Giveaway Results: Scott’s Toilet Paper & Towels for a YEAR!

I make a point of not over-scheduling our time during the holidays. I very carefully evaluate our plans to make sure the activities we participate in add to our enjoyment of the season, rather than create stress.

My favorite tip is to give gift that promotes togetherness… board games, coffee gift cards, arts and crafts items, ingredients for a snack or dessert… rather than another plastic toy or sweater (unless that’s needed, wanted, or requested!).

Make sure that you have film/DVDrs (and batteries) or whatever media you need for your camera/camcorder by December 1st. This way you won’t miss any of the special moments as they pop up!

This year being tight you can use old Christmas cards cut the front half off where there is no writing and make Christmas postcards!

I always try to have all the Christmas shopping done by the second Monday in December. I also try to schedule any Holiday get togethers within the first two weeks of December. This way the closer we get to Christmas it becomes more about family and less about chaos. Last I always try to make sure that our family does at least one service activity to help us remember the true meaning of Christmas.

I like to try and get my baking and shopping done early so I can enjoy time with my family.

The adults in my extended family decided not to exchange gifts anymore. But after years of sometimes elaborate presents, it was hard to go cold turkey and not bring anything. Our compromise now is that we give a gift only if we made it ourselves or it came from a yard sale.

I stock up on toilet paper before the holidays begin. That way, when company arrives, or when that unexpected guest arrives there is never that “one tissue” just left on the roll.

Holidays are tough because I have my son’s birthday right next to Thanskgiving, and Christmas and my other son’s birthday right after that.

I buy all the presents for Christmas and birthday at once. And the other thing I do is just take one dinner at a time. It would drive me crazy to plan Thanksgiving and a party at the same time, but as soon as we’re cleaned up, I’m making my Thanksgiving shopping list.

I make all the baked goods the night before, and keep the rest of the dishes simple. If I’m going to try something new, I only pick one new dish (or variation on a favorite).

One of my favorite holidays dishes is simple steamed carrots. I have a steamer, so that makes it easy, and it frees up a spot in the oven or the stovetop.

My sister and mom and I make a point to canvas everyone that is spending the holidays together. We ask them what foods they “need” to have to make it a special time, and also what activities they want to do – then we put together a tentative food and activity schedule in order to fit everything in for everyone. With a little flexibility, it always seems to work out!

My favorite holiday tip actually involves the paper tubes from toilet paper and paper towel rolls. If you have thin garlands, strands of lights, extension cords, etc., you can gently wind them around your hand and then slip them into the paper tube to avoid tangles. You can also label the tubes for easy storage and decorating next year!

Woohoo – toilet paper for the year!

My tip: Schedule a night with mommy friends to gather, drink wine & make sugar cookies and then gather the next day with all of the kids to have a decorating party. It’s built in friend time for moms & children – and most of your cookie needs are taken care of!

Stretch the holidays out. We have family that live in different states so we celebrate one side on Christmas and the other around New Years.

Always have hot cocoa and marshmallows on hand!

When I buy a gift, I wrap it and put the gift tag on it. This way I am not wrapping for hours at a time.

Thanks for the offer. The only way we survive the numerous commitments over the holidays is to map out a schedule of what needs to happen when (cooking, entertaining, etc.) and use it as a guide.

My best holiday tip is related to my finances. I have always set aside money throughout the year for Christmas so I never have that dreaded after Christmas credit card bill. I then make a budget for each gift and do not excede that amount. I have a new idea this year (I read about it online somewhere). . . I am going to ask my husband if we can exchange Christmas letters to each other since we will not exchange gifts. It sounds like a marriage-enhancing gift to each other.

My favorite holiday tip is to get all the gift-shopping done before Thanksgiving. It really simplifies the holidays!

Wow. We really need toilet paper. can you believe my hubby uses 2 rolls a day! ON HIS OWN!! (but that’s another story)

My holiday hint is to save christmas cards, cut the fronts off and use them as postcards for the following year to send season’s greetings to family members. :O)

Keeping it simple – sometimes I try and do and give to everyone and then I end up not enjoying the season myself.

We use our personalized “family labels” to label each gift

Get as much done ahead of time as possible. It makes the holidays more enjoyable because you can relax and enjoy family time.

I TRY to get shopping done early (big emphasis on TRY!).

Lists, lists, lists. That is the only way I survive the madness.

I have any out of state boxes or packages ready to send off right before Thanksgiving. No long waiting in line at the Post Office, plenty of time for it to arrive and a satisfaction that it is complete.
Thank you.

That would be an awesome thing to win!

My tip is my all year round gift shopping. It makes the holidays so much less stressful and makes the bugdet happier. We always have a long trip somewhere and gas eats a big part of the monthly budget, so if the holiday baking needs are stockpiled early and the gifts are bought (often a year in a advance) then things go smoother. I also buy gifts for all the year’s upcoming weddings at the after Christmas sales…lots of things out there are not “Christmasy” but make great gifts for newlyweds. I even buy tons of great chocolate for 75% off at Target to feed my husband’s sweet tooth all year long! Thanks Amy.

Just relax and remember what the holidays are all about.

I have learned to do our Christmas family photos in early November before the Christmas rush.

The best holiday tip is to set your table the night before the holiday. It frees up so much of your time on the day of!

My husband would be soooooo happy about this contest – we go thru it like water!

My tip for the holidays – start addressing the envelopes for your cards in October – you can spend MORE time on your cards!

I address my cards in November so I’m not scrambling for addresses at the last minute!

I always start my christmas card creations in October with pictures and then work through November getting them all together. Even though I don’t have many (100) to send it does feel good knowing that, the day after Thanksgiving my cards are out the door and on their way.

Spend time making christmas cookies with friends and family. You get to spend quality time with them as well as dividing the labor. In the end everyone divides up the cookies to take home. You may just end up falling in love with a new cookie you have never tried.

The thing that I keep reminding myself is that nothing HAS to be done. Traditions are important but it’s more important to keep the feeling of the season rather than have too much stress that great-grandma’s fudge didn’t get made.

we like to use brown craft paper to wrap, you can personalize with stamps, stickers, ribbon, bows etc. and the cost is so low compared to traditional wrap

Shop the day after Christmas for your cards, wrapping supplies, bags, etc. It can really stretch a $!

Blessings!!!

Take the kids to the grandparents and pick them up on December 24th. No, not really, that doesn’t even work for us anyway since we live with the grandparents.

My tip is to check the holiday tv schedules now and tape Christmas movies I know we want to watch with the kids. That way when we have some down time we can sit and watch the holiday movie of our choice for free.

I wrap gifts as I buy them. It helps avoid feeling overwhelmed on Christmas Eve.

Utilize your freezer and do your Christmas baking ahead of time. Sure makes things go so much smoother!

Family Gift Baskets instead of individual gifts for each family member. A beautiful basket filled with microwave popcorn, a new release family friendly film, chocolates, and a two liter of soda. I have been known to include activity books/markers for the wee ones too.

THANKS for the opportunity!
Melissa

My favorite tip is to keep a notebook with you at all times, you can jot down gift ideas when they come to you, recipes that someone shares, even songs on the radio that you want to download. I find my purse notebook indispensible this time of year.

Our extended family has learned to do a gift exchange rather than buy gifts for everyone. It saves everyone the stress and cost of trying to buy gifts for 20+ people. It’s been such a great change!

I shop the sales during this Christmas season and save some of the gifts for my son’s birthday and/or buy extra to give as birthday gifts throughout the year.

My best tip is to just relax and enjoy it–if you’re having fun during the holidays, it will probably rub off on everyone else!

a fun tip is that if you drop off a santa letter to the post office complete with return address, the post office will send your child a letter back with their name from the north pole. I never knew this!

Buy all of your needs early before the Christmas rush.

Make your christmas lunch easy!!! I usually put a pork roast in the oven at 225 overnight – it’s perfect by lunchtime.

I shop all year long so that I don’t have to stretch my holiday dollars in December. This way I don’t stress and I get the perfect gift for everyone on my list.

My favorite holiday tip is to share the work–ask family members to bring a dish or help you in the kitchen. Put others in charge of keeping the kids busy, taking them outside when necessary!

I reuse last year’s Christmas cards for next year’s gift tags.

When I am getting my holiday cards ready, I place them, my address list, photos to enclose, and stamps in a small canvas bag. I can grab it to take along to my kids classes or to appointments. I can then use the 10 minutes or an hour that I am waiting to address a few cards.

I keep a list of ideas going all year long and snap things up as I find them.

Shop online and avoid the crowds.

We have a wrapping party one night in front of the fire and get it all done at once. Ideally the presents would all be purchased early too, but that never seems to happen.

Make lists! I try to get a head start on shopping in November so I’m not so overwhelmed after Thanskgiving.

Shop the after Christmas sales to stock up your gift “stash”. Then pull from it for gifts throughout the year or for the next Christmas!

Thanks for this giveaway!

For pre-readers, print out thumbnail pictures of people to place on presents in lieu of the written name. My kids got such a kick out of “finding” everyone’s picture.

I keep all my addresses in a table on my computer, then when it is time to send out the Christmas cards I can just print off a set of mailing labels and stick them on the envelopes. So much quicker than writing all the addresses out by hand!

i have no tip except enjoy the wine

Don’t shop dor gifts all day! It stresses you out and makes you forget the true meaning of Christmas- scatter out your shopping over a few weeks (or even the whole year!) and make sure you add in some time to do things with your family.

We are a game and card playing family, so it’s always fun to have a new game to enjoy, thanks!

I schedule one whole day to do my holiday baking (cookies, breads, candy). My mom, my daughter and I love to do this each year.

I pick up a few extra gifts to have on hand. That way, when my husband says “hey, let’s give so-and-so a present”, I’m not totally stressed out trying to find something last minute.

We have 5 kids who love to participate in baking cookies and other tasty holiday treats. So I whip up 2 dozen different batches of cookies & brownies (usually over a coarse of a week)and freeze each of them. This makes it easy to take it out as needed & time permitting, defrost, bake, decorate, and enjoY! This saves me alot of money as opposed to buying the pre packaged stuff.

I start saving for the next Holiday in January. I have a small box that I put at least $20-$30 into each month. I also toss all of my change into it all year long and in mid November I cash in/out. You can open a savings account and every few months deposit what you have saved into your account. You will be surprised at how much money you can save over eleven months. So this year take one of those empty boxes and decorate it to use as your Stress Less Holiday Cash Box!

Don’t know if these was said already but:
DON’T FORGET TO STOCK UP ON BATTERIES
For parents with small, impatient children, before wrapping gifts open all toys and remove those stinkin’ twist ties and adding batteries. This way, the kids can pull the toy right out of the box and PLAY! Bonus tip: those twist ties are easier to remove by cutting with scissors instead of untwisting. Much faster.

Always remember: Quality, not quantity.
Always remember: Time is often better than “stuff”.
Don’t forget: Tell your family and friends you love them!
Don’t forget: To smile.

My tip is to give the camera or video camera to one of the kids to tape the holidays! Its a great way to get things on tape so you can be in it plus its great to see their point of view!!

My tip is to get into Christmas Club and put alittle money away each week.

I bake ahead and freeze dishes. That way they are ready to defrost and take with to each outing during this busy holiday season.

Just be together over the holidays. Son’t make it too stressful. It should be a fun time just like when i was a kid.

We stock up on paper products during last Xmas so that when this Xmas season comes around. We are already in the holiday spirit! When guests arrive, we are always prepared!

My holiday tip is that, at the beginning of November, I make a huge list of what we need and want to do this holiday season and then get out the calendar to schedule it—cutting down and decorating the tree, outdoor decs, breakfast with Santa, even shopping, wrapping and baking. That way I have a plan of how to tackle what could be a hugely overwhelming time of year.

Keep a journal w/ each family members name in it. I buy Christmas & birthday gifts year round. I bring the item home and log it in the journal under that person’s name,the amount spent, and where I am storing it. This way I have my shopping done early and never looking for items I have put away.

When doing hoiday baking, use recipes tht freeze well and bake early then you can just pull things out of the feezer when guests arrive.

Buy the refrigerated cookie dough. It’s quick and easy to come up with a plate of cookies for company or when you’ve been invited somewhere last minute.

no cookie making- stresses me out and adds extra pounds-we make dog biscuits for gifts instead!

