Cole Carson asked:


There’s something inherently magical about the Christmas season. – We’re all more patient, more loving, and a bit more aware and thankful of all the blessings that we’re surrounded by. So it should really come as no surprise to anyone that the holiday season is the one where families and loved ones spend the most time together. With all the Christmas baking and decorating, this time spent together isn’t just for holiday parties! – There is something magical about growing up with wonderful holiday traditions, and so here we’re going to talk about five things you can do to not only boost your holiday spirit, but leave your child with some of the most amazing Christmas season memories.

1. Anyone who’s done Christmas shopping in the past is sure to have seen those small, 2-3 foot tall Christmas trees they sell. They’re cheap and small enough for easy storage, and a perfect way to spruce up a child’s room. Buy one for your kid, and spend some time finding ornaments and decorations that fit their interests together! Does your daughter love pink? Go out with her and look for some pretty pink ornaments and lights, or just buy up one of those pink trees! Or maybe your son loves football. – You’re sure to be able to find football ornaments! Decorating one of those mini trees with your kid is a great way to bond in the Christmas season.

2. Christmas cookies are probably one of the most common holiday traditions. – Who doesn’t bake up cookies to give away to friends and family? Inviting your kids to help you bake holiday treats is a great way to spend time together! You can also decorate some pretty tins with your child to put cookies into that they can give to teachers or friends! So get the Christmas music playing and start baking those treats!

3. Christmas crafts are another great thing to do with your children. – Making ornaments or holiday themed decorations to place around the house can be very fun and make all the things you decorate with all the more special. A day spent decorating your house not only makes the Christmas decorating easier on everyone, but a far more enjoyable experience than doing it alone.

4. A lesser-known tradition that my family loves is the *** gifts. My family is quite large, but it can be done with any number of people. Here’s how it works: soon after Thanksgiving, have everyone write their name on small pieces of paper. Jumble the names in a hat, and have everyone draw out a name, making sure that no one gets their own name. The name a person draws is the person they have to buy a goofy, funny, or embarrassing *** gift for. You can choose if everyone should know who has drawn whom, or if you want to keep it a secret until Christmas Eve, when the gifts are specially delivered and opened! It’s a lot of fun, and is a great activity that can have a lot of thought put into it!

5. Planning Christmas themed activity nights with your family is also a great way to bring everyone together. Whip up some hot chocolate, eggnog, or hot cider and some snacks, and pull up a collection of Christmas movies to watch. Or you could plan a Christmas carol karaoke night! There are plenty of fun things you can do with your family, and planning these little mini parties is a great way to bond and create some fun holiday memories.

It’s so unfortunate that many of us spend so much effort doing the things that create stress around the holidays, when with just a little bit of time and energy we can do the things that really make Christmas special and bring our families closer together. This is a time of loving, kindness, and fun. This season opens itself up for endless ways to enjoy it, and no matter what your interests are you can find a great activity that you enjoy. For children, these are some of the most magical, memorable moments they’ll ever remember, and all of these wonderful traditions will only make them that much more special.



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Gen Wright asked:


Have you ever heard those familiar words, “I’m bored,” coming from the mouth of your child? If so, then kid crafts are the answer. Providing the kids with plenty of interesting craft materials and project ideas and boredom will soon be a thing of the past. In here I will outline a few ideas and their instructions to keep little fingers busy throughout the Holidays.

I?m sure you already know that you need to have plenty of the basic essential on hand like paper, crayons, safe scissors, and glue. Paper for kid crafts can include construction paper, plain typing paper, cardstock of various colors, and many other options. Make sure you start saving magazines and even junk mail can be cut up to make interesting art projects. Crayons are nice for younger children, but the stores are now filled with other options, such as washable dry-erase markers, watercolor pencils, and gel pens. Kid crafts supplies can run into money, but even on a tight budget there are many affordable craft materials for kids.

Other materials kids can craft with include recycled junk and found objects. By recycled junk, I’m referring to things lying around the house and empty packaging like plastic containers, and even tin cans. If you let kids craft with tin cans, however, you need to make sure the open edge of the can doesn’t have any sharp edges. Simply file these off or squeeze them flat with a pair of pliers.

Found objects include dry leaves, pebbles, feathers and other natural items a child might find. You can also recycle old or damaged toys to make interesting gifts for the family. Even a colourful jigsaw that lost the box so has no guide picture anymore can be used for the pieces to be glued to a paper circle to make a decorative wreath for Christmas. Glue on some extra decorations or holly scraps and it will be a welcome gift for other family members.

