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Budgeting over Christmas
Christmas is one of everybody's favourite times of year, but it
can also be one of the most expensive. Most people want it to be
a special and happy time, and are willing to pay for the little
luxuries that make Christmas what it is, but they...
Christmas Lights Aren't Just For Christmas Anymore!
Who says that Christmas lights are just for Christmas trees? In fact, why should they be limited to just one month of the year? Renowned designers across the globe are using miniature white lights-traditionally used only for Christmas time-to create...
Christmas Matters
Every year I vow to make Christmas easier, simpler - less stressful.
Have I ever? One year I tried forgetting Christmas here in the UK and spent it in the Canary Islands. It was quite extraordinary really. Christmas day was spent around the...
Christmas shopping online might or might not be for everyone. This article shows how doing it online, enhances your overall Christmas experience!
Christmas shopping online is not for you? If you are one of those that share this thought, you probably like to enjoy the atmosphere of physical shopping. Doing your Christmas shopping online despite all its convenience, lack the festive mood....
How to Survive & Thrive the Lead Up to Christmas
Hi there Hasn't time flown? Only seven weeks to Christmas! So
how does it feel to know that another year has gone by? Have you
taken control of your life or has life taken control of you?
To help you get a grip on Christmas I've prepared a...
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Schreiber, Johansson Build A 'Bridge' To A Classic
Liev Schreiber and Scarlett Johansson are starring in a widely praised revival of Arthur Miller's <em>A View From The Bridge</em>. They tell reporter Jeff Lunden that as in all great tragedies, this one's clashes and catastrophes have something of the inevitable about them.
Stargazing At The Opera
The Hayden Planetarium in New York takes opera to the moon with a new production of <em>Il Mondo Della Luna.</em> Diane Paulus and Philip Bussmann talk about merging cosmos footage with music, how science can enhance the arts and the future of technology and theater.
Obama 'The Musical' Opens In Germany
A new theater production <em>Hope: The Obama Musical Story</em> opened this week in Frankfurt, Germany. It tells the story, in song and dance, of America's first black president. It is likely to be a big success in a country where President Obama is still immensely popular.
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Become Organized This Christmas
For most of us, we are so busy living our lives that we forget
just how quickly Christmas is upon us.
Here is a list of 6 simple strategies to help you be organized
this Christmas and enjoy the festive season.
1. Take the time to plan ahead this Christmas. Set aside a
morning in the last week of November or first week in December.
Get yourself a cup of coffee a notepad and pen. Take the phone
off the hook, organize the children so you aren't interrupted
and take half an hour to make lists for the following:
(a) Gift giving (b) Christmas Cards (c) Christmas Decorating
2. First let's deal with the Card List Now that you have written
out the Christmas card list, when you shop next buy the required
amount of Christmas cards.
The following day divide your list into say 5, and then over the
next 5 days write out your Christmas cards until the list is
complete. In the last week of November post out your cards.
3. The Gift Giving List This project is a little bigger than the
last, however if you are organized it can be fun and done in a
couple of weeks.
Sit down and go through the list of people you will be giving or
sending a gift to this year. If you have family or friends who
will need their gifts sent through the mail then they need to be
put at the top of the list as you will want to take care of
their presents first. (Aim to post their presents within the
next two weeks)
If you have been buying gifts throughout the year go through the
gifts and assign them to the appropriate people on your list.
(Shopping for Christmas at sale time is an excellent idea as it
makes the burden a lot easier and also helps with the family
budget).
Take a look again at your list, no doubt you have whittled away
a few of those names. If you have presents that haven't been
assigned in the Christmas gift box leave these in case you have
forgotten someone or a friend drops around, then you have
something to give to them.
For the remaining names I break these into smaller lists.
Presents that need to be purchased and presents that I can make.
I personally think that giving a present made by you is
something special. Now before you say... I can't make anything
have you thought about a "gift basket" or "gifts in a jar". They
are very easy and simple to make; they look fantastic and are
always well received by the
R&B Artist Kem Returns With Melodies Unspoken
The chart-topper is back on the scene after a lengthy hiatus that left fans anxiously awaiting his return. The singer and self-taught musician, who recently visited NPR studios and performed songs from his new album <em>Intimacy</em>, talks candidly with host Michel Martin.
CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS--Manufacturing Memories
What are your favorite memories of the holidays as a child? More than likely those memories include family traditions from, the day you choose to decorate your tree, to the kinds of food you eat at the holidays. Remember that you and your husband...
recipient.
4. With list in hand - Go Shopping This can be as easy as going
to your favorite website and ordering your presents so they are
delivered to your door. Otherwise, head off to your local
shopping mall and buy only those presents that you have on your
list.
If you have decided to make your own gift baskets here are a few
simple and easy suggestions.
For a family gift make a nice Christmas-themed cookie jar. Fill
it with Christmas candy or cookies! Every year when the family
gets out the Christmas cookie jar, they will think of you!
Grandparents love to receive anything that grandchildren make.
Do a video of the children, include a bath time, them reading or
playing at school. A few minutes taken over a month or two will
make an interesting video. How about a collage of photos of the
grandchildren!. The children can help with this project.
A coffee cup filled with a coffee blend, some chocolate and DVD.
How about a pampering gift basket for mom or your sister?
5. Wrapping
A time saving tip...when you return from shopping, wrap and
label as many gifts as you can and store them away until the
"big day".
Presents that are being posted, need to be wrapped and posted
ASAP.
6. Christmas Decorations
Personally I hate dragging the decorations out each year and
putting up the tree. But the look on my son's face when the
house and tree have been decorated is worth the effort.
Each year when you are putting away the decorations, make sure
they are working. If not, throw them out - don't pack broken or
unwanted items. I add an item to the tree each year for my young
son. This allows us to reminisce about what has happened over
the last year and spend some quality family time together.
Put aside an afternoon and make a decoration with your children
it doesn't have to be expensive. I have little boxes under the
tree that have their hand prints and a special message.
Lastly enjoy Christmas. With a little bit of planning, everyone
can participate in wrapping presents, giving the presents and
mostly, enjoying the family time together.
About the author:
About the Author - Donna Hamer is the author and publisher of
101 Themed Gift Basket Ideas. For a Free 5 part Mini Course on
how to create your own "Gift Baskets" visit
http://www.101giftbasketideas.com
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