I’ve using scott products for over 20 years as a single parent even though tines are tight financially. I still maintain my devotion and loyalty to “Scott” as a diabled vietnam veteran on a fixed income. I stand by scott products a 100%

Try using your tripod and take your own Christmas family photo. We’ve been doing this for the past couple years and we are so pleased. We’re in a comfy environment, using our own tree as a beautiful background and best of all saving TONS of money. You can always tweak your photo if needed and can print out TONS for a whole lot less than a studio.

I have a room set up just for gifts. That way, when I see something on sale or find that perfect gift for family or friends, I can get it and have a place to keep it without wondering where I’ve put it! Last night, I pulled out the gifts already purchased and then made a very short list of things still to get!

I avoid the crowds by shopping for everything online!

My tip is to buy practical gifts that can save you money: cooking gear, personal finance books, tools, DIY magazines… things to motivate people to save money!

Just remember to relax and enjoy the time. All work and no play … well you know the rest.

We try to stay home A Lot and just enjoy time with the family.

Add a 4 cups of water to a mini crockpot along with two-four cinnamon sticks turn it on low and scent your whole house.

several glasses of wine always help wrapping go by faster )

Well, I don’t stress about the small stuff or perfection. I start my holiday shopping the first time I see something that sparks my interest in buying it for that Christmas. This year I started in August. I try to buy practical for everyone. Something they can use and reuse and over and over again. And this year adults will be getting resuable shopping bags instead of wrapping paper.

My tip is shopping the day before Thanksgiving. Most stores have clearance items marked 75% off and you get to lesiurely look without the huge crowds.

Take a deep breath and smile at the joy! Enjoy the little moments of cookie making or wrapping or just spending some time with a cup of hot chocolate talking with your family.

Don’t stess out over how much you have to do! Get your kids involved, my parents are divorced so Christmas is very busy with events with my husband and children and then my dads family gatherings and my moms family gatherings, and everyone wants you to bring a dish/game or something. So to keep the stress down we always put the kids to work, wrapping gifts and helping in the kitchen with goodies, (key is find good but simple recipes), The kids are having fun helping and are out of your hair and more is getting accomplished than if you were trying to do it all alone!!! and the stess level comes way down, it becomes more like fun!

Cook everything you can the day before the big holiday so you can actually have time to sit and enjoy the holiday spirit.

I buy several kinds of wrapping paper and wrap the gifts for each destination in the same kind that way if my pile gets mixed up or a name tag comes off I still know where it’s supposed to go as we have several places to go on the holidays.Also for my kids I use 2 kinds for each child and it makes playing Santa much easier.

I actually write on my calendar a few days to wrap presents. So, when that day comes, I get out the wrapping paper and wrap what presents I have. That way I’m not stuck at the end wrapping for hours.

We have two young kids and during those long winter evenings, things tend to get a little restless. To combat that restlessness, we will often put on our PJs, make popcorn and hot cocoa and hop in the car for a tour of the Christmas lights in the area. It gets us out of the house and is a fun holiday tradition!

I try to keep it simple, and remember why we are celebrating!

Make a gift list and budget and STICK TO IT. Avoid credit card stress by using this simple idea.

My tip is to remind everyone with children, to always have batteries on hand. The worse thing is to tell a child they can’t play with their present because they have to wait until you can get them! Also,if you don’t know what to get someone, a gift card is always better, so they don’t have to do a return:)

Starting in September, every time I am in a store I buy a present to keep for Christmas so when December gets here I am finished and can relax.

i like to invite friends and family and they dont always know one another i find that an old holiday movie and everyone bringing on dish to a gathering will usually always start a conversation. once a conversation starts naturally it is smooth sailing for the day

I try to let things just roll off my shoulder, remembering its going to be crazy with lots of people in close quarters…. but its only once a year that it happens and its so special no matter how hectic!

I avoid all the lines at the stores and the cost of getting a sitter by shopping online and I look for free shipping coupons so I save more money than I would have spent in gas driving all over town!

My tip is for recycling and for space saving!!
I actually JUST thought of it!
If you are like me, and have TONS of empty baby wipe containers, I use them for different things, like crayons, and stuff like that. But, for holidays, you can put your rolls of ribbons in it, and pull the ends out of the slot ontop!! that way, you can have all your ribbons in one or two containers!!!

I love decorating with the christmas cards I get yearly, I just cut the front off with decorative scissors and cover a wall with them, very inexpensive and festive!

Take time to enjoy your family during this busy season. True joy in Christmas comes from loving those you love.

I wrap all the presents in the sunday comics that I save from the paper.

I always buy the deeply discounted paper, bows, tape and decorations at the after season sales. I don’t have to spend the extra money on those things when I need it for gift giving and I’m not scrambling to find something when I need it at the last minute.
I also keep the reason for the season in mind, it helps me reduce stress.

My favorite tip is to save money all year long so that we don’t have to go into any debt buying Christmas presents, but we still feel we can be generous with our family and friends. Because we work the money right into our budget at the beginning of each year, we don’t miss it month to month and it makes the holidays less stressful!

I give a personalized ornament to all my family members every Christmas

Having a four year old makes celebrating the holidays all the better. To encourage reading and math skills, as well as the importance of giving, we bake homemade cookies, quick breads and other treats for family, friends and daddy’s co-workers. Not only does our house “smell” of the season, my daughter and I spend quality time together and she is learning skills that will help her when she enters kindergarten and throughout her life.

Keep those digital camera batteries charged!

my tip is DONT touch liza’s tree |!!!!!!!!!! lol

For easy gift distribution wrap each family member’s gift and then assign them a certain color of bow. You don’t have to read the name tag. You will know that all of the gifts with the blue bows belong to child #1 and the red belong to child #2 and so on.

My hubby and I try to find enjoyment in simple things… like driving around looking at Christmas lights, watching Christmas movies while munching on popcorn and drinking hot cocoa, and enjoying time with family. We take the focus off of gifts.

Garage Sales are an economical way to find wrapping paper & other supplies, decorations, holiday clothes. Actually, you can eventually find almost anything you need whether it’s holiday related or not. And it’s fun looking at other people’s discarded stuff.

Schedule professional pictures for the kids in October or early November to avoid the crowds. Your kids will be much more prone to smile if they haven’t been waiting around for an hour for their photo shoot!

Wish Lists. I love wish lists. I have my kids make a running wish list from commercials they love. They’re constantly saying “I want that!” all Saturday morning. I just say, “Write it down.” They also love browsing through catalogues I get in the mail.

Be like Santa: Make a list and check it twice! Write down who you’re getting gifts for and exactly what you plan to get. Then stick to the list and resist the urge to overspend. If you make gifts for people, all the better!

My best tip is to get the prep out of the way early. Do some freezer cooking, address cards, buy (and wrap!) gifts weeks early. That way you have all the time you want to devote to family and celebration as Christmas draws near.

What I learned was to do all the shopping online and it is delivered to your dooor and you dont have to fight the crowds and traffic and or weathe

We always make sure to have enough snacks on hand for all occasions!

I always make sure I buy extra batteries for htose gift that don’t come with some

My favorite holiday tip is to shop early. I am all done shopping so all I have to focus on is decorating and baking!

My tip would be not to try and do it all yourself. Husbands and kids make great helpers and are quite adept at planning, cooking, cleaning and shopping all by themselves. You don’t need to micro-manage everything.

I like to give Magazine subscriptions to teachers and some family. I purchase them throught the childrens school fundrasiers and help the school out to!

Shop at offpeak times and brainstorm gift ideas early in the shopping season.

I definitely recommend giving the gift of time and memories! We love to make special gifts and then include a “coupon” for special time together! What a hit with grandparents!!

Always put your own family first and don’t overbook yourself so much that you and your family get lost in the shuffle. Make your children a part of what you do and the time you spend together.

Great Giveaway! My holiday tip is to relax and enjoy your family and friends. Everything doesn’t need to be perfect.

I like to use the 3M removable hooks to hang my stockings with. I can hang them almost anywhere, and they are sturdy enough to hold a good amount of weight!

Every year we all go to Grandmas house. With all the family. We eat we play what more do you want for Christmas. We dont need to go anywhere. We’re loved ay home

baby Jesus only got 3 gifts. the same for our kids!

this giveaway is great!
We try to plan out things in advance so that things do not get so hectic.

Also, instead of gifts we adopt a family each year so that we can give back!

My tip is to remind everyone to have a safe and happy holiday and enjoy every moment.

I try to make or bake items ahead of time and freeze them if possible. This saves so much time.

Keep a list of all the Christmas gifts you have bought and stashed away throughout the year. That way you don’t forget what you have and overspend!

my tip is when I do my holiday baking, I will make all my cookie dough and freeze it- then the day before a party or get- together you can take out the frozen dough and bake… so you’ll always have fresh made cookies. Even if you normally wouldn’t have time to make a whole batch from start to finish! Plus, it makes it easier not doing all the cooking in 1 day!

Many of the great deals that I come across all year long, I buy one & put it away as a Christmas gift later. Come November/December timeframe, I’m already finished with shoppoing and don’t have to brave the stores.

We hang out with many other families and a few years ago we all decided that instead of giving each adult and child an individual gift, each family gives one gift to the other families. We usually choose a game, or tickets to an event, or something the whole family will enjoy. One year we bought tickets for the same event for each family and we all went together and celebrated that day. It was alot of fun. We like to pick gifts that help bring the family together to spend time.

try and enjoy the time with family and freinds and rembember it is the moments and time that are the gift not what is wrapped in paper that is the gift….. a smile and hugs are wonderful also !!!!!

On thanksgiving we all make Christmas ornaments together, even the guys!

I always pack extra clothes and pajamas for the kids wherever we are going. You never know when a messy spill will happen, or when cousins will want last minute sleep-overs. I try to be prepared for whatever will happen with children, as you just never know!

I cut out the pictures on old greeting cards and use them as gift tags on presents it a great way to save money.

Ienjoy having family come together before the Holidays to do baking and shopping so the day of Christmas we all can relax and really take in the day and celebrate quietly.

Rather than buying lots of useless gifts each year for friends and coworkers, I bake a variety of cookies and give them in tins I purchased at the after Christmas sales the previous year. It’s an economical, delicious way to show your love and appreciation. And everyone always looks forward to my famous chocolate chp cookies!

I like to shop and do the baking before with my family so the day of Christmas we can all relax and celebrate quietly and together without being harried.

With all the Christmas events to attend, there’s always plenty of food to be eaten. I take one of every kind of food I would like to try and NEVER go back for seconds!

My favorite holiday tip is keep a calendar of all the great holiday activities that are going on in and around the area in which you live.Space out your activities so that your children are not overloaded and can enjoy every minute of all of the wonderful joys that the holidays can bring.Make sure that you take your camera to capture all of those great holiday memories and take things one day at a time.

We do christmas brunch at my house every year so I try to do most of the cooking the nite before so there is no rushing around that morning.

Be sure to leave your credit card at home on Black Friday and stick to whatever is on your pre-made list of buys.

As we have 5 boys in the house we can never keep paper products as they are used faster than I can bring them in!

To prepare for the holidays I start right after the holidays by shopping for clearance items. I also do as many rebates as possible for the year. These rebate item end up being free or next to free with coupons.

Thanks for the giveaway offer! One tip would be to remember that it isn’t all about giving material gifts. The gift of Love and Thanks is enough for our loved ones.

Buy Christmas gifts throughout the year so you can be close to done by December 1st.

I try to buy gifts throughout the year, so that December does not end up being a month devoted to shopping.

My mom, mother-in-law, and my husband’s 100 year old grandmother do not need another dust catcher, so now we do what back during the depression was known as a “pounding”. Usually given to a new bride to set up her house. I get a large box and fill it paper towels, toilet paper,napkins, stamps, stationary, storage baggies, batteries, tin foil, flour, sugar, etc. practical things that I know they will use. They all tell me it has become their favorite gift.

My holiday tip would be DON’T GO OUT AND SHOP ON BLACK FRIDAY! I’ve learned the hard way that it’s more trouble than it’s worth and that there’s actually a lot better deals online.