One of the most fun and popular kid crafts is making a collage. Kids can glue together all kinds of paper products and objects when making a collage. Use heavy paper for the background, and then let the creativity begin! For an extra challenge, a collage can be built around a theme, like food, animals, or babies. Old magazines can be searched for just the right pictures, which can be cut out and glued to the background. Older kids can also cut out interesting words and headlines and add them as well.

You can also use this idea to make your own jigsaws for toddlers. Glue an attractive picture from the magazine onto some firm cardboard, and then just cut it into irregular large shapes for your little kids to re-assemble.

Younger kid crafts can include collages made of glued down pasta, beans, popsicle sticks, leaves, and many other materials. And make sure you remember the sparkles. If the budget allows only a few kid crafts splurges, remember that kids of all ages, particularly girls, really enjoy crafting artwork that includes *glitter* But whether your kids are boys or girls, young or older, suggest some kid crafts the next time your kids are bored!

Bead and Pipe Cleaner Ornaments

Christmas objects made from ordinary pipe cleaners and inexpensive acrylic beads are very pretty and easy to make. They look quite impressive but only needs a basic level of skill for small children to make. This is one Christmas craft idea to use again and again. Older people will enjoy making this Christmas craft, too, which can be varied to make a number of different sparkling ornaments for your Christmas tree.

To make the bead and pipe cleaner ornaments, you need craft supply pipe cleaners in desired colors and acrylic beads. Two types of beads are particularly effective when strung on pipe cleaners. One type are called sunburst beads, but are also known as paddlewheel beads, snowflake beads, or starburst beads. These beads have six faceted paddles spaced equally around a center that contains the hole for stringing. When several of these sunburst beads are strung consecutively, they fit against each other in an interlocking pattern.

The other type of bead that is also effective for this Christmas craft is called the tri bead or propeller bead. It has three rounded bumps arranged around the stringing hole. Like the sunburst beads, the tri beads interlock when strung consecutively. For the most cheerful and bright Christmas ornaments, get tri beads and/or sunburst beads in translucent colors of red, green, and clear. The tri beads can also be found in metallic gold and silver which can be used in this Christmas craft as well.

Pipe cleaners can be found in silver and gold tinsel as well as chenille of all colors. For Christmas crafts, the best colors to use are the metallics and Christmas colors. The beads cover the pipe cleaners, but the ends will need to be twisted together and made into hangers, so they show.

Anyone, even small children, can string these beads on pipe cleaners. Bend up the end of the pipe cleaner so the beads don’t fall off. The pipe cleaner works like a needle, making a needle unnecessary. For best results, show the children how to use a variety of bead styles and colours when stringing, or start a pattern of three colors. When the beads are strung on the pipe cleaners, they can be bent into different Christmas shapes.

For instance, string red and clear beads alternately, then bend down one end of the pipe cleaner for a candy cane shape. Or alternate red and green beads and form a circle for a wreath. Use red pipe cleaner to form a small bow to decorate the wreath. Form a hanger for the Christmas craft or simply slip the circle over a branch of the tree.

If you experiment with clear beads and silver pipe cleaners, you can make some very attractive snowflake or star ornaments. Snowflake designs can be twisted of silver pipe cleaner only, without the beads for a simple but pretty decoration.

Bead and pipe cleaner ornaments are a Christmas craft you will find yourself using every year. Children and their parents will both appreciate this simple yet pretty Christmas craft.

Craft Idea for a Group: Make a Mural

If you are minding the kids for the rest of the family on some of the key holiday, it is helpful to come up with group games and activities to suit the tastes of all involved, for a wide range of ages and of course interesting for both girls and boys. Most craft ideas are geared to individuals, whether kids or adults. Sometimes you’d like to have a craft idea that works for a group of kids working together. Making a mural together is an idea that works for a group. By working together, you are creating something to decorate a shared area.

Individual crafts can be displayed, but one unique item is often more effective than a group of items that are almost identical. In addition, sometimes kids crafts, like it or not, just become clutter when they are taken home, and it isn’t long before Mom throws it out. This craft idea of making a group mural can be displayed for several weeks and will not become clutter in anyone’s home.

The basic materials for a kids’ group mural is freezer paper. Freezer paper is about 18 inches wide, and it is very tough. One side is plastic coated. That is the side that is designed to be placed against the food. You will have better luck drawing on and gluing things onto the other side. Class or group murals can feature a number of different design elements.

