and cried like her little heart would break.  I scooped her up and tried to repair the damage I had wreaked.  Emmy is a sensitive soul and I should have known my child would not take that threat well. 

I explained to her that sometimes while we are bad we have to apologize and try to be good even though it is sometimes hard.  She had to be nice to her sister and to her friends not just because we didn't want to make them sad but because it is the right thing to do.  She doesn't like when they are not nice to her so she needs to remember how that doesn't feel very good. 

I had hoped she had forgotten that day but apparently not since she told Santa!

Needless to say, Mommy has not used that threat since and I don't think she will ever again.  She has certainly learned her lesson.

Sometimes even Mommy slips onto the naughty list.

A Cookie Dilemna

This past weekend Emmy's preschool had a bake sale.  On Tuesday, notes came home with a request for donations of baked goods by Friday. 

Not a problem.

My husband made a batch of banana nut bread Thursday night and Friday morning I churned out a couple dozen vanilla cupcakes with buttercream icing and sprinkles for both the baked sale and a holiday party we were attending on Saturday. 

It was easy deciding what to make. 

But for the life of me I can't come up with what kind of cookies to make for a cookie swap.  On the invite it said regular old chocolate chip cookies would not do.  Do my favorite homemade oatmeal chocolate chip cookies count?

People are bringing Linzer cookies, mexican wedding cookies, chocolate chip biscotti, and the list goes on...
I am clueless and overwhelmed by the options out there.

I had no problem buying Christmas gifts this year, choosing which decorations to put up (we are going light on decorations this year since a one year old can wreak havoc pretty quickly), and even who was hosting Christmas this year (not me for the first time in a long time).

But I am stumped on this whole cookie thing.   

I don't want to spend a lot of time making these cookies since I need to make 8 dozen.  I don't want to deal with anything that requires an electric mixer with special attachments (like paddles) or a food processor.  The less steps the better.

I'm a purist.  I love sugar cookies and chocolate chip cookies.  Snickerdoodles and peanut butter cookies.  I hate any cookie with fruit or nuts like pecans or walnuts.  I want to make something that I like to eat to because how will I know if it is edible good otherwise. 

My mom is coming down Wednesday and bringing Michigan rock cookies and some other kind she made.  She was so excited since she used my grandmother's recipes.  She forgot that those are her favorite cookies.  Certainly not mine.  The girls don't eat them either and Bob will be tempted but he has been showing how strong his will power is since he started dieting.  He won't be eating them either.  I didn't have the heart to tell my mom that though when she called.  We go through this every holiday.  Nor do I eat pies yet every holiday my family tries to force me to try a piece of lemon meringue or strawberry-rhubarb or pumpkin pie.  I do not like pie, says I.  They never listen.
Do you see my dilemna? 

Choosing a cookie recipe that is suitable (ahem, fancy smancy enough to stand up to the other cookies) and that I like is looking like it is going to be a difficult task.

Any suggestions?

What Our Family And Friends Are Getting in the Mail

They finally arrived!

Our Christmas card order.

I was so excited I immediately ripped open the box.  I always listen for the mailman in the afternoon especially around the holidays for all the goodies that come in the mail.  One of my favorite parts is the Christmas cards and letters that we get from our friends and family.

There were only about two pics from our last photo session that we could use for our Christmas card.  Madison and Emily had just napped before we went so they were little bundles of energy.  We hadn't had a family portrait done since the Christmas after Emily was born and I was determined that we were getting one this year.  We have maybe two pictures with our whole family in them from this year.  Either my husband or myself are usually behind the camera.

I almost wish the girls had been a little more tired for the session.  One went one way and the other went the other way.  As my husband said, "it was like herding cats."  I now understand the expression.

Emmy now also walks around putting her dolls on her head and saying "aaa-choo" so that they fall off her head just like the photographer did to get them to smile.

Inside the cards we did a timeline of sorts of our year.  It wasn't until after I placed my order that I realized the typo on the card. Emmy's birthday isn't in July.  I doubt anyone will even notice. Okay, I hope not!