Make an album of the photo Christmas cards you get each year. It’s fun to look back at how friends and family have changed!

my christmas tip is to keep list for everything and check them twice

I make a Holiday Shopping Gift list and stick to it. Also We only use the cash that we have. It’s a great feeling after the Holidays to know we have no debt!!

I always do my Christmas shopping over a span of about 2-3 months. Its a great way to look for all the sales and get as much as you can for the money especially since we do a grab bag in my family for the adults and theres a money limit, so you want to get as much as you can.

My tip for the holiday is to go to Hawaii and relax. Everyone is happier with sun and warm sand!

i do surveys online all year so i earn gift cards to clothing stores and restaurants. i then give these as christmas gifts. i spend nothing but get great gifts!

I just wish Scott would send out more coupon, not everyone has printers where they can print them out.

My best advise is not to stress out. Your family loves you a lot and appreciate that you are having them over your home. Try to enjoy your family and friends and take a lot of pictures.

My tip is to remember the Reason for the season – Jesus. Also, to be with family and just appreciate each and every moment we have.

This really isn’t a holiday tip but could be.
I have leftover coffee filters from long ago from before I got one of the reusable filters. So instead of using a paper plate or paper towels for sandwiches or other non messy finger foods I use the leftover coffee filters.

Make a family tradition each year so it can make the holidays more enjoyable. For example, we always watch the Christmas Story after putting up our tree, pop some popcorn and drink hot cocoa. It is the perfect start to enjoy the holidays and not stress over everything.

Make sure to take vitmain C supplements to stay healthy during the holidays, and get out for walks to relieve stress and get that all important vitamin A for the sun.

I always do my shopping late at night when everyones asleep that way i get to spend allday with my family and i get to go shopping by myself that way i can get what i need and be back home before my husband and kids get up and theres no hassles with too many other shoppers thank goodness for 24 hour stores

A great tip for the holidays is to save your paper towel use.
If you have only used a paper towel for a small job( Wipe Up) you can simply rinse well( gently) with warm water and use again for any small similar job.
I have used them again and again.
They dry out in minutes too.
Great idea for saving the environment and put a little extra in your your Christmas budget.

When Christmas shopping for lots of family, it is easy to lose track of what you bought and for who. So I like to write it down on a list and keep it close by and refer to it as needed. That way you won’t by double or forget someone on your list.

Never forget the tylenol(for the kids or yourself)!!!!:)

We have always made cookies for friends and neighbors for Christmas. Last year I didn’t make them as I was too stressed and didn’t feel I had enough time. It was sad because I look forward to it every year. This year, I decided to start baking early and it is ok to put some in the freezer so I am not baking all day long the day before. Have a great holiday everyone!

A few great tips are: 1- use layaways through the year (K-Mart has theirs from February through December); and tip 2 is if you have a lot of people to buy for, each paycheck you get throughout the year, buy 1-2 gifts for 1 person and by the time Christmas is here, you are pretty well done. As for our family, we no longer buy things for the adults, we only get for the children (under age 18). Just having a good time together on Christmas day, and remembering loved ones gone on, and especially remembering the “Reason for the Season”, is the best Christmas we can give each other!!!

Since both sides of our family live out of state, I try to finish up my Xmas shopping and wrapping early so I can get them in the mail by Dec. 1. That saves me the hassles of standing in long lines at the post office. I save on postage too because I can use the “slowest” postal rate to send the packages and they will still arrive at their destination in plenty of time for Xmas.

My best holiday tip is to make sure you have back up batteries for your cameras and camcorders. You just can get back those moments so you don’t want to be caught needing to take pictures with deal batteries.
And make sure you tell the you love that you love and appreciate them, embrace the spirit of the holidays.

I buy Christmas gifts all year long, whenever I find something on sale. That way, I don’t spend more than we budgeted, but I can give nicer gifts

Two weeks before Thanksgiving, and two weeks before Christmas, I precook and freeze certain foods I’ll need, like a tray of stuffing, fudge, cookies that freeze well. That way, I am not rushing to make what feels like last-minute items.
Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Come by my blog
Phyllis in SC

I like to have everyone willing to bring a dish for dinner. That way no one is over worked on the holidays and everyone has time to spend with family.

Get your shopping done early in the moring. There are not as many people out and you can usually find a parking spot.

My tip for the holidays is PAPER PLATES.
I bake a lot and like to tie up a paper plate with decorative paper and tie a bow around it.
It sure beats having to buy canisters and things with lids to give cookies and goodies away.

To save time and money, even if you address your cards early, use the free cards on the internet. These can be sent to those family members and friends that have a computer. It also eliminates waste.

My tip is to wrap gifts as you get them and keep a list of what you’ve bought so you don’t forget and buy more than you originally planned. Christmas Eve is no fun if you’re up all night wrapping gifts! Thanks for the chance to win a great giveaway!!

Instead of trying to do all the cooking myself, I have found that if you ask everyone to bring one or two different dishes then you have much more time to enjoy your family and friends. A less stressful day is a more memorable day!

Since this time of year lots of bugs can be going around….When family and friends come over for our holiday celebration i use paper towels in each bathroom in place of hand towels to help prevent spreading any nasty germs!!

I suggested last year that my family pull names because it is so many childern in our family. It worked out good because all the childern recieved a gift, they were so happy.

My tip is RELAX! I know, I know, it’s so much easier said than done…but really. I’m afraid we get caught up in the commercialism of the season we forget to enjoy the ones who make this season so special. So make a pot of coffee, grab a Nicholas Sparks book and a heating blanket, and relax. It will all work out…and if it doesn’t, your kids, spouses, family, friends, and pets will still LOVE you.

I make sure there is something to do for the kids and grandkids.
I set up a small folding picnic table in a spare room and left a large box of crayons and activity books for the younger ones. I bought a few movies to watch and have it in the back bedroom, PG 13 for the middle ages. I keep a nerf football and a mini basketball set so if the weather is in the 40’s the kids can get outside.

I feel if the kids are Happy the Family is Happy!!!

The best holiday tip is to do your shopping by at least september they always have sales from there on.. Look for those sales always, but… the best day to shop is on Saturdays when you go to those nice department stores, I love going to Carson’s only on Saturdays, reason being you purchase something like a perfume and you get freebies. I just went and purchase some stuff for my face … Oh My godness I got this geourgeous bag huge in black, and and 4 wine cups for free, all I spent was 50.00 tell me that is not a great deal. Then I went to Ultra to buy a few other things and I got more freebies, even a georgeous robe, so you know all those freebies are going to extra gifts for those unexpected visitors for Christmas. I love shopping on Saturdays, that is when you get free stuff when you buy anything from 50.00. Oh I also went to Bath and Body works, and yes I got more freebies today. I am all set for extra company for the holidays. I am so happy.We do not have to spend much ,if we learn when to shop thats is the best. I never go shopping after thanksgiving but I did today for the first time ever. and it was all worth it.Another thing is you do not need to spend much, .What i do is If I give someone something small I make sure is wrapped up so pretty that just the presentation makes the gift worth more. That is what i always do. So I have learned to save lots of money. And I am very happy I saved so much today and didn’t spend musch at all.I do not work so it makes it hard to shop for the whole family, we use to do grab bags but no one does it anymore, but I always surprise them with my freebies, they do not know that *smile*

I keep it relaxed and don’t go shopping when I’m pushed for time. The retail workers are overworked and stressed this time of year and customers are not so nice.I make an effort to say how I appreciate them. Try to remember what the season is about .

Shop all year long! Any time you see something that would make a great gift, buy it! It makes the holiday shopping rush so much easier!

his is Posted By *Ginny*
The best holiday tip is to do your shopping by at least september they always have sales from there on.. Look for those sales always, but… the best day to shop is on Saturdays when you go to those nice department stores, I love going to Carson’s only on Saturdays, reason being you purchase something like a perfume and you get freebies. I just went and purchase some stuff for my face … Oh My godness I got this geourgeous bag huge in black, and and 4 wine cups for free, all I spent was 50.00 tell me that is not a great deal. Then I went to Ultra to buy a few other things and I got more freebies, even a georgeous robe, so you know all those freebies are going to extra gifts for those unexpected visitors for Christmas. I love shopping on Saturdays, that is when you get free stuff when you buy anything from 50.00. Oh I also went to Bath and Body works, and yes I got more freebies today. I am all set for extra company for the holidays. I am so happy.We do not have to spend much ,if we learn when to shop thats is the best. I never go shopping after thanksgiving but I did today for the first time ever. and it was all worth it.Another thing is you do not need to spend much, .What i do is If I give someone something small I make sure is wrapped up so pretty that just the presentation makes the gift worth more. That is what i always do. So I have learned to save lots of money. And I am very happy I saved so much today and didn’t spend musch at all.I do not work so it makes it hard to shop for the whole family, we use to do grab bags but no one does it anymore, but I always surprise them with my freebies, they do not know that *smile*

I try to write my Christmas letter and order Christmas pictures on Thanksgiving weekend. I find it more difficult to write the letter during December because there are so many other things to focus on.

The main holiday tip I can give anyone is to make sure you take the time to enjoy the season. The world won’t end if everything isn’t perfect. The time spent with the family is what will matter.

I do most of my shopping before the holidays so that I am not stressed and can enjoy the season more.

Seems like most people have Christmas politeness during this time year. I make that throughout the year with “have a good day”, “Thank you”, and “Your welcome”, along with “Happy Birthday” first thing in their morning to start off their day with a smile and pleasant thought. Makes me feel good too.

Shop right after the holiday for next years decorations, gifts, and supplies! AND put everything away the right way – taking your time to store things in a proper way just makes setting up for the holidays one step easier!

Have fun,relax and be merry !

Thought counts more than a price tag. It’s better to spend time rather than money!

I like to get all of the shopping done early so I’m not out fighting the crowds.

I shop all year for christmas presents. When I buy something for each person on my list I wrap it and put thier name on it. So, by Oct. my christmas shopping and gift wraping are done.

Skip the tree and presents (at least while the kids are young for sure). Saves money, time and hassle.

My tip for the holidays: Always remember the meaning of holidays. Family, Togetherness and Helping the less fortunate.

My tip is to know your audience! I often receive gifts that I could tell came from a certain person, because of the type of gift. I figure if I don’t know the person well, a gift card is always best!

My favorite holiday tip is to buy your wrapping paper and other Christmas supplies after Christmas when they are 50-75% off for the next year. It will definitely save you money and avoid last minute holiday shopping. Great giveaway!

The holidays are a special time for me. For a long time I was away from my daughter and grandson because I was working full time and they lived 8 hrs away. Upon retirement I relocated to be with my loved ones. The holidays are more special because I get to see them everyday. My tip is to spend as much time with your loved ones as you can. Each and every moment is special.It is not the giving of gifts that makes us thankful.. it is the giving of ourselves.

I shop throughout the year when I find “can’t belive it” clearance sales. i hide the gifts at home (easy now while the girls are young) and wrap them a christmas! Also works great with birthday gifts!

My Grandmother handed down the tradition of making cookies. Every year we try new receips as well as making cut our shapes and enjoying a evening of decorating cookies with my chilern and grandchildren. It is great fun and a great mess but brings more joy than one can imagine.

My favorite holiday tip is to pick a Christmas wrapping paper for each family member and wrap all their gifts with it. This saves time as you no longer need to use gift labels since you know who gets which paper. I also enjoy picking the paper for each family member myself and I don’t disclose who gets which paper (I make sure it’s not obvious) so all the gifts under the tree are an even bigger mystery. The kids love trying to figure out whose paper is whose!

Tip: Remember the meaning of the holiday. Family, togetherness and helping the less fortunate.

Shop online and take advantage of free shipping offers to avoid long lines and angry shoppers! Last year we did most of our shopping at Amazon.com and the prices tended to be lower than the brick and mortar stores on most items.

My holiday tip is to Just relax and see the joy and good in everything around you. Just have fun any way you can.

We like to remember the true meaning of Christmas so we have a tradition of hanging one ornament each day from Dec 1-25th with an attribute of God written on it. I have a master list that has scriptural references so we can talk about what each quality means. Examples: Patient, Loving, Omnipotent, etc.

Enjoying the FAMILY is the best tip that comes to my mind.