You can mix up some finger paint and let the children make finger streaks on the paper. You can let them scour old cast-off magazines and color catalogs for pictures they like and let them cut the pictures out and glue them on. They can add scribbles, designs, signatures, slogans, or pictures using markers, crayons, or gel pens. They can attach stickers to the mural as well. This craft idea is very flexible!

For making the mural, choose a theme that relates to the whole group in some way. If the group are girl scouts, for instance, and have been learning to camp, the mural can feature pictures of items related to camping. If you’ve been learning about dinosaurs, you can use them as a theme.

Little preschoolers will like making a mural with an animal theme. You should probably find and cut out animal magazine pictures to start with, and then let the children choose the ones they like for gluing down.

The children can also use animal cookie cutters dipped in finger paint to stamp animals on the mural, too. You may need to tape the paper to the table so it doesn’t slide around while the children work.

Again, the craft idea is to build group solidarity and not to highlight one artist’s skills over another. When the mural is completed, it can be a group project to display it. It can be hung in a special central location or given to an appreciated community leader or family member.



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kaydee Grant asked:


As the holiday season draws near, you’re sure to be busy making your list and checking it twice.  Between balancing your budget with your children’s wish lists, battling the shopping malls for the best bargains, planning family gatherings, decking the halls, preparing holiday meals, gift wrapping, and more, it’s easy to see how Christmas can come and go without the time to slow down, take a breath, and enjoy the holiday season with your family.  

If you’re looking for ways to stop and smell the gingerbread this year while creating some precious memories that can last a lifetime, here are a few simple and fun holiday activities that will ensure your entire family has a holly jolly Christmas!

“Remember that Carol” is a simple game that both kids and adults will enjoy as they go from person to person each taking turns announcing a Christmas carol that they remember and singing a verse from it.  A great game to entertain your children at home or to pass time on the road while traveling for the holidays, it will have your family making beautiful music together in no time! 

Christmas Charades is fun for the whole family!  Just have everyone write out 2 or 3 common holiday-themed items, characters, or decorations, etc. on small pieces of paper.  Fold them all up and place them in a bowl, and then take turns drawing out one at a time and acting them out for all to guess.

Holiday bedtime stories.  Dedicate 5 minutes each night throughout the month of December to read your child a bedtime Christmas story book.  Let your little ones take turns picking out which book you will read each night.  You can let your children choose one or two new Christmas books each year to add to their collection. 

Christmas Gift Hunt.  If you like to open a gift early on Christmas Eve, or hunt for presents on Christmas day, you can create a memorable fun way for your children to receive their gifts by making a simple Christmas holiday hunt.  You’ll need to prepare ahead and hide a trail of simple holiday clues that when solved will lead your child from one clue to the next until they ultimately reach and uncover where their “treasured” Christmas gift has been stashed away.  If you don’t have time to make your own clues, inexpensive pre-made print ‘n’ play Christmas hunts are available online for both children and adults at Treasure-Adventure.com.  Simply download, print, and play instantly! 

Deck the halls!  Make holiday decorating a group effort.  Take time to work with your children to make a few simple personalized holiday projects that can be displayed in your home or be given as memorable and unique gifts to friends and family such as painting ceramic angels or holiday candles, making ornaments or homemade candy canes, coloring and cutting out Christmas designs and applying them to windows, stockings, sleds, and other traditional holiday decor, or making a wreath together with everyone contributing.  There is an endless array of Christmas craft kits you might take advantage of or just grab your construction paper, glue, scissors, glitter, garland, and crayons, and make your own holiday decorations. Your kids will love this family craft time and beam with pride as they get to show off their special creations to holiday visitors.

Finally, make Christmas eve all about family time.  Turn off the TV and video games, turn on the Christmas tree lights, and play an old-fashioned family game or just come together as a family to talk and enjoy each other’s company. 

It takes only a little time and creativity to bring your loved ones together around a few special holiday activities and make your own Christmas traditions and lasting family memories of the joyous holiday season together.



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Laura Seymour asked:


Searching for the top 10 Christmas gifts for teens in 2009? Gifts that are cool, hip and happening are the types of gifts that are more likely to be a hit with them than anything that you just pick off a supermarket shelf. The latter might get a grunt of thanks, while the former will have them whooping with joy!