Now all I have to do is print out the mailing labels and send them in the mail.  What, you actually thought I hand write all fifty of those envelopes?  Not this year, I'm not.

What kind of Christmas cards are you sending this holiday season?

5 Simple Tips To Keep the Holidays From Stressing You Out

The holiday season that we love (and sometimes dread) is finally here.  The precursor-the holiday decorations and music that popped up in the aisles even before the Halloween goodies were all sold told us this season was soon upon us.

I used to get really stressed out when the holidays were here because I was overwhelmed by how much there was to do.  Nothing like being pregnant or the mom of an infant for the last four Christmas's to put things in perspective because if mom is not happy, no one is happy.

Five Simple Tips to Keep The Holidays From Stressing You Out

I need to remind myself of these things frequently since it is to easy to get caught up in the craziness. 

When the holidays are over, you will have to take down the decorations and face the credit card bills that come rolling in and also face that scale after all of that indulging so be holiday SMART.


Stay out of debt and simplify.

Don't use your credit card if you can help it.  Deferring your bill until after the holidays always sounds like a good idea until you get the bill in the mail and end up using the money you got as a Christmas gift to pay off your credit cards.  If you find yourself overbuying because of all the great deals, keep some goodies for Easter or birthdays or give them to charity. Your kids can only play with so many toys at one time.

Make a list of what you want to do this holiday as a family.  Focus on a few main things and don't make it about doing everything. One holiday event a week is plenty. Also, don't over schedule.  You don't need to attend every single event you are invited to. This is also not the month to schedule unnecessary appointments.  That teeth cleaning can wait until after Christmas.

Make it ahead and make memories.  Don't wait until the last minute for DIY projects.  Stock up ahead on hostess gifts, stocking stuffers,and gifts for last minute parties.  Also, freeze a few meals ahead (and some cookies) so when you are running behind, you have a ready meal and dessert at hand.  Don't forget to savor the experiences of Christmas (including the laughter) and capture the emotions and sights with your camera. 

Attitude.  This is the season about giving and counting your blessings.  Don't let yourself get caught up in things that are not important like family politics or who is the best gift giver.

Rest & relax.  Try to get plenty of sleep at night.  Drink plenty of fluids and try to eat right.  If your going to be out in the crowded stores, dress appropriately and have a bottle of water and some light snacks in your bag.  Also, don't get run down which will only make you feel more stressed out and it may make you sick.  Being sick at the holidays is no fun.

Togetherness. This season is about being together with friends and family.  This is more important than focusing on what you didn't do (like kicking yourself because every single aspect of the holiday meal wasn't from scratch).  Been there, done that.  Cut yourself some slack.  In all honesty, no one will even remember but if you are not happy or there is holiday drama, they will.


Embrace the holiday season. It is the most wonderful time of the year, after all.

Gift Stockpiling and My Mother

Do you have a special shelf or a designated place for those gifts that you have on hand for when they are needed? 

You know the gifts.  That cute recipe book that you bought that wouldn't be perfect for you since you don't cook but would be a great gift since all of your friends do. Toys that you didn't give your kids from last Christmas because you bought to much and then decided they didn't need them anyway? You have been slowly doling them out to your child's friends at their birthdays.  Or maybe several bottles of your mother's favorite perfume that you got at a good price?

Or am I alone?

My mother loves this particular perfume. She used to wear it for special occasions since it was rather pricey and one bottle would last her for about a year. 

Never take your mom shopping with you. 

One day she had been visiting and we had gone shopping together.  This was about two years ago.  I took her to Marshall's and TJ Maxx since she had wanted to go.  They had this perfume that she loves.  It was less than half the price of what I paid for the bottle I got her for Christmas. 

I bought 3 bottles.  You know, to save for other holidays.  Who could resist that bargain? Especially since perfume does not ever really go on sale.

My mom knew how much it cost me though.  She then started asking for it for EVERY holiday. 

Mother's Day...her birthday...Christmas.  She had her own stash.

She also started wearing it every day so she was going through it much quicker. 