Bombarded by toys during the holidays?!?! My favorite tip and thing to do is before the christmas holidays: my daughter (2 1/2 years old) and I go through all the toys that she no longer plays with and aren’t age appropriate anymore, clean them and then wrap them and donate them to the local homeless shelter and community house. This is so great because it not only cleans your house out for the new toys but it helps other families and teaches your child what really matters during the holidays….giving and love!! There are always families to adopt for the holidays, so give the gift of love!

I mix up a holiday blend potpourri in an old pot and leave it on the stove. When I want the house to be fragrant with cinnamon “holiday smell” etc I just turn the burner on for a few minutes and the smell goes through the whole house.

We started a new tradition in my family. Each year my siblings and I adopt a local non-profit in our area. Instead of buying gifts for each others kids, each family chooses how much (if any) they are able to donate that year. We have had so much fun deciding which non-profit to adopt, and it’s fun to see what each family comes up with. The kids have learned that giving is just as much fun as receiving. It’s a win-win for everyone. Happy Holidays!

We never wait until the last minute to do our Christmas shopping. This year we have been finished for about two weeks — including all of the wrapping!!

We make Christmas Eve a “just for us” occastion. Family and friends know not to call or come over. We eat dinner in front of the fireplace and everyone gets one gift. This is a way for just me, my hubby and our kids to spend quality holiday time together without the hustle and bustle. We’ve been doing this for years (even before we had kids) and now it is my children’s FAVORITE part of the holiday season!
Happy Holiday!

My holiday tip is to give family the same present. I always bake something like cookies or breads to give to my family. That way I don’t overspend on any person and most of the time it gets used or eaten pretty quickly!

The adults in my family have decided that we really don’t need anything for christmas. So instead of buy each other gifts we bring “white elephant” gifts. This can be anything from a roll of toilet paper to dog treats. You have to wrap them up very nicely. Then we all sit around this big pile of presents. Each person get to roll the dice. If you get a pair then you get to choose a gift. When all the presents are gone, you set a timer for 30 minutes. You continue to roll. This time if you get a pair you get to steal a gift. Each year this is always one or two gifts that everyone wants to steal. The best part is to open the gifts to see what you got. We all have a good laugh & vow to return the gifts to the game next year….

Take the time for some family nights – old movies and popcorn, board games or s’mores made in the microwave.

My daughter-in-law always has my grandkids make something for the rest of the family. So, I return the favor and the kids come over to make something special for Mommy. We work with polymer clay, or acrylic paints, or tie-dye…whatever they want. It gives my d-i-l treasured gifts for the holidays and it give me one on one time with each of the little ones. Now, that’s what I call win-win!

I have a lot of step family instead of my own, what I do is-brush all that aside and pretend that for 1-2 hours we all get along, after that I am free. I do this for my dad.

Make extra cookies to give to friends. Remember, giving is much more fun than receiving and it helps control the calories, too!!

Cook things like casseroles in advance and freeze them. That way, you dont spend all Christmas day in the kitchen, and you have more time to spend with your loved ones.

Be organized – make lists, keep track of what you already brought, and have a to-do list for all the things you need to accomplish. Don’t forget to take time to relax!

One of our greatest Christmas traditions and giving….or our time and talents.
Put others first and you will see that that in the end you are the one that gets the reward!
Merry Christmas!

My tip is to always have plenty of tape, batteries and free time (while the kids are gone) to wrap all of those presents (LOL)!

I try to do all my Christmas shopping on-line with free shipping deals. You can get just as good of deals as in the store. It is too crazy running places in December.

I always work on my Christmas cards the day after Thanksgiving. I send out well over 100 every year, so I get all that done early so I can devote my time to more important things like family & friends!

Don’t overbuy just because it’s on sale!

I try to have all my cookies baked 1 week before Christmas. If I do it 2 weeks before Christmas everyone will eat all the cookies!!!
!!

During the holiday season remember that it’s all about family togetherness and sharing instead of materialistic items. Don’t stress over shopping.

My holiday tip is to relax, enjoy the moment, and don’t stress about what you can’t change. Be happy with the family you have with you…life is too short to not enjoy yourself!

When preparing apples for your holiday pies, set out 3 stations on your counter to keep things tidy and streamlined. 1. Peel apples onto a double layer of Scott’s paper towels. 2. Cut peeled apples on a cutting board, and 3. Place cut apples in large bowl and toss with lemon juice to keep fresh. The core and seeds from the cutting board station can go back onto the paper towels which can then be discarded or composted when finished. This keeps your counters clean!

I try to get all of my decorating, cleaning, shopping, and baking done early so that I am not so rushed Christmas Eve. I want to be able to enjoy the holiday with my family and granddaughters. For me that is stress free.

My best tip is to try to have all of your shopping done before thanksgiving so that you can actually enjoy the holidays without worrying about what you need to do.

i love to watch my 3 & 4 year old grandkids open what santa claus left them.

A holiday tip, huh? I’m just learning the ropes this year on Holiday cooking (Mom usually does it. Thanks, mom) I guess just to always have lots of paper towels and toilet tissue handy around the holidays…..it goes faster than the food!!!!

I like to make a list in early November of all the preparations that need to be done for the season. That way I can get a jump start on things before life gets nuts.

I cook as much food in advance so I won’t be exhausted on the holiday.

Christmas Cards..I can’t give everyone a gift but I send out @ 90 Christmas cards of our 2 boys!!!!

I like to involve my kids in everything, holiday shopping, wrapping gifts, baking, card making, etc. They are 8,5 and 2 which can slow things down but I enjoy their enthusiasm and the time spent together is an extra bonus.

I start cooking several days in advance so I won’t be so tired on Christmas day.

My tip is not to get too stressed out. Take time for yourself. Shop online, avoid crowded malls and stores. Spend quality time with your family instead of fighting the crowds, and most of all, remember the reason for the season.

thanks for sharing

ceashark at aol dot com

by the way, great giveaway

I really think that what gets me thru the holidays is to slow down and remember what is really important and it isn’t all the gifts and decorations or even the parties, but the fact that I have my family, my children, our health and food and a nice warm place to lay our heads at night….that is what is most important!!!

My best holiday sugestion is to take a roll of make your own twist tie ( you can get it at the hardware store) and take the light strands down one at a time making small bunches on each light strand twist tie it together. that way the aren’t tangled and you can plug each bunch in before you hang it the next year to see if there is a burnt out section. fix any bulb then pass it around whatever you are decorating easily and you let out one section at a time.

My tip is to keep a frozen dessert in the freezer for any unexpected guests, and also to buy things on sale throughout the year and keep in your gift closet/shelf/whereever, and then you’ll be prepared if friends come over with a gift for you – you can run upstairs and grab that gift and throw it in a gift bag, and they’ll never know it was unplanned!

Six kids need I say more. Happy holidays are all about sharing.

Since this year will be tight on us financially, I plan to spend much more quality time with my friends and family. I want to do more homemade gifts for everyone, including baking. I look forward to decorating with my husband and kids. Happy Holidays to everyone.

I try to have as many nights as I can where I can just lay on my couch and enjoy Christmas specials while the tree is lit!

During this time of year, I make double batches for dinner. Then freeze or refrigerate 1/2 for an easy meal later when things get crazy.

One gift my kids like is gift certificates. I give them each: 1 day no chores, 1 day no school (we homeschool), 1 day no school and no chores. Also, we have a bunch of people in our family, so one gift is a Netflix subscription. I spend about the same each month as I would for one child and that gets us through the year.

We make all our own ornaments and decorations.
Happy Holidays everyone!

What I think is most important to do about the holidays…is to make sure you and your family enjoy it. Besides worrying about lists, gifts, spending, recipes, cooking, cleaning…and all that good stuff make sure to take the time and enjoy it and to make it enjoyable for you and your loved ones. When going shopping, bond with each other; talk. Don’t make it stressful for yourself or others. Always take make the moment enjoyable.

Use the internet for shopping!

Every year I stress myself out finding the “perfect” gifts for everyone. Well, that has since stopped! For the nieces and nephews, I stay within a certain price range and do not teeter from it. I have them write down 3 things they would like to have and narrow it from there. This works great and saves me more time to focus on what I am going to buy for my own child! And money too!

We focus on all the free or nearly free activities to do during the holidays rather than getting caught up in shopping. Driving to see light displays etc.. are great ways to spend time together and enjoy the holidays for free.

I start baking/cooking in November and freeze everything. With Turkeys being on sale it is nice to buy extra and cook it up at the same and put it in a crockpot and freeze it. It saves me so much time!

shop early so you are not fighting the crowds. It is less stressful

Since I travel a lot with my work, I try to buy small, meaningful gifts (all year long) so that when December gets here, my shopping is done…and family / friends get unique gift items.

Also, now that our 3 children are grown, living away with their own families….we adhere to our tradition of all reuniting at our home for dinner/church on Christmas Eve. Then, our children can visit their in-laws on Christmas day. It’s a tradition everyone likes to keep

Our family no longer has young children, so now on the holidays we don”t exchange gifts anymore. Instead everyone just brings a favorite dish and we just enjoy each others company. This is so much less stressful on all.

We visit one side of the family Christmas and one side gets us to visit for Thanksgiving. That way we are not traveling all the time which is very important when we live a 2 day drive away.

I make lists of the gifts as I buy them so I won’t forget what I’ve bought. If I didn’t write it down, gifts would be hidden in a closet and forgotten. With my lists, I can be sure that I’ve gotten everything wrapped and under the tree.

Just remembering that everyday is special when it comes to family and friends. Makes Christmas even more special and cherished.

Whenever I buy a christmas gift, the first thing I do when I get home is wrap it so it is ready to go and keeps me from buying something else for that person because I already have their gift wrapped!

Don’t wait until Black Friday to start shopping for Christmas. Christmas comes on the same day every year, and it’s less stressful to start shopping earlier in the year!

No matter your age – if you have snow – go out and make a snow angel – you’ll be surprised how it warms your heart and brings smiles…

ditto on a snowman…

I keep a list for gifts of all the people I need. Then, throughout the year, if I see something, I buy it and write it on the list. By the time December rolls around, I usually only have a few things left to buy. It’s very handy! Plus, this way I can shop for the next year at the after-Christmas sales, getting great deals!

My favorite holiday tip. A DVD player in the car is wonderful for those long hours on the road. It keeps the kids entertained and makes the ride much more enjoyable.

My tip for the holiday is take time for the Christmas season and remember the real meaning and don’t let the materials things get you done and depressed, it is not all about gifts. It is about having your family all together.

I shop after Christmas for the next years cards and any other items that I think I might like to decorate with. That way I’m not spending gobs of money and everything gets put away together for the next year.

I wrap gifts as I get them for anyone who lives in the house. That way there is no chance that gifts will be found. (I started this after my boyfriend found his father’s day present in the back of my closet, claiming he was looking for a hanger.)

My husband and I do not buy each other gifts. instead, we put the money we would have used to a good cause. Last year we gave to Compassion International’s fund for pregnant women and small babies. This year we’ll probably give to Compassion International again…but for the fund for not-yet-sponsored children. We really don’t need “one more present” so we want to celebrate the real reason for Christmas!

Getting all the food and gift shooping in advance will allow to have more time to spend with all the family.

My tip is to create fun memories. When my kids were little, I would take them to a dollar store to purchase a special gift for the each grandparent. The decision of what to purchase was totally up to them. My only instructions were they were to pick something that the grandparent would really like.

This present soon became the most anticipated gift of the year. The most memorable gift was a dust pan and wisk broom for Grandpa. My son thought he needed this so he could clean up after himself so Grandma would stop complaining. Many years later, Grandpa still makes a point to use the dust pan when we visit.

something new my daughter and i started two years ago going to the movies together… its been fun

I have taught my children to help others in a way that also clears out room for new toys. Every year after Thanksgiving, we dump out there toy boxes and go through their bookshelves and box it all up for donations.

Something new my daughter and I started was going to the movies together on Christmas day.

I bake a lot of breads like banana bread, pumpkin bread & apple bread. I freeze these then buy baskets from the dollar store and assorted flavored tea bags from the grocer. I make up baskets for last minute gifts if I am dropping by to see someone. It is a welcome gift. You can add other treats too or even a teacup. Happy holidays to all & to all a good night!