All teens like to keep up with the times. You’ve got teens these days sporting iphones, ipods, gps-enabled gadgets and playing with their Wii consoles, Playstations and Xboxes as a matter of course. The more new-fangled the gizmo or the more current the gift item is, the more they seem to love it.

So when go shopping for gifts for teens just it run by this 3 point filter – Is it cool? Is it the latest? Is it something you think they’ll enjoy/get some use out of? Here are ten of the best gift ideas for teens that pass the 3 point filter system. Any teen will absolutely go ga-a over these gifts -

1) Game -Table Topics – Conversation Topics Game – Teen Edition

Do you know any teenager who doesn’t spend hours on the phone gabbing with their pals? This is a fabulous games for teens that they can play with their friends or even with their family. It really sparks off quirky conversations, hilarious revelations as well as meaningful discussions at any get together be it party, roadtrip or family gathering. Teenagers love playing this game since they get to learn things they never knew about their closest friends or family members.

2) Pack – Classic Big Student Backpack

Teens are going to be too cool for school with this uber-hot backpack that is large enough to easily hold all their textbooks and their assorted doodads. It even comes with a headphone cord port.

3) Video Games – Ratchet & Clank Future: A ***** In Time

‘A ***** In Time’ has to be one of the most awesome video games of 2009. Teens will have a whale of a time taking Ratchet & Clank on a comedic romp through the universe. Thoroughly entertaining, this game will engage them in hours of interactive fun play while they hurtle through the puzzle-ridden gamespace.

4) Books – Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations

This is my top favorite gift amongst all the top 10 Christmas gifts for teens in 2009. This fascinating book has been written by teens for teens and encourages them to live up to their full potential and resist cultural lies that hold them back. The authors charge teenagers to lay the foundation of a brighter future by mapping out techniques for them to more powerfully respond to personal and social changes. Humorous, insightful and potentially life altering, this book will equip any teen with the outlook they need to live a miraculous life.

5) Gaming chair – Pyramat S1500W Wireless Sound Rocker

Teenagers who live and breathe games will worship you if you get them the Pyramat gaming chair for Christmas. It takes any gaming experience to the next level with its powerful built-in speakers and wireless audio transmissions. It is a sturdy gaming chair that is extremely comfortable and will last for a long time.

6) Music – My World

Released by 15 year-old soul-singing phenomenon Justin Bieber, ‘My World’ is one of the latest albums that teens love. Just sings about ‘puppy love’, ‘growing up’ and motivates his teen audience to strive for their goals. Great album!

7) Jewelry -2 Piece Yin Yang Friendship Pewter Pendant Necklace

The exotic Yin Yang pendant is a unisex pendant that is composed of two pieces that can either be worn together or given to a friend to share with. Made from fine crafted pewter, this detailed piece has a shiny silvery finish and comes ready to wear with jewelry black rope necklaces

Gift Pack- Popcorn for a Movie Gift Set

For those kids who enjoy their movies, the ‘PopCorn for a movie’ gift is a real treat. It contains lots of gourmet popcorn with radical popcorn seasonings.

9) Transport – Razor E100 Electric Scooter

The Razor E100 is one electric scooter that will have teens cruising around the neighborhood in ultimate style. It is the perfect gizmo for teens on-the-go who want to make a quick trip to their friend’s house or head on to the park. Your teen will be able to go fast enough to have fun, but not fast enough to endanger others or themselves on the sidewalk.

10) Camcorder – JVC PICSIO GC-FM1A HD Camcorder

This camcorder is a dream come true for anyone! It is so small that you can carry it in your pocket. Teens will adore this gift, since it is very easy to operate and they can directly upload all their videos onto Youtube.

These are just some of the top 10 Christmas Gifts For teens in 2009 that I personally adore.



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Stephen Baird asked:


Have you or your family fallen in to what can be described as a Christmas rut?  Turning to the same old and almost obligatory standard gift giving habits year in and year out?  It sounds like you may need to revive the festive spirit of the holidays with a new Christmas tradition that your family can call its own.  Here is how it works.

The sooner you introduce something new and uplifting to you and your family’s Christmas festivities, the happier and more fulfilled you and they will be.  It goes without saying, that for most Christmas revelers, the tendency to fall in to a predictable pattern of celebrating the same Christmas traditions each and every year is very commonplace.  Of course there is nothing wrong with that.  But what if you were able to bring a newer kind of smile to your family faces by being able to get them involved in something they can look forward to each Christmas holiday season? 

