Save the tissue paper

Christmas is over and I hope you haven't thrown out all the wrapping paper and tissue from the gifts. You can iron the tissue paper on a medium setting and use it again. And again. It will have a few wrinkles but no one will notice once it's crumpled into another gift bag.

Merry Christmas!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a sign is given and the government shall be upon His shoulders and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Yes, you can decorate windows with paint

If you add a teaspoon of dish soap to acrylic paint, you can decorate your windows and mirrors for the holidays. Draw big snowmen or other decorations. It will wash right off when you're ready for it to. No greasy smears like the snow in a can leaves.

Gift presentation is everything!

Are you thinking about making candy and cookies for gifts? Don't just put them in a box or Christmas tin, though. Wrap them individually with plastic wrap or wax paper, put some tissue in the container, add a few sprigs of greenery or a hand made Christmas ornament. Write a fancy note that says "Hand made especially for you" or something similar. Make it special.

Free (Almost) Holiday Chain

You know all those brightly colored Christmas catalogs that you look through and then never order from? Put them to use. Cut strips 4 inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide from the brightest colors. Fold a third of each edge in on each strip. This will help make the chain sturdier, but if you have lots of heavier paper you can just cut the strips a half inch wide instead. Make a chain from these strips by making circles of each one and inserting... you know how to do that. Fasten with tacky glue or staples.

Tip: Cut the strips from pages that have the best colors, but don't worry so much what the pictures are of. You won't notice that once the chain is made.

You can adjust the size to suit yourself and your tree, windows or other decorations.

Knitted stocking stuffers for babies

Just a few ideas: Soft ball (There are patterns for this on the internet.) Pair of socks (Lots of free patterns for baby socks on the internet) Pair of mittens (Simple shape with no thumbs. Cast on enough stitches to go around baby's wrist, rib for an inch or so, then work even until you're within a half inch of the length of the hand. Decrease 4 stitches evenly over the next few rows, then draw the yarn through remaining stitches and fasten securely. Hat (Again, lots of free patterns for this.) Small sock monkey or other small toy (There are lots of free patterns on the 'net.) Bib (Basically a square with strings on two corners). Blocks (knit 6 blocks the same size and sew them together, stuffing them as you go.