THIS IS A AWESOME GIVEAWAY.I like to say just enjoy everyone around you.Because we all have went threw a hard year with gas and everything else costing more.We all just be happy we have our family and friends.I get to enjoy my daughter who will be 11 months in december.Happy Holiday’s Everyone

Get involved in a cookie exchange. You only have to make one kind and end up with a nice assortment.

My holiday tip is to start shopping in september and avoid the chaos. Also sign up for as many freeibes online as possible because they make great stocking stuffers! and it takes a while to get them so stockpile them! I got a great kids dvd in the mail yesterday for free with 30mins of episodes that will go in my sons stocking!

My Holiday tip is to take time to remember the true reason for the season.Don’t forget to be thankful for Christ’s birth and all of your blessings throughout the year.

I just made a comment #131 and it posted my name as jennifer??????? Noelle is my name thanx!and the time was wrong too??

During the holiday season, planning family time is critical. We always set aside a special night close to Christmas where we make hot cocoa and drive around looking at the Christmas lights. It’s a nice way to enjoy each other and the happiness of the season.

A nice warm fireplace.

Now that my husband and I have children, the True meaning of Christmas has become all the more real to us. As Christians, we want our children to desire to give to others like Jesus did rather than receive gifts from others, so we’ve been encouraging them by involving them in helping different charities: donating toys/clothes to a local thrift store, and participating in filling boxes for Operation Christmas Child to help children all over the world. Getting our priorities in order during the holidays hasn’t been easy with all of the commercialism/consumerism around us, but it’s definitely worth it!

My Christmas cards always include the updated birthday pictures of the children so the long distance friends and family can watch the boys grow up since they can’t be here to see them.

My favorite tip is to start shopping early and be on the lookout for good deals for the gifts you want to give.

i spend quite a bit of time at my computer,the screen and the key board collects so much dust.i keep a roll of scott towels and a small squirt bottle of window cleaner on my desk and every few days i will spray the towel and give everything a quick wipe off.it keeps everything nice and clean.

I try to keep the holidays simple and get my shopping done early. The only thing I leave for December is stocking stuffers. That way I can concentrate on the holiday instead of shopping.

I think its important to make a list and stick to it. Often I will find “one more thing” for someone who I don’t need anything for and if I have the list I wwon’t buy it.

Spending time with family is the most important thing. I love spending time making holiday treats with my sisters. Then we can share our baking and have a good variety of treats.

We reuse our gift boxes for several years. You can do this by placing name stickers on the bottom.

I buy paper towels, towlet tissue,shampoo,toothpaste,toothbrushes,and about any household item that I can get a coupon on,then wait for the best sales and buy it up all year.Then at Christmas I make baskets for our familey for gifts. No Christmas rush here… They all Love it.

Ever since my children were small, I began setting the dinner table with Christmas dishes and linens on December 1st. We began with unbreakable Christmas dishes when they were really young and graduated to Lenox china many years ago. The children were always excited to be eating like it was Christmas for every meal. The table being decorated has always been a part of our decorations for my house.

I also want to share a thought for those Moms who have children in college or just living out on their own. My husband and I decided one year to buy household essentials and make “care packages” for both of our children. We bought laundry items, cleaning items, bath soap, toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, and a huge assortment of microwave items, etc. And of course, they were each given a 12 pack of Scott tissue and a large package of Scott towels. We use nothing but Scott in our home. They were absolutely thrilled with receiving the wrapped copy paper boxes filled with the items we had chosen for them and to receive the separately wrapped tissue and paper towels. They told us that they used everything in them and were thankful they didn’t have to go out and buy things themselves.

I posted earlier and it’s been removed by moderator. May I ask why?

Sorry I wrote wrong e-mail. I also had a link to my site . Why did you remove my post? It didn’t say anything bad.

I save paper towel “tubes” to wrap the Christmas tree lights around. It keeps them tangle free!
judy7885[at]gmail[dot]com

Ok I keep getting removed.. Is there a reason?

It’s all about being together as a family. Without our families it’s just not a Holiday.

MY TIP IS DON’T BUY BIG TICKET ITEMS TOO EARLY. I GOT A CAMERA ON SELL FOR $90 IN LATE OCT. OR EARLY NOV. AND THAN IT WAS $60 BLACK FRIDAY. I WAS SO SAD. MERRY CHRISTMAS

We like to do crafts with the pictures from last year’s Christmas cards.

I would say to just enjoy family and friends without stressing out about everything. I’ve found that people really appreciate simplicity and thoughtfulness as opposed to extravagance.

I always pick things up during the year, except clothes because the kids grow so much during the year, and store them until before Thanksgiving and then sort them out and make a list of what else to get them.
Norma Kringle

spend time with family and remember the real reason for christmas is christs birthday! not the presents!

Attach a 1 inch Christmas ribbon around a doorway and tape Christmas cards to it. A great way to display and enjoy all your cards in limited space.

Love the holidays not the stress.Having lots of nephews and nieces I always try to buy all my gifts on sale mostly on black friday no child goes home without a gift.Finances are tight but a little something once a year is appreciated by a child.

Make a coupon book as a present with a variety of kid friendly places to go to for the winter and the rest of the year. Those other season favorite outing places are great for the kids to anticipate and eagerly use up when seasons change. Places like mini-golf, bowling, skating, a treat at a favorite ice cream/water ice shop, One item of your own choosing at a dollar or other discount store(for $5 or less), batting cages, snow tubing at a resort, a day at the park biking or fishing, etc. Use your imagination. The great thing is that the coupons are “free” for you as the parent until you actually do them!

I am a highschool special needs teacher. THis year i would love to save money having paper towels for the kids to clean there desks and classroom. This would help on party situations and birthdays also. I hope u consider us thank you happy holidays.

my favorite holiday tip is being with family cause friends come and go but family is here to stay.

My favorite holiday tip-
Once you use a giftcard, and it has a odd, smallish amount on it, keep it in envelope with other giftcards. Bring the envelope out in november, when you start to do your holiday shopping. I am thrilled to find the department store giftcards to help take the bite out of big purchases.

Shop early, then have fun. Make some holiday crafts with the kids and make homemade cookies with Grandma.

How I would love to win a year’s supply of Scott products! Now, don’t think I’m too cheap, but I have a method that I wouldn’t trade for anything! I have a walk-in closet reserved only for gifts. When I see an item on sale that someone on my list would enjoy, I go ahead and buy it. I also get items free after rebate (tools, computer stuff, toiletries, you name it). I also shop garage sales. You wouldn’t believe the brand new items I find for practically nothing! I’ve bought Bath & Body Works products, games and toys, dishes, cookware, clothing with tags (one item was originally $180 and I got it for $2), picture frames, etc. I buy all my Toys for Tots things at garage sales and I can give so much more than if I had purchased the items at the store. Last year I bought lots of Lee and Healthtex clothing on clearance at the outlet priced from 50 cents to a dollar, knowing that my granddaughter would fit into them this year. I am always on the lookout for a bargain and am always prepared for birthdays, weddings, Christmas, etc. Rarely do I make a special trips to the store just to buy gifts. My husband and I think it’s great not to have to leave the house to shop. I just go upstairs to my closet!

Get everything done early so you can spend more time with your family

My holiday tips are to wake up each day feeling empowered. Give yourself positive affirmations throughout the day. Encourage everyone around you to do the same. You will wreak of happiness and everyone around you will inevitably follow thus providing the necessary ingredients for holiday cheer Love Peace and Joy!!!

On holidays before I get out of bed I name 10 things I am thankful for. It seems everything goes so much better and I don’t get stressed or upset if things don’t go as I think it should!
There are always ups and downs and in’s and out’s but if you can remember the 10 things you are thankful for you’ll feel so much better.
Catherine

Ever year we go and look at christmas lights on christmas eve and just spend the night together have fun. Things get crazy around the holidays and that is the one day that we don’t have anything to do but spend time together as a family. So my tip is no matter how busy the holidays get set time aside for a fun family day.

If you have teens or young adults on your list don’t forget gift cards. I usally pickup giftcards for gas or fast food restaurants. They take the guess work out of shopping for teens & they get something they will actually use.

Every year we grow our own pie pumpkins so that I can make those wonderful pumpkin pies from scratch..crust included. Most people will say that it is a lot of trouble but I don’t think it’s all the difficult at all. Bake the pumpkins just like you would a butternut squash, mash up the pumpkin meat and add the spices and whatever else is needed and I guarantee that you’ll enjoy every bite much more than you would any pie that comes from a can! My family agrees! I make up 4 pies at a time and freeze them for the holidays. Sooo yummy!!

Use as many freebies as you can for christmas giving or stocking stuffers. This year things are very tight, so no shopping this year. So what ever freebies I can round up will be presents this year.

To keep track of gifts, I make a spreadsheet of everyone I need to buy gifts for and what I intend to get them. When I buy the gift, I change the text from black to red and when I finish buying for a person, I change their name to red. This way I know exactly what I have and what I need. I also make a column for how much I have spent on each person so I don’t overspend.

I shop year round for presents (Christmas, birthdays, etc.). I have been able to do very well, and am not hit with a lot to spend around Christmas. I also shop thrift stores and garage sales. Before you start cringing that I give my loved ones crappy used gifts – I find many many items with the tags still on them – brand new – for a fraction of the real price! This saves us a lot of money!

My FAVORITE holiday tip is one that my mom always said and I ignored her, but this year found out it is definetly the way to go… BUY GIFTCARDS!

I play guitar. My youngest son, now 29, also plays guitar. My father plays guitar too. At Christmas, we get out the songbooks and we guitarists accompany the rest of the family in a songfest around the fireplace next to our Christmas tree in our living room. Three generations singing,playing, and enjoying the holidays together

Batteries, Batteries you can never have enough batteries for all of those toys

Keep it simple! Kids don’t need a ton of toys, or even those with batteries.

have a cookie exchange party- you get to try everyones favorites.

I always try and prepare something the night before and set out my clothes and my daughters clothes so that we are not rushed in the mornings of the holidays

Our family tries to keep Christ in Christmas not just during the month of December but all year long. Try to find people in need all year long.

I have a huge family and it is too expensive to buy for everyone. So we have a family Christmas get together in December. We play Chinese Christmas aka Dirty Santa. Each family brings a present per person. We draws numbers. Whomever is #1 starts by picking a present. The next person has a chance to steal that present or open another gift. It is so much fun and last for over an hour.

I buy all of my Christmas decorations the week after Christmas. I ask the sales associates at stores to see if the sales will be getting better in the next few days.

My holiday tip is to set a limit on how much you spend on gifts for each person. Those impusive “this will be just right for _____” really add up. Thanks for the giveaway.

MY FAMILY REALLY ENJOYS A NEW TRADITION THAT I STARTED YEARS AGO: THROUGHOUT THE YEAR I COLLECT USEFUL, THOUGHTFUL FREE THINGS THAT COST VERY LITTLE AND FILL A PRETTY BOX WITH A DOZEN OR SO LITTLE GIFTS LIKE UNUSUAL PENS, STICKEY NOTES, PAPER CLIPS, STICKERS, NOTEPADS, RULERS, MAGNETS, HIGHLIGHTERS, SPONGES, STAMPS, BOOKS, GLUE STICKS, CD CASES, BOOK BAGS, COMPUS, NAIL POLISH, LAPEL PINS, NAIL FILES, MUGS, TEE SHIRTS, MEASURING SPOONS, WATER BOTTLES, CALENDARS, PILL BOXES, PENCILS, VISORS, MINTS, CHAPSTICKS, ETC.

IT’S ALWAYS FUN TO SEE FAMILY MEMBERS ENJOY THEIR BOX OF SMALL TREASURES/SURPRISES.

I try to get shopping and baking done early, so there is more time to spend with family closer to the holidays.

Remember what the holidays are all about….Family. Money maybe tight but you always have family, so stick together!

Stay away from the mall.

Start shopping for gifts many months before Christmas. Focus on families.

My family has a party when we put up the tree and decorate for the holidays to make more memories and we also take pictures afterward of my daughter decorating. We use homeade ornaments. We also use paper from last that is left over to wrap presents if in good condition or a brown bag and decorate with holiday stamps.

when having dinners or get together for the holidays…try to prepare some things or partials of meals ahead of time so your not frazzled and rushed at the last min.

My favorite frugal holiday tradition is buying wrapping paper and decorations AFTER Christmas for the following year. Since my oldest daughter’s birthday is in February, I am able to get some birthday gifts too, at at least half the cost! Merry Christmas everyone!

