Designated trees & less chaos: 1) 17-under, 2)18-older (a milestone to move up), 3)guests gifts plus gifts to be delivered. Lil ones have a gift from Santa, they're busy til after dinner, 17-under open, 18-older go to next tree and lil ones get to help pass out gifts. They are VERY excited to help!
11/19/2009 Paula E., Grants, NM
average rating
I buy 1 extra set of multi colored tree lights . When a bulb from the tree burns out, I replace it with the same color from the extra set. Instead of buying replacement bulbs 5 at a time I have 35 or 50 from the extra set. I always have the right color & I save money too. (Can do clear too.)
11/19/2009 Judy D., Greenfield, WI
average rating
Keep a list at every post from home, to phone, at work, in your purse/wallet & in the car. Have reminders & alerts to keep you refreshed of the holiday events, kids' plays, and appointments during this busy season to keep you from saying, ' I'd wish I could remember what, where, who and when...'
11/18/2009 Heather M., Steelton, PA
average rating
Being disabled and with year-and-a-half old twins to keep track of, I/we do not have the time or energy to prepare the holiday spread as we used to. Instead, we order our complete dinner from the large supermarket who does a great job at a reasonable price. We just have to pick it up the day before.
11/14/2009 Paul R., Keeler, CA
average rating
As I have a large family, I hit sales all year long to shop for my Christmas presents trying my best to finish up the day after Thanksgiving. That way, I'm able to get into the spirit of the season while I do my decorating , baking, and making candy, while listening to Christmas music at home.
11/13/2009 Brenda F., Springfield, MO
average rating
My GF loves restaurants—if it was up to her, she would go out every time. But I like grocery shopping and when we go on trips we have villas with kitchenets so that we can go to the local market. This way we can cook our own food, and I get my GF to save some $$.
11/13/2009 Maximus M., Springfield, CA
average rating
Twice I had to ransack my house looking for gifts that I hid so well now I couldn't find them until I finally learned to write them down. I keep a small note in my wallet not with list of gifts in case someone sees it just a list of the hiding places such as: linen closet, behind ironing board etc.
11/13/2009 Cris S., Miami, FL
average rating
Don't forget stringing garland of popcorn and cranberries! Very easy, very cheap, very family friendly. Sit watching a hoiday movie or listening to carols and string the garland which can later be put on a tree outside for the birds to munch.
11/13/2009 Cris S., Miami, FL
average rating
I buy the Christmas kitchen towels, oven mitts and pot holders while on sale and give to all the adult women in our family. My girls look forward to these every year (I missed one year and they told me about it!) Have extra on hand in case of an unexpceted guest. It makes them feel special.
11/13/2009 Charlotte C., Clayton, OK
average rating
I take the Glade candle tins with the candle inside and put them in dresser drawers, closets, when you open the drawers or closets they not only smell beautiful, everything has a plesant smell. And then I can use the candle when ever I want too.
11/13/2009 Jane P., Kyle, TX
average rating
nieces and nephews receive cash, but first they have to say who thier favorite aunt and uncle is. They always answer correctly and they love the cash
11/12/2009 yvonne g., grandin, MO
average rating
To save time around the holidays always try to get everything ready ahead of time. Like start cooking food the day before. Plus food is better when it is cooked slowly. You can also get the childrens clothes out and ready the day before also. So the mornin of goes by nice and smooth.
11/11/2009 Jazmine M., Maple Shade, NJ
average rating
when my husband and i go to the beach in the summer we always keep our eyes open for unique christmas gifts. it' totally stress free shopping and always ends with dinner!
i also start my holiday baking in september. that way i can do it when the mood hits me and not because i have to.
11/10/2009 charlene b., ellwood city, SC
average rating
I mix up my cookie dough ahead of time, roll them out, then freeze. When I have people come over I can pop them into the oven for a quick homemade treat for my guests.
11/9/2009 Cynthia D., Lake City, FL
average rating
I wrap all the gift that go to my family on only one gift wrap and the gifts for my husband's family in a different. When we leave I just tell my husband what color to pack the car with and we are out the door and no gifts are left behind by mistake.
Santa wraps in santa wrapping paper ONLY.
11/9/2009 Samantha H., Breaux Bridge, LA
average rating
I buy things that are on sale or really "fit" the person I'm buying it for and store in specially marked boxes in the garage. After Halloween and before Thanksgiving, I go through them and begin wrapping. During black Friday weekend, I buy for whoever is still on my list. I then enjoy the holiday
11/9/2009 Elva F., Miami, FL
average rating
I have Large Containers with Lids, All through the year Whenever I find something on sale or at Yard Sales that is new I buy it & store in my utility room in the Containers, which I keep where my 6 year old cannot open it. It is november & I have only 2 gifts left to buy for Christmas.
11/8/2009 freda w., Jemison, AL
average rating
Take a box with some old wripping paper,or old dress ,or pants cover the box .Then cover the top and you will have a beautiful thing.
11/8/2009 Debra M., Defince, PA
average rating
Have pad & pencil handy. Jot ideas as they come to you for table setting (e.g. creative ideas for napkin folding & place cards etc; special kitchen ware you'll use, menu ideas, grocery items needed, holiday home decorating ideas. Mentallyvisualize guests arriving til they leave & jot add'l ideas.
11/8/2009 Patricia P., Casselberry, FL
average rating
The best way to save bucks for Christmas is start right after Christmas-wrapping paper,bags and the like are quickly 75 to 90 percent off.Stupid to pay full price at the height of the season.Best sales are in January-Febuary at sometimes 90 percent off with coupons.Shop all year long for loved ones
11/7/2009 pam k., peru, IL
average rating