Once I had exhausted my supply, I tried to find more at that discounted price.  No luck.

I had two choices. Not buy the perfume or dole out the money.


I don't even mind spending the money.  Really, I don't.  It just galled me a little knowing how overpriced it was in the stores.  Instead of just getting her a bottle of perfume I could be getting her a bottle of perfume and a gift certificate to go out to dinner with a friend.

That meant for last Christmas and this past Mother's Day, I bought the perfume at full price. I know my mom sees the perfume as an indulgence and she wouldn't buy it for herself.  I want her to have it because I know how much she enjoys it.


I visited TJ Maxx the other day and there it was-my mother's perfume-sitting on a shelf amidst the other perfumes.  I grabbed all three purple boxes with swirly script and headed for the checkout.

I now consider that perfume "her perfume". 

So this Christmas, my mom is getting a new watch and her perfume...and a paper shredder.  Only my mother would ask for a paper shredder for Christmas.

Anyway, I now have her Mother's Day and birthday gifts all picked out.  Since this upcoming year is going to be a crazy year, maybe it is a good thing that I am already planning ahead.

Time For a Break, Ladies

As I sit at the computer, one daughter is balanced on each leg, one chewing my hand that is wrapped around her waist as drool cascades down my wrist and the other is trying to climb me and help me type. I am calling a Mommy Break. Here is a cute video called "The Twelve Days of Christmas Break" by Jen Singer. Enjoy.

It's Going to Be a White Christmas After All

This weekend we got about 5 inches of snow. Unless, we get a massive heat wave, it looks like it's going to be a White Christmas. Yeah! I was relieved that we didn't get the 6-12 inches they were originally calling for on the weekend before Christmas.

We were waiting and waiting for the snow to start on Saturday and my husband, looking out the window said, "forget about it, let's go see Santa". Who could resist? It was our 2-year old's first visit to the big guy. My husband did laps with her while I waited in line (it wasn't to bad since most people were home anticipating the snow). We were making bets on which one would wail first, the restless 2 year old or the teething 5 month old. It turned out neither of them did. We got an adorable picture of the two of them for a whopping $29.99 (at least we got the USB device to so now we can email the pics to family).

There had been a woman in front of us with her daughter and husband. She was really nice while we were speaking to her waiting for Santa but we sure got a kick out of her theatrics when her daughter was sitting on Santa's lap. She was jumping around and clicking her own photos while Santa's elves were trying to take pics in between giving her "your being naughty" looks. Then she grabbed a candy cane from the gigantic sack by Santa's seat to bribe her daughter and another one after her daughter got off of Santa's lap. Then, almost as an afterthought, she turned back to grab 4-5 more "for mommy and daddy". I hope she'd been good the rest of the year or Santa's crossing her off of his list.

Holiday Gift Giving Guide: Part IV

Charitable Giving

This is the time of year where charitable organizations seem to be going into overdrive trying to meet the needs of the people they serve. I urge everyone to step up this holiday season to give back to their communities. There are many ways to give back this holiday season. Don't have a lot of spare cash? You can give back without breaking the bank.

1)Remember that charitable donations can be used as tax deductions.

2)You can give the gift of your time rather than a monetary donation.

3)No time to shop and to lazy to write a check? Give a few dollars at the grocery store checkout. Many organizations team up with grocery stores or other chain retailers so customers can donate at the checkout.

4)Ask for people to give gifts or donations to your favorite charity.

5)When you find great deals in the stores, buy extra and give to local shelters or put bargain toys in the Toys for Tots boxes. If you are a freebie junkie and like to sign up for freebies online, donate your freebies to families in need. If you earn free gift cards or checks from online survey sites or sites that reward you for shopping online, pass on your good fortune to those in need.

6)Clean out your pantry and give to a local food bank. I always buy extra of everything around the holidays (since everything is on sale). Donate extra cans to local shelters. You can always get together with some friends or neighbors and do a food drive amongst yourselves and then have a volunteer deliver the food to a local shelter. If you are having a holiday party, have everyone bring a can of food to donate. A list of local food banks in your area can be found at feedingamerica.org.