With all the holiday shopping finally done. I can relax and enjoy some time. This would be a great surprise.

I love to make homemade dry hot coco mix and give it away. It is fun, my kids can help, and it is inexpensive.

I avoid black friday by staying home with my family and putting up the Christmas tree and decorations. We get to spend time together and make lots of memories.

Holiday season is our greatest oppotunities to teach our kids to give and share. So every December, we try to have some service projects. Our kids enjoys them so much. Some simple things can bring much Christmas Spirits to our home, and we enjoy every minutes of it.

I overplan my grocery shopping for our Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. I challenge myself to only go to the grocery store once and get everything i need.

My favorite holiday tip is…
Every year I make a list and check it twice, I set a bugdet for everyone and I start my shopping on “black friday” at 445am!! The best deals are before 10am, I always walk away with great stuff, for a great price!

The holidays are about making memories so my daughters and I get together with my mother and mother inlaw and we spend the day baking and laughing and talking about holidays past and present always making new memories and sharing our best recipes.

I like scotts paper towles becoude they hold up in my house hold messes. thanks scotts……

Start shopping for the ingredients you’ll need for your meals weeks before you’ll make it. Purchase things on sale and save a lot of money by the time you get to the holiday date!

I try to avoid the crowds by shopping online. I also try to keep my eyes open year ’round for gifts for my loved ones (although sometimes it’s hard to save them for the holidays!)

My holiday tip is giving a great gift that will make someone laugh, but still be practical. My husband’s favorite gift to give is a toilet paper wreath. It is always fun to watch him go out buy the supplies, including green wire and ribbon to make his “wreaths.” We are students and have moved to 3 different states in the past 9 years so he has been able to give this gift multiple times. The last time his boss at work sent him a thank you card for such a “lovely and practical gift.” Humor is priceless, don’t forget that during this busy time of year.

I let my husband deal with setting up the tree and outside lights. Some years, we probably wouldn’t have had a tree if it weren’t for him!

I BUY GIFTS THAT PEOPLE NEED INSTEAD OF THINGS THEY WANT NEEDS SHOULD COME FIRST

Enjoy the time you have with your love ones. I do. The holidays brings all family and friends together.

Spend as much time with your family during the Christmas season and learn to appreciate the simple things in life!!

i buy as much as possible online always search for free shipping & order early.

When my boys were little we made a special night close to Christmas where we would watch Christmas videos all evening. We would have hot choclate and popcorn and just enjoy the time together.

I think when it comes to gift wrapping and all the extras that come with this can be rather expensive, so I like to use the white blank side of the Xmas paper that might not have enough left to use for maybe a few gifts or may not be the right size for a box, instead of throwing it away, I use the blank side and let my 4 year old son draw and color pics on that side and use a bow or he drwas a bow and the gift is more personal and saves waste!!

I shop throughout the year. When I see a good deal and I know it is something a person on my list would like, I get it. It helps financially to spread it out and also reduces
the pressure of having to do all of my shopping at one time.

This would be an awesome gift to win! I try to savor all the aspects of everyday of the holiday season . From picking out the tree and gifts to cooking and baking. Try and spend lots of time with the ones you love…This isn’t a dress rehearsal. We need to thank the good lord for every day we have.

I try to get everything done early so that I can have quality time with my family.

Create a holiday budget and stick to it! Remember to include holiday baking costs, gifts, traveling and decorations. If it doesn’t fit in the budget-don’t buy it!

I try to get all my holiday shopping done online so I don’t have to go to the mall.

I love to have Christmas music playing while decorating, and eating candy canes. Plus having hot cocoa on a freezing cold evening. Love the holidays. Also I use apple cinamon air freshiner all over for that Christmasy feeling.

Holiday tip… hhhuuummmm. To avoid cooking at all cost, go to a relative or friends house. This tip is to ensure that all of the other wild kids that you can not control, that you call family, will not destroy your home. Just kidding, my tip is try to be around friends and family as much as possible. Holidays are about family, friends, love, and giving. Happy holidays to everyone… remember to have fun and don’t stress!

My best tip is to keep a “Christmas card list” on your computer. Then you can make any corrections before you print out new labels. It’s quick and easy!

My holiday tip is to keep my gas tank full. I seem to have to do so many errands during the holidays and stopping at a gas station constantly is one less place I have to go.

One of the best things I think you can do over the holidays is to prioritize and always make spending time with family the first priority.

Don’t spend all your time with the “details”. Do what you need to do and then spend time with your kids or family. Make memories, the mess can be cleaned up later.

See adorable holiday outfits in the stores on Dec 26? I buy the cute t-shirts & leggings for my daughters in a size larger for next year at 50 – 75% off, so I don’t get tempted to pay full price for them during the holiday season.

This is a great giveaway..My tip would be to enjoy and be with your family and friends and enjoy the hoildays God Bless Everyone

I ask my kids to send me their wish list in May – so I can bargain shop for their Christmas gifts.

I like to teach my kids about Christmas by making a birthday cake for Jesus and sing happy birthday on Christmas.

Throughout the month of December usually close to Christmas. We spend one whole weekend with my husband’s side of the family for Christmas. And another weekend for my side of the family. We have Christmas day for our family and we get to stay home and enjoy ourselves. We’re not running here and there the whole day!

The best and most worth while tip I can share is to shop AMAZON.com AND make sure you shop for items with FREE SHIPPING. I bought all my Christmas gifts this year through them and spent about $200.00 for 7 kids (plus most kids got more than 1 gift) and never left my house, plus it all shipped for FREE. I love that word! P.S. I even get my food shipped for free from there. *DON’T FORGET TO ADOPT OR RESCUE AN ANIMAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, they need our help too.*

My tip is something that can be used year round. I take any Scott paper towles that are on sale, cut them in half width wize, put each half in a rubbermaid (or tupperware), put a mixture of baby soap and water so that the towles are soaked though. Put the lid on and keep as baby wipes. It is much cheaper that some of the expensive ones and works just as well. Even better since you know what chemicals are in them.

Secondly, I too shop all year round for Christmas gifts. It makes shopping that much easier. Plus you can go and get something when someone expresses a “wish” and they are even more surprised when they open it because you remembered.

Last, I am the queen of lists. I make a list for everything. I even keep a grocery list that is divided up into sections of the store so that I don’t have to back track all the time wasting precious time.

Hope you all enjoy the Holidays with your loved ones!

My holiday hint is to shop online instead of in brick and mortar stores, both to take advantage of sales and to avoid long lines. It helps me maximize my time while also obtaining hot ticket items!

During the holiday season, I try to remember the reason for the season, CHRISTmas. It doesn’t matter the size or cost of the gift…just the love behind it.

I bake alot and make so much homeade candy for the holidays. I like to take one whole day to make all my different cookie doughs up, scoop them on pans, put in freezer til frozen,then put them into marked ziploc bags. When ready for fresh cookies, take out of freezer and bake. Saves much time and cleanup.

A roll of paper towels is always kept tucked hidden nearby for fast clean-up of any spills! This helps to avoid undo embarrassament and ease of cleaning. (Everyone has an accidental spill at some time.) Family and friends are cherished, so make the most of each moment.

who can live without TP?
This year I have bought lots of things online using Ebates and getting money back and free shipping saves me time and gas instead of having to shop, and I have found lots of things online cheaper than I saw them in the store!

This would be great to win. Anybody that has kids would enjoy having this for a year!!

It doesn’t do anyone any good to stress out during the holidays (at least that is what my husband tells me). With a little prep work and planning, our holiday gatherings are a peaceful and enjoyable occasions.

I no longer stress over purchasing gifts for my parents and mom/dad-in-law. As they are aging, they have everything they need and/or want. They tend to purchase it when they want it. So, instead of trying to figure out if there’s anything they want that they haven’t purchased, I get them gift certificates for the local grocery store, the butcher, the movies, restaurants, etcetera. That allows them to buy things they will use that they wouldn’t splurge on for themselves there. Makes it much easier for me, too!

My holiday tip: instead of getting each other expensive gifts this year, my husband and I are sponsoring a Salvation Army angel tree child, to help someone less fortunate than ourselves.

I find it helpful to know what I’m going for before I go shopping and of course….list, list, list! I list everything I need and stick to my list.

Hide! The holiday season is so busy anyway, but we have 5 birthdays & our anniversary in the same time frame. So we’ve declared about a 2 month stretch from Thanksgiving to the middle of January “Family Time”. Everything else we try to keep simple.

I keep a small list in the inside zipper of my purse at all times with the names of who I shop for and keep a running tally of what I have bought for that person throughout the year. This makes it easy and possible to hit the clearance racks when I stumble upon them.

I start my Christmas shopping early in the year. That way, if I see something that I know one of the kids – mine or my nieces/nephews want – would like, I can pick it up on a great deal. I stock them away and then when Christmas shopping season starts, i have a head start.

I have two small children so I wait until Christmas Eve to do most of the wraping. When they wake up Christmas Day, just the look on their faces lets me know they believe in santa.

Every year at Thanksgiving we have a Christmas ornament exchange. This helps up with not only decorating our tree later, but gives us women a break from all the cooking and cleaning up. We laugh about the funny ornaments, and reminisce about the loved ones who are missing from our day.

My favorite tip is to make your own family photo in front of the tree. Saves money and often looks just as good!

My tip is to buy through out the year sales,clearance items get stocked up.Also I save our change I have a jar in the bedroom and when it gets so full I take it and put it in a coffee container that I have hidden.It always seems to amaze me when I turn it in how much was in there.

Great Giveaway – Tip:

I use vinegar and water when my dog has an accident on the rug.
Then use lots of paper towels to soak it up.
Thank you.

I let my kids pick out gifts for family at the Dollar Store. That way, the kids can pick out what they want to get someone, and we don’t spend a lot of money.

I always include my daughter in decorating, baking and things like that so she doesn’t get curious about these later while I’m not looking.

I try to make great holiday memories for the kids by keeping christmas music on instead of the tv it helps me to focus on the more important things.

With times so hard and money so short ,we drew names after dinner on Thanksgiving Day and we will only be purchasing one gift for gift exchange instead of one for each person, and that is going to save a lot of money for everyone!

For Christmas this year, my 10 year old nephew, who has juvenile diabetes, has requested each family member bring a cash donation for the American Diabetes Association in lieu of a gift for him. He warms our hearts with joy during this season.

My teenage daughter and I have made a yearly event of baking cookies to give to our extended
family and friends (there’s so many!!). It
is really a nice personal touch and it gives my
daughter and I our time together in the midst of
all the hustle and bustle of the holidays!

My tip is what I do is do all my Christmas shopping and wrapping before Thansgiving weekend is over so I can enjoy the time baking and being with my family and all the holiday parties.

Evey year we try to help other people out for the holidays. We dont have much money our selfs. But we do what we can by picking a family to help. Even helping the elderly with there christmas decor.

My best holiday tip: Go for homemade gifts! Examples: Cross stitching, dry ingredient jars, paintings, baskets for the movie goer, gardener
Things like this are generally MUCH cheaper than those you would have purchased and mean more to the receiver because the thought can be seen in the gift.

I cut shapes out of old Christmas cards, run toothpicks through them and poke them into a styrofoam ring. They make cute, colorful wreaths. I also like to wrap gifts in reusable items such as cloth, fabric, and mesh bags.

My favorite holiday tip: My husband’s family and my family only purchase gifts for the children in the family. But, we always ensure that we get together for the holiday, recall our childhood Christmas memories, and enjoy our time together.

always keeps a camera charged and at your finger’s reach

i never think it is childish when you a gift and this year with money being low. you can make a calendar for the family- just insert old family picture for the months. how cool is that.

I shop for Christmas all year when I see bargains. Then, I wrap them a few at a time, spaced out over November & December. No last minute rush to do anything is much more relaxing.

Best tip I can think of is that a few years ago, our extended family decided not to draw names and exchange gifts. We do still get something for the kids but not adults. Instead, we each take the money we would have spent on a gift and donate it to a local homeless shelter. Christmas has been so much more enjoyable and a lot less stressful since we started doing this.

I try to make as much food the day before or even two days before the big dinner. Decorating can be a hassel so a lot of family memebers come over to help and we make food together while we work. It is important to always take help when you got it.