Here is just a small list of new Christmas traditions to consider:

Choose a new Christmas time only recipe that they family will love.  Of course, the first year you try this is the test.  If you do not get consensus on the popularity of the dish, just try another one.  Now, you have to stick to the tradition by not making it any other time of the year other than Christmas.  You promise? Have your kids pick out a very special ornament each year.  It will mean more to them when they look at the tree as each year passes to see ornaments from years past and what it meant to them.  If you have crafty kids, even better than picking out a store bought ornament would be to give them the tools to make hand crafted ornaments or hand painted ornaments.  This can be done quite inexpensively as well. Another possibility for an ornament theme is to start a tradition of handing down some of your ornaments each year to your grown children.  Perhaps they are out on their own for the first time and cannot afford to put a lot of money in to tree trimming.  So, why not help them out and bring back wonderful holiday memories for them at the same time? Get your children involved in outdoor home decorating and lighting.  Be careful when it comes to electricity, but letting one, both, or all of them flip the switch that turns on the Christmas lights can be quite a thrill.

See, when you give it a little thought, it is quite easy to come up with some great ideas for a new family Christmas tradition that you all can enjoy.

Merry Christmas!



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Marshall Crum asked:


Christmas gift baskets are a great idea when you’re looking for something fast and easy. You can get baskets filled with almost anything. Do the people on your gift list like food, wine, cheese or chocolate. You can find a basket for that.

You can make a basket be all about a person’s passion, profession or favorite sport. Baskets can come filled with anything from school supplies to golf balls. Gift baskets can be suitable gifts for any occasion.

Take some of the burden off your Christmas shopping by giving a gift that will please everyone on your shopping list. Gift baskets are a great way to show someone you care about them and cut down on the search time for the perfect gift.

There are some things to consider when choosing a gift basket.

1. If it is a holiday or special occasion, pick a themed basket. Sometimes you can find the perfect basket that is based on a theme, such as fall colors and corn for thanksgiving or pine cones and boughs for Christmas. Baskets can be regional or have a sports theme or be centered around a favorite food.

2. Pick something the recipient will like and enjoy. This seems obvious since we try to pay attention to what peoples like and dislike when we choose gifts. Baskets can be about anything. You can give a basket filled with bath items, craft supplies, car washing supplies, fruit or food. A basket does not always have to be filled with food. Your imagination is the only limiting factor.

3. For something unique, build your own basket. Most gift baskets pre-assembled, but you can find some “build your own” baskets on-line and in some stores. It is easy and more personal to build a gift basket with items you know please your gift recipient. The gift doesn’t always have to be in a basket. You could use a flower pot, a bird house or even a bucket and make a super nice gift for someone special.

If you want your gift basket to be remembered, there are some things to be careful about.

1. Don’t give baskets containing things the recipient is allergic to. Don’t give a basket that contains milk to a person who is lactose intolerant or nuts to someone with peanut allergies. Meat is a bad idea for vegetarians. While it’s the thought that counts, you don’t want your holiday gift baskets remembered for inappropriate items. The insensitivity or the trip to the hospital will be remembered long after the rest of the stuff is gone.

2. Kids don’t like some things for Christmas. DVDs or toys in a basket is a good idea for kids, but socks, shirts and other clothing won’t be appreciated. This is another item that will not be remembered fondly

3. Generic baskets or multi-themed baskets are impersonal. While they may be okay for some holidays, they don’t require a lot of thought. If your friend or relative actually likes the baskets you buy at the local mall, then that’s fine. Otherwise, you need to put some effort into it. Find out what the recipient actually likes, and build a basket around that. It shows you care about what they like and enjoy.

Gift baskets are something you can’t go wrong with as Christmas presents. Everybody likes them. Surprise your friend or family member with a basket full of little things they love. It is actually easier to go this way than to spend a lot of time trying to find the best possible gift.

Specialty gift baskets can be bought online and delivered directly to your recipient’s door full of the items you requested. Shop when you want to and think of the time you will save by not standing in the endless holiday lines at the post office.



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Jameson Meer asked:


Hopefully, the provided collection of gift ideas, Christmas Crafts, and even fun recipes can help you find the exact item you are searching for so that you can have much time to accomplish some of your priorities during Christmas season.