7)Clean out toy clutter. Have your children choose several toys that they no longer play with and donate them to a local program that serves children (ie. churches, day cares, or after-school programs). NOTE: Before giving away toys, make sure they have not been recalled by checking the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission's website.

8)No extra cash to spare? Consider donating your unused computer cycles to worthy scientific research such as fighting cancer or climate prediction. All you have to do is install a computer program on your PC. Urge others to do the same. Check out PCWorld or DistributedComputing.com for more information. I was first introduced to this idea in the fictional book Storm Cycle by Iris Johansen and Roy Johansen.

9)Give your extra change to the Salvation Army. The familiar holiday bell ringers with the red kettle are a familiar holiday sight. Now instead of just taking spare change, some also take credit cards. No more excuses at the door, folks.

10)"Gifts That Give" are gaining in popularity such as Kohl's Cares For Kids merchandise. I bought three of the books (from the If You Give a Cat a Cupcake series) and the stuffed moose that they are selling this holiday season for Christmas presents. They were only $5 each and 100% of the net profits go towards children's health and education programs across the country. Since 2000, they have raised over $126 million dollars, a staggering amount. Note: Kohl's coupons can not be used on this merchandise.

11)If you are interested in giving to your local community but don't know where to begin you can start by finding local organizations close to you by visiting JustGive.org and entering your zip code. You can also check out your local newspaper during the holiday season. Our local newspaper published a booklet of local nonprofit organizations and what donations they could use for the holidays, a wish list of sorts.

My husband and I plan on starting a fund next year where we put away about $75 a month. After Thanksgiving, we plan to decide as a family where the money will go. This way our daughters learn about saving and about giving back. It is our way of giving back, especially since we know what is like to be on the receiving end of the compassion and generosity of strangers. Back in 2008 our then 4-month old had to have heart surgery. The day we found out about her heart defect, we were on our way to the nearest children's hospital. Our liaison at the hospital put us in touch with the Ronald McDonald House. The Ronald McDonald House has had a special place in our hearts ever since.

Our favorite charities:
Ronald McDonald House
Toys for Tots
Children's Miracle Network (our nearest children's hospital benefits from their generosity)

Have a giving and blessed holiday!

Guide to Holiday Gift Giving: Part III

If you are looking for some last minute Christmas gifts, here are some of my favorite Christmas gifts for this season:

1) Kodak, Shutterfly, or SeeHere allow you to create books, puzzles, ornaments, stickers, and other photo gifts.

2) Gift baskets are always a good standby. Keep in mind to stick with a theme. Beware that these can add up pretty quickly. It is best to fill a gift basket with items with smaller price tags.

3) Crafts, Wine, and Coffee Clubs that send a new selection each month are a unique gift. Kids Craft of the Month offers a 6 month and a 12 month membership where children will receive two new crafts each month along with stickers, tattoos, small toys, jokes, games, or some type of activity. Caribou Coffee offers a Coffee of the Month Club.

4)Magazine subscriptions (Amazon often has great deals or you can checkout Magazines.com) can be a welcome gift.

5)Teething Bling by SmartMom (I hate not being able to wear jewelry with my teething infant so this solves that problem.) are perfect for mothers of young ones.

6)The Discovery Expedition Entertainment Projector is perfect for my hubby since his Christmas break from work is going to be spent on finishing our basement.

7)Avon's Cashtastic Earmuffs look and feel like cashmere.

8)Avon's version of Jennifer Groover's Butler Bag is designed for a fashionista.

9)In case of emergencies (especially those that are nature related), it is ideal to have on hand LL Bean's Emergency Weather Radio.

10)The Crawford Headband from ModCloth that will make you look like a chic flapper (totally impractical for day to day but I love vintage inspired items). This would dress up any outfit on New Year's Eve.