My favorite holiday tip is to get the whole family involved. We have a number of family traditions so that everyone is included in holiday planning and we all share the work load.

One thing that works for us is keeping a list in my planner of the people that I need to buy gifts for. Then throughout the year when I pick something up, I jot down what it was. The gift goes into a big tub of gifts. Come holiday season, it’s easy to quickly check the list to see what still needs to be purchased.

I always, always give a gift that the person receiving it will enjoy. So many people give what they like instead of what the receiver would like. That means so much more to a person to know that you went the extra mile to find something you knew would be welcome.

just remember to ENJOY the holidays not stress out

MAking homemade gifts this year, homemade crayons and activity books for the kids and blankets for the adults.

When packing all of your holiday decorations make sure you put the stuff away the right way. Wind up the lights neatly and all bulbs and such in packagges. I know this takes longer but it save so much frustration when you did the stuff out next year!

I buy gifts all year from the clearance racks. And things like socks, chapstick, pet treats, etc. can be used by all, so why not stock up when they are cheap?

I like to always, always have some type of baked good on hand. That way in case anyone unexpectedly stops by with a gift, I have a return gift ready for them. Just add the bow!

I try to get most of my shopping done by the end of Nov. That way I can help others, bake and enjoy the Holidays.
Will need extra TP for Christmas as it will be at our house this year!

I buy my group of girlfriends (4) gift cards to our favorite restaurant. It gives us another reason to all get together and enjoy each other’s company.

Always make your daily to do list.

My holiday tip is to create a list that includes everything from running errands to shopping and to do lists and check them off as you go everyday. Set a goal for yourself to complete at least 5 things on your list. Include baking for the holidays to give out as gifts to neighbors, family and friends. I buy decorative tins and canisters and colorful tissue paper and ribbons and give to co-workers, friends and even ship some off to family.

Hi – my tip for the holiday is to make a “To Do List”. Hit helps in making sure you get everything done that need’s to be done. Check them off as you go.

For Christmas, my family stays home and stays quiet! We have it on our own (no extended family/guests) so we’re not out traveling the roads and being exhausted. I cook cinnamon rolls in the morning and we have a simple dinner in the afternoon. I’ll make something like a ham, some veggies and sweet potatoes. My tip: Keep it simple, lay low and enjoy the quiet time together as family. After all, that is what it’s about! What’s that famous quote? “Don’t sweat the small stuff!”

Take advantage of free holiday events and spend time with your family.

My best holiday tip is that we only purchase one nice gift per person so that the gift giving never gets out of control and we spend our time enjoying each others company with good food and lots of fun (cookie decorating, acting out the Christmas story, caroling) and then relax at home with some hot cocoa and just visit:-)

My best holiday tip; Give a gift from the heart, give a family a night of free babysitting or a free homemade dinner. With the prices causing people to cut back a gift like this will be helpful more than anything.

I say recycle. But the other thing I like to do is check out the 99 cent only store for plain items to make into nicer looking Christmas decorations. You save a bundle!

This would save me so much money as I am a paper towel freak and use about a roll a week! Thanks

Giving a gift from the heart is always a wlcome gift.It can also save on the budget try baking, or even having a cookie swap party.Maybe make your own bath salts, soaps, candles and bubble baths. Just check your local library for books on how to make your own holiday gift like those mentioned above or more. It’s a lot easyer then you might think.

cc

Giving a gift from the heart is always a wlcome gift.It can also save on the budget try baking, or even having a cookie swap party.Maybe make your own bath salts, soaps, candles and bubble baths. Just check your local library for books on how to make your own holiday gift like those mentioned above or more. It’s a lot easyer then you might think.

carmela carpio

My Holiday Tip is that right AFTER the Christmas Holiday, make sure that you go to your favorite store & stock up with wrapping, bows, cards, etc. for the upcoming year. Usually you can find GREAT deals on these items PLUS save money. Also, the week following Chrismas, when things aren’t so hectic, I make up my NEW calendar by imputting all drs. appts., special occasions, etc. Saves time & keeps you on track.

Try to keep holidays in perspective. It helps me not to get upset when things go wrong…which they will.

My tip is for holiday shopping is to shop all year around as the sales become available so that when the holiday come around your shopping is done and you have more time for family gatherings… less stressful!!

For the Christmas gift exchange with my family, we each buy a $25 gift card. Then we draw numbers and take turns picking a card. So everyone breaks even.

My tip is that I shop all year long, catching things on sale, like after Christmas and then when the next Christmas rolls around I have a majority of my shopping done!!!

I like to make coupons for my kids- free day without chores, pick your favorites for dinner, etc.- they are fun, inexpensive and can be tailored to the individual.

During the holidays, I always try and bake a little extra. This way I have presents for unexpected guests. That way no ones feels left out. It is a nice way to welcome people into your house as well. Also remember to take a little me time each day. Even if its just a few minutes for a cup of coco or tea.

When I start to get overwhelmed during the holidays, I take a moment out, listen to a good traditional Christmas song like O Holy Night, breathe and remember what the real reason for this holiday season is, Baby Jesus. Then I can face the hustle and bustle again. That’s my tip. Merry Christmas Everybody!

I love to take the freebies I have gotten throughout the year & put them in gift baskets & given them as gists to my family members! The are suprised at all the great gift, & i save a pretty penny!

Try to enjoy the season for it’s true meaning, the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s easy to get wound up into the commercial side of Christmas and forget about the true meaning It’s hard to do but worth the effort.

It is very important to our family that we teach our children the gift of giving to others. After Thanksgiving we talk about all the families that are going through hard times and how thankful and blessed we are with the things we have. We dump all my children’s toys in the middle of the room and sort through them.(the kids help) We pick 2 toys up one we keep the other we donate. We end up with a huge bag to give to a local shelter, we still have plenty for our kids and we get to see how proud they are that they helped someone have a better Christmas.

I have recently discovered how great it is to make my own Christmas cards on Shutterfly. I can take pics of my kids in a relaxed atmosphere (home) & then pick and choose the ones I want to include at my own leisure. Plus it saves a lot of money versus having professional portraits done.

I make sure that I enjoy all of the activities. Sometimes we overload ourselves, but it’s always fun to look back on all of the memories that were made. I know that my kids love to get together with family and look forward to it each year.

I buy gifts all year for Christmas so when the holidays are here I can really enjoy the season and not have to stress.

I use gmail so it’s easier to weed out spam. I also love their online calendar so I can check my schedule anytime just by getting online. Both are time savers for me & I don’t miss important events on my calendar!

I use gift bags whenever i can to save my sanity!

I reuse past years holiday cards to make package tags. Simply use hand held hole punch, tie a pretty ribbon through and attach to the package. Everyone thinks they are so special and unique.

Plan ahead and put more thought into Christmas! I am so tired of not planning every year.. that this year I have actually purchased gifts before Christmas Eve. I am already planning for Christmas Day. I think this really helps eliminate chaos and bad moods!!!!! lol And this year.. my gifts are more on the creative side.

Tara
cloudspassby78 (at) yahoo (dot) com

Our family adopts another family to share the holidays with. It’s a great way for us to share with someone less fortunate.

My holiday tip is to enjoy the time together with friends and family. Don’t take family and friends for granted.

I always try to be prepared so when the holiday rolls around, I have that extra time to sit and drink hot chocolate after playing outside in the snow with the kids. I like to make and freeze cookie dough and other items- big help. And spending time with our parents is a huge must year round- but especially during the holidays!

I like to give presents to my neighbors this time of year…so my son and I usually make some cute decorations to give out. Putting the year they were made on it makes for fun when we look back over the past 4 years. So fun to read the other comments posted!

We like to bake cookies as a family. Then make a plate for our neibors. That way we have family time and a service project in one. It is a great way to meet new neigbors.

My husband and I have four sets of parents between the two of us (divorced then remarried), so we try to be fair and rotate where we spend Christmas morning each year. It satisfies our parents and allows for a bit of spontaneity each year.

I buy little stocking stuffers all year long & have a box I keep them in.

Spending time together as a family is always important.

I do all my shopping throughout the year. I have a closet where I store away the gifts. Sometimes, my Christmas shopping is finished before July. It takes off a lot of stress. Thanks for this giveaway opportunity.

For me the Holidays are about spending time with your family… so get that christmas shopping done well before thanksgiving then there is not the stress of money and making sure you can find the perfect gift for your family you will be done and able to enjoy the holiday season stress free

Every Christmas holiday I start baking goodies the first week of December and bake or make at least two items a week. If we get together with all of our friends then I fix little baggies with goodiesin them & give to our friends.

My advice, is to try not to get caught up in the stress of buy, buy, buy. Sit back and remember the true meaning of Christmas, enjoy time with friends & family. Sit back and watch the joy on children’s faces. If you can reach out to those in need. Taste the home baked goodies & not worry about a diet! Just simply enjoy the blessings we have been given.

My hoilday tip is for those people who always go out of there way for holiday gifts for others and seem to always forget about themselves. Holidays can be stress full if you have a lot on your mind. But from time to time you need to relax and buy a little something for yourself just so your not forgotten and it will also make you feel good. This giveaway is one less thing on my mind especially with the hard times around us. Thanks for this giveaway i’m sure it will help the family who wins this.

I make a list of everyone I need to buy for then I set a budget. I try to start my shopping early to avoid crowds and long lines. Also as I buy the gifts I wrap them so I won’t be up all night Christmas Eve trying to wrap them all. Christmas is a time for togetherness and should be stress free.

I plant the seeds from fruit I eat during the year, and then plant the baby trees in cute pots for christmas. Who can resist a cute baby lime tree? and it was praticly free!!!

I like to make sure our holidays are memorable and fun for our three children.

I take my cards from the previous year that I have saved, cut the fronts off of them and attach them to blank cards and give them out. Another tip is to add a photo from Christmas of my family or friend or my dog and I and send them to family and friends. A nice “family” touch that always lends a smile to those who receive them. The local “dollar store” is full of blank cards for only $1.00 and some times I can get them 2 for $1.00.
Renee

THe most important time of Christmas is to remember to set a side time for yourself. Just time to let God know how thankful you are for the reason for this time of year and every good thing in your life!

Christmas gifts are not stressfull anymore! I shop all year round – when I find something affordable I think someone may like for Christmas I get it. I am usually done with my shopping by October anf I can relax knowing I don´t have to face stores full of people desperate trying to get their gifts.

I write and address one Christmas card a day, starting around Thanksgiving – keep it simple and take it slow and easy!

I have a breakfast dish that i make every Christmas morning and my kids just love it and look forward to that dish every year. For some reason i dont make it any other time or day. just only on Christmas morning.

I try to get things done as early as possible and let the kids help with the baking. They LOVE it and it has become a fun tradtion.

I bake an free several kinds of holiday cookies, so I have them on hand all December.

Starting a few weeks before Christmas, I bake a batch or two of cookies when I have the time. I then freeze each batch. When we attend holiday parties, give gifts or visitors are arrive, I just pull out a few of each variety & an instant instant dessert or gift.

I let my kids help me decorate- especially the Christmas tree. They have fun looking at all of the ornaments. It’s a special time together.

My favorite “tip” would be to spend time with those you love. Not just at Christmas, but through the whole year. Time goes by way to fast.

Make time to gather the kids and enjoy some classic claymation like Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman.

What a wonderful giveaway. My family buy small little gifts usually under $1.oo and we wrap all of these and put them in each family members stockings. My family enjoys this more than the actual Christmas presents that we open after the stockings.

My favorite tip is to remember the reason for the season is Christ, not gifts. Another tip, on a lighter note, I like to cut the fronts off of Christmas cards and run twine or ribbon through a punched hole and hang them on the Christmas tree. Merry Christmas everyone!

We try not to stress out during the holidays and show our kids that it is nice to give and not so much receiving. Thanks !

After losing the love of my life 3 months ago and struggling through my first pregnancy my holiday tip is to cherish the time with loved ones and make it about family and helping those in need, not about expensive gifts. Make it meaningful, every year do one more thing for someone in need during the holiday season.

Stay organized! Last year I finally broke down and spent a few hours dividing all my holiday items and grouping like items together.
I bought enough storage tubs for everything. As I put things away I wrote each item on a piece of masking tape and taped it to the side.