11)SwitchFlops and Ballet Flats by Lindsay Phillips are designed for shoe lovers that want to have versatile pieces in their wardrobe. The sandals have interchangeable straps and the ballet flats have snazzy snaps so they can go with any outfit. No need to have 4 different pairs of shoes.

12) Parents of infants will fall in love with the Fisher Price Ocean Wonders Take Along Soothing Projector.

Christmas Traditions: The Twelve Days Before Christmas

This year with a 5 month old and a 2 year old, we have been a little slow getting the house decorated. On Thanksgiving Day, both of my very spry 80-something grandparents were hospitalized for separate medical conditions. The tree is up but undecorated, the old wooden sled that normally sits next to the front door decorated with a swag and bow still sits in the garage somewhere, and boxes of Christmas decorations sit on a shelf in the spare bedroom, untouched. We are slowly pulling things out but it is hard since my hubby works long hours.

I have been thinking a lot about family traditions. I want my daughters to enjoy this time of year and to realize that it is about family and not just presents. Since we are a little behind this year, I made my checklist of things to do before December 25th. Boy, do we have a lot to cram in before the big day arrives. It is pretty fitting that I have 12 things on our list and there are at least twelve days before Christmas (I have a few extra days built in...)

1) Help choose and decorate the Christmas tree. (We got the first part done.)

2) Make faux gingerbread houses using graham crackers, icing, and candy and also yummy marshmellow snowmen.

3) Watch Frosty, Rudolph, A Charlie Brown Christmas, or the new favorite, Prep and Landing.

4) Go caroling.

5) Mail Christmas cards. (I have the seals for my daughter to put on the envelopes. I have a feeling people will be wondering why the seals are not on the flaps but on odd places on the back of the envelopes.)

6) Help wrap gifts. (I bought solid wrapping paper so my daughter can go to town with stickers and markers.)

7) Help decide where charity money is going and deliver it to its destination.

8) Bake Xmas cookies for Xmas Day.

9) Drive around and look at Xmas Lights.

10) Write a letter to Santa and mail it.

11) Finish Christmas crafts (paper chains for the stairway and something to hang on the refrigerator door).

12) Christmas Eve: Read Twas the Night Before Christmas and open a gift(s) from Mommy & Daddy (new pjs for Xmas morning and the girls' yearly ornament for the tree). Set out the cookies we baked for Santa and treats for the reindeer.

Guide to Holiday Gift Giving: Part II

-->DIY Inspired Gift Giving
Keep in mind that it is about the quality rather than the quantity of gift giving. It's the thought and the love that is put in to a gift and not about the money spent. Some of my most treasured gifts have been those that have been handmade because those gifts are the ones that come with a story attached. It is these gifts that have evoked emotions in me and therefore when I think of them, see them, or use them, they make me feel something. Usually they make me feel cherished because someone cared enough about me to take the time to craft something just for me.

1) If your a savvy sewer, knitter, or crocheter you can create quilts, pillows, dolls, needlepoint,
scarves, and hats.
2) You don't have to be skilled in the kitchen to create cookie mixes, soup mixes, jarred jams,
butters, breads, and oils. Put them in pretty tins or jars that can be picked up cheaply at
dollar stores.
3) Create your own homemade soaps or lotions.
4) Research your family tree or compile an oral history of your grandparents or great-grandparents lives. I compiled my grandparents' stories about their lives and had them bound at Staples. In the back I added PA Dutch recipes since my grandparents are Dutch.

5) Write something for someone (write and illustrate a book or frame a poem for your loved
ones).
6) Write a song and record it or burn it onto a CD or burn a CD with a friend or relative's
favorite music.
7) Offer to be someone's personal servant for a day (especially if your handy around the house
or an organizer junky).
8) IOUs or coupon books can be personalized by you.
9) Use a photo album with magnetic pages to organize clipped recipes or recipe cards and
present it as a gift.
10) Create a scrapbook with premade pages (made by you) to which the recipient only needs to
add pics.

11) Do something fun (a family outing or vacation).

Guide to Holiday Gift Giving: Part I

Holiday Gift Giving Tips for the Recession Conscious

1) Stick with a budget. It is not worth having to pay off your debt from the holidays for the next six months.

2) Only buy presents for the kids in your extended family.

3) Play Secret Santa (choose names and only buy for one family member).

4) Only do an ornament exchange (we do this with my husband's family along with the Secret Santa).

5) Give to charity instead.

6) Buy gift wrap after the holidays for the next year, save gift bags to reuse, or use a gift as a gift bag. Last year I bought my sister a backpack and filled it with school supplies and put it in a cellophane gift basket bag (that I had recycled) with a big bow on it instead of wrapping everything individually.

7) Use coupons and shop sales or shop online (to save gas). Use Upromise or Ebates when shopping online retailers. Upromise will give you a percentage back when purchasing from participating online retailers and the money can go into your child's 529 college account. Ebates will give you a percentage back (up to 25%) in the form of a quarterly check. Both of these programs are free.

8) If your relatives live far away and you are shopping online, have the gift sent directly to them.

9) Give the gift of time. Many organizations are always in need of volunteers.

10) Start a savings plan at the beginning of the new year, even if it is only a few bucks a week that you can spare. Some banks offer Christmas Club accounts. This way you don't get swept away with holiday stress over how to pay for "the merriest time of the year".

11) I know this is taboo but regifting is always an option (but you didn't hear it from me).

12) I found a good deal on one item this year and bought several for various people on my Christmas list. It's okay to buy the same thing for several people.

13) If you do have a long list of people to buy for, keep a list throughout the year of things these people mention wanting. As the holidays, approach keep an eye out for a good deal on those particular items.

The Snowman's Song: A Christmas Story

Recently I had a chance to review the children's book The Snowman's Song: A Christmas Story by Marilee Joy Mayfield with illustrations by Tracy La Rue Hohn. I fell in love with this heartwarming story about believing in the impossible. Snowpeople communicate without sound. One little snowman mesmerized by the sounds of singing wants to also sing like the caroling children at Christmastime. Given hope by a cardinal, he realizes he needs to believe that he can sing before he can actually do so. With the help of a little girl and a prayer a Christmastime miracle occurs. This courageous snowman shows that nothing is impossible if you believe.

The illustrations are beautifully done in this charming hardcover book. You can see samples of the text and illustrations by clicking here. The book also comes with a bonus CD of the story being read by the author. The book can be purchased at the publisher's, Leaping Antelope Productions', website. For every copy of The Snowman's Song: A Christmas Story purchased this holiday season, a copy will be donated to a needy family. What a great gift to give this holiday season.

Thank you to Leaping Antelope and The Product Review Place for the chance to review this book.

Free Letters From Santa For Your Little Ones

I visited my mom today and we took my daughters to her work. At the service desk there was a pad with papers for people to take to send in for their child to receive a personalized letter from Santa. They cost about $4. Online there are some good resources for getting a free letter for your child.

There is a wonderful site called Free Letters From Santa Claus where you can personalize a letter from Santa for your child. There are about 5 different letters to choose from and 5 different designs. You can download the letter or send it via email. There is also Best Santa's Letter.

Also, there is a site where you can copy text for a letter from Santa that you can personalize yourself in Word. They also give instructions for how to get a North Pole postmark.

Free letter From Santa and AAA are other sites that offer free letters from Santa.

When constructing your letters, after you input the information, double check the grammar and make changes if possible (or choose a different template without errors). My favorite site was AAA's. It was simple to input the information and free of grammatical errors. Also, it was worded simply so I think my two year old has a better chance of understanding it.

If you would like someone else to send your child an actual letter through the mail, check out Letters From Santa. All you do is plug in the information that they are asking for and they will send your child a letter from Santa. A sample template is provided so you can see what the letter will look like.

If you don't mind not having a personalized letter from Santa, Christmas Letter Tips.com and Santa Printables are other sites that have printable letters.

To send a letter to Santa, play online games (many are educational), check out Santa's Naughty or Nice List, hear stories, see Norad's Santa Tracker, and see many other features, check out Northpole.com.