Now I know exactly what I have and what’s in each bin. If I run out of something I can remove that piece of tape instead of crossing things out on the tub itself. This year’s decorating and taking down is going to go so much more smoothly than past years!

Favorite holiday tip – I keep a schedule through Outlook with my husband. It helps keep us on track about what we have planned.

My holiday tip is to remember the ‘reason for the season’, which is Christ! Most of us shop and receive all year long, so I try not to focus on gifts and spending a lot of money… instead I look forward to spending time with family, seeing friends that I haven’t seen in a long time, cuddling with my husband and children, listening to Christmas music, doing for others/giving back – volunteering or adopting a family, and cooking dishes with wonderful aromas.

Drink lots of water. The holidays are stressful no matter how amazing you are and your body needs the fluids to re-energize. It’s not fun to go to all the planning only to be sick by the time the family arrives. Stay hydrated and stay happy this holiday season!

Enjoy time at home making new family traditions with your kids. Playing outside, driving around with hot chocolate to see Christmas lights, or watching Christmas movies on TV are all cheap ideas that mean a lot to kids.

I make a couple of easy, freezable appetizers and leave them in the freezer until the day before a holiday event (since there are always a ton of parties). Once I thaw the appetizer, I am ready to go…no last minute trips to the grocery store!

I organize a cookie exchange using e-vite, this really helps get a variety of cookies & my baking complete while still getting time to visit with friends.

I like to have all of the shopping done so that I don’t fret over getting everything in time. It is already such a busy time of year, why make it more stressful?

As soon as you buy a gift–go ahead and wrap it………that way you forget what’s in there & the recipient will, of course, not know! Surprise for both of you! hahaha

My Favorite Holiday tip is to wrap as you purchase, if you are sure about what you bought. Wrap, ribbon, tag then and if need be you can post-it name them if you really have to. But if you post-it them, more chance of peekers seeing. Once they are wrapped they are out of you hair and the task is smaller.

Also for children, we like them to open thier biggest present last, so you can number the gifts so each child opens in the order you want. Also if you bought matching gifts for both kids then they will open at the same time. Also no arguments between siblings about amount :O)

My sister and I make my mom a photo album every Christmas with pictures from the last year. It is very inexpensive and a gift that she always treasures. Each year we look back at the previous years albums and share memories as a family.

I make a list of everything I want to buy. We also take our family out to eat so we can spend time together.

I keep wrapping paper, scissors, tape, gift bags, and bows/ribbons together in one clear plastic container. It’s easy for my husband to find what he needs and quicker for both of us.

For gift giving at Christmas, we save for it all year long so there is not one big expense at the end of the year. I set a budget from the beginning inlcuding who we are going to buy for and how much we are going to spend. I usually budget a little extra to buy for those people that come into your life later during the year.

For Christmas cards I get the 4×6 picture of our family and cut out of green construction paper a cross shape. I then print the words Merry going down the cross and Christmas across it. I then fold all four ends around the picture, so it looks like a bow.

Because things have been rather tight for us for the last several years, I try to find as many free holiday activities to do as possible. Then I schedule one every weekend so we can do something fun as a family but not break the bank.

Write and sign cards during travel time – especially on an airplane for wasted time use.

I think the most important thing during the holidays is to remember people. Sometimes we get so caught up in doing things FOR people, we forget that sometimes people just need a little love! Sometimes spending time with someone can mean more than buying a gift for them.

My children are grown now, but when they were younger we had 12 days of Christmas. (This all started because of the “When do we get to open presents?” and the “Can we open just 1 present early?”) We started on Dec. 14 with a very small, inexpensive gift (usually from the Dollar Tree). Each day they got to open 1 gift and each day after, the gift got a little larger in size and price. We ended up with them opening their “big gift” on Christmas morning. This gave them something to look forward to each day and it kept the stress down for me with them not begging to “open a present early”. Many times if their “big gift” had several things that went with it, as long as the smaller gift would not give the biggie away we would give that as one of the 12 days. This also made it easier to throw in the new jeans or something like that because they didn’t mind getting that as a gift quite as bad as they did on Christmas morning. They looked forward to the 12 days of Christmas every year and tell their own children about it now. However, they don’t do 12 Days of Christmas at their own homes but their children are not big enough to beg constantly yet!

My holiday tip would be….enjoy every smile, every laugh, every minute with the ones you love.

Save some money there is no need to purchase expensive Christmas cards you can get wonderful cards at your local dollar store.

I use the roll from the paper towels and or toilet paper for wrapping odd and ends strings around, ribbon, rubber bands, or place cords inside…..

My holiday tip is make a batch of different cookies/candies on the weekends in Dec. and freeze them so around Christmas you’ll have a varity and not be baking those last couple of days before Christmas!

My tip would be to get all the holiday baking out of the way. I usually make all my sugar cookies and other goodies a few weeks early and then freeze them for later. I also try to get my shopping Christmas shopping done before the end of November, that way I’m not pressed for time and running around at the last minute.

I take one day and mix all different kinds of cookie doughs. I use my cookie scoop and place dough on trays, freeze, then place 2 dozen frozen cookies in marked freezer bags. Bake cookies as needed. NO more mess. My teenage boys love it when they get in freezer and bake a batch a cookies when needed. Great to send some to college with them. Enjoy!

Simplify! It’s so easy to get caught in doing and not enjoying. I want my kids to have memories of our family being together, not just running.

We take each child to the Salvation Army angel tree and they each pick a child their same age. My children use their allowance to buy the gift! On Christmas morning we take a moment when opening our gifts and say a prayer for the child whom we sent an angel gift to. Usually, Santa brings my child a duplicate of what they picked out for the angel tree gift. So my children know to pick something GOOD!

my holiday tip is to cherish the time you spend together, watch charlie brown and cuddle.
mommy2skie@yahoo.com

Take pictures and/or video! I sometimes get so caught up in the moment that I forget. It’s always fun to look back on those memories later. Also…make some of your ornaments. I’m now 32 and still hang the stained glass ones I made in the oven as a child on the tree. Always brings back memories.

My best holiday tip is to be OK with saying No… whether it’s yet-another-gift-or-cookie exchange, a party, another family event- we make the decision before the season what events and gifts we’re going to try to tackle, and say No to anything extra. The season is hectic enough as it is!

Wow – sneaking this one in under the wire!!

Favorite holiday tip? Take the 10 minutes it takes to wrap fake garland and Christmas lights along the front porch railing. It makes me happy to pull in our driveway, and it really isn’t that much work.

Create a homemade advent calendar for your kiddos with different cheap (but memorable) holiday activities to do with them throughout the month of December while counting down to Christmas. Keeps everybody in the spirit and is a lot of fun.

Holiday Tip…………. Plan ahead. Make lists. Lists of everything. Have a leftover party to get rid of all the leftovers. (That works fabulously by the way.)

Hugs,
Melinda

Have a big Christmas Eve party and tell everyone to wear their favorite Christmas jammies, we have a huge sleepover with family and while that’s not practical for all families it sure is fun to go somewhere in jammies and have a good excuse to do it!

Make food that can be given as gifts. Over the years we’ve given chai mix, muffin mix, homemade vanilla, egg nog and preserves. Something like vanilla is easy to make and people use it throughout the year, remembering your gesture.

My favorite holiday tip is to focus on family time. Take the time to make memories and enjoy the time before the kids grow up!

For over 80 years, my mother and grandmother had always put up a nativity scene at home. During the late 50’s I remember the Posada coming to our house at 3 a.m. or so on Christmas morning. All the partipants, came sang carols to Baby Jesus, exchanged small gifts, and enjoyed visiting with the family. Now many years laters, I open my home to family and anyone else who wants to take part, for a visitation to the same Baby Jesus, and enjoy time spent with family and friends. I still have the words to the old songs that were used way back when.

The tos and froms on our Christmas packages are saved from the previous year’s Christmas cards. This tip wouldn’t work if you like to save your cards and see who sent you which card. But we enjoy keeping only the fronts of cards to use for our “freebie” tos and froms!

When our girls were young, we would call 5 or 6 nursing homes in the area and ask for a list of residents that would not have any visitors that year for Christmas. We would take snuggly Christmas socks and mittens (purchased after Christmas the year before) and put hand cream or cologne in them (most of them donated by friends & family). The girls would get all dressed up on Christmas Eve with frilly dresses and bows in their hair and we would deliver the gifts and visit. It was AWESOME! One year the head nurse at a facility just grabbed me and broke down in tears.
You do have to talk to your children about what to expect and that this was a time to give hugs and let people hold their hands and talk about whatever they wanted to. This may not seem like a tip, but try it; it will change your Christmas’s forever. Crazy shopping, overpriced gifts, running around, elaborate meals, parties, and plays, none of those matters as much anymore. Family matters. Others matter.

One of my favorite things on my Christmas tree are my dried orange slices ornaments. They are very cheap & easy to make & add so much color to the tree. Plus they really look beautiful when the tree lights shine through them.

I like to make a list and then mark things off as I go. If I don’t have a list, I just start to feel overwhelmed and I also end up overbuying. I write down what I want to buy for each of the people on my list and what things I need to make. It helps me to feel less overwhelmed to see things getting checked off and making progress.

My best tip is to plan early so you have lots of time to enjoy the season and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas!

My best holiday tip is to keep it simple! If you can keep from getting all wrapped up in the Christmas gift-shopping-doing hype you can really focus on having a great time together and renewing yourselves…plus consider what the season is truly about!

It seems the holiday season just flies by especially with the chaos that little kids bring (they bring sweetness to don’t get me wrong). Something in the last couple of years that I do that’s helped me relax some and enjoy the holidays is starting around the middle of November I start listening to Christmas music. And I have it on most of the day and evening including in the background when we eat dinner, play, read, etc. It seems to calm everyone and just helps us slow down and take it all in it seems.
Happy Holidays!

WOW! CHRISTMAS TIME IS ALWAYS A BUSY TIME OF THE YEAR! THE BEST THING I COULD SAY IS PLAN, AND KNOW WHAT THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS IS, AND SPEND TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

In our large family, each child has his gifts wrapped his own paper. They get a sample of their paper pinned to their stocking so they know which presents are theirs. No more writing all those nametags from “Santa’.

need this.

We live in a cold climate and it’s hard to get lots of lights on the outside of our house before there’s snow. Instead, we’ve taken to putting Christmas trees in our front windows, including one in our two story entry way. You can see the lights from the street and we enjoy the lights too. Also, there’s less lights so we’re reducing our energy bills. An extra bonus is that we have to clean out the upper ledge of all the dust to put up the tree.
Happy Holidays!

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If you want to avoid the rush and crowds, shop online. Use Live.com to get cashback and use coupons to get the maximum discount. Additionally, use points from your credit cards to give gifts. This will save you the maximum in this economic downturn.

my best tip is just to make sure that you spend them time to focus on family and being together.

My best tip is to begin Christmas shopping in October with Canadian Thanksgiving (Columbus Day in the US) and finish with American Thanksgiving. That way you are not scrambling at the end in the crowds and chaos!

Also, keep a list of your favorite baking items, actually write it down so that you have a starting place each year!

I try to have all my Christmas shopping done by Thanksgiving so that I can relax and enjoy the rest of the holiday time with my family and don’t have to fight the craziness at malls and stores or stress that ordered things won’t arrive in time.

Thanks for the chance to enter!

This may be a bit weird, but I have never allowed my children to ask for Christmas gifts. I know then well enough to know what they truly do want, and what they enjoy. That way they aren’t expecting anything in particular… everything is just a good surprise. After all, Christmas isn’t about what we get, it’s about what we can give to others.

Best thing I do , have a garage sale in the summer, get rid of all old toys and save that money for all the new ones for X-Mas. That is the best thing to do, always look for sales, start shopping early, but mostly spend every special time you can with your love ones, We never know when it will be the last time we see each other. Lots of love for the holidays.And seeing the children smile and excited for the holidyas when openening the gifts no matter what it is, now that to me is priceless!!!

We give plates of Christmas Candy each year. We must get close to a dozen plates of cookies each Christmas and there is no way to eat all of them before they go stale. Candy lasts so much longer (and always gets eaten first). Everyone asks when the chocolate goodie plates are being delivered. I’ve even taught a class at church. So easy and fun!