Here are the Christmas Craft Ideas from the Royalty Free Images:

Great Gifts to make- Christmas will be merrier if you have many gifts for everyone. Make it simple but elegant. Books or journals about making gifts- this compilation of books contain good ideas for everyone to make their tasks easier. Creative wrapping of gifts- Best thing to use for your gift wrappers are the used papers or any thing that can be used to wrap your gifts. This can save you more money and can even make your surroundings spacious. Christmas Gallery of Cards- take time to browse the photos and compile them. Insert them in your cards to make the cards livelier and more meaningful. Cookies or candies in your jar- make some patterns and decorative wraps on the candies and put some notes on the cookies for the people who love to eat these kinds of food. Free gift tags- print out free gift tags for Christmas Season. Free Santa Claus Craft- Try the fun crafts of Santa and put them outside your house or in front of your door for your visitors and neighbors to see. Recycling Christmas Decors- Find other ways on how to recycle your past Christmas decors.

Browse the collections of the holiday resources such as the:

Christmas Songs- browse and search for songs that you will be playing for the season Christmas. Christmas Customs and History- Check out some ways that can be still practiced during the Christmas time. Christmas Recipes- Learn more about cooking by browsing new recipes. Christmas wreaths- Make this a must in your home to make the holiday more meaningful to you and to everyone. Display Christmas Cards- think of great ways on how you will decorate the received cards. Making angels- there are many ways to do this item and find more ideas to make it beautiful. Nativity Crafts- celebrate having this craft. Santa and his reindeer crafts- Make your rooftop the visited one of Santa together with his reindeers. Christmas Games- print some games that can be used for fun on Christmas and then enjoy playing them with everyone. Snow crafts- in some countries, snow doesn’t exist so these crafts can help them signify the season by having it for once in their home. Reminder Crafts- Post reminders on the door and any side of your house to remind people of the upcoming holiday.

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Devin asked:


I will use clear lights, but am willing to add a few others. I need to know the perfect theme for my tree. Something very traditional. Some deep wholesome color! This will be used for my tree next year. I figured I would ask now since we are all in the holiday spirit! Merry Christmas Everyone!

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Davinos Greeno asked:


Christmas tree

• Rather than buying a real tree thats been cut down, transported and then thrown away, purchase a large potted plant or small tree that can be used each year as your evergreen Christmas tree.

• You could always purchase an artificial tree that can be reused for many years, these range from 10 pounds to over 100 pounds. Ours actually looks real!

• If you buy a real tree, pay the Woodland Trust or a different organization to plant one in its place!

Christmas Decorations

• If you have evergreen shrubs and trees – to make sure you have an annual supply of eco-friendly Christmas decorations why not do some of your pruning just before Christmas and use the choice bits for inside? If you have not got any evergreens but have a garden ask for some of these plants as Christmas presents. They may take a few years to grow but then all you will need to do is harvest in December and be as creative as you like.

• Make a homemade wreath using branches trimmed from your garden or somebody elses.

• Purchase handmade decor made from recycled or eco-friendly materials. If possible by Fair trade as well, as they are a great way to support the disadvantaged. While some of these crafts may not be from recycled materials they provide much needed income to needy individuals.

• Ivy is good to drape around pictures, windows and the base of Christmas trees, it will hide the wires of the tree lights. There is as far as I know no substitute for electric fairy lights but as they last for years and use very little power, their impact is relatively low and they do look great.

• One of the advantages of using natural decorations is that after Christmas they do not need to go in the bin they can enter your normal garden waste on the compost heap.

Christmas tree ornaments

• Make homemade ornaments from (painted) pinecones, painted eggshells, crushed (colored) aluminum foil, paper chains, paper snowflakes, old CDs and more!

• Decorate a doll as an angel.

• Do an online search for recycled or homemade tree ornaments for numerous ideas or purchase these recycled or eco-friendly tree ornaments if you cant be bothered to make them.

Gifts

• Buy a subscription to an organisation working to make the world a better place such as the RSPB, RSPCA or Oxfam.

• If you are buying a present that uses batteries make sure the person you are buying it for has a battery charger and buy rechargeable batteries.

• Buy a homemade present, bird table, compost bin. Chocolate cakes often go down very well!

Gift wrap

• Collect extra photocopies or no longer needed papers from work for your children to draw on the back.

• Use colored pictures from your childrens colouring books.

• Use leftover pieces of fabric or wallpaper.

• Use recycled paper.

• Put the gift inside another gift such as a decorative tin, nice wooden box etc.

• Use gift wrap, gift bags and gift boxes, ribbon and bows from last Christmas or previous celebrations. Leave the tags blank on the gifts you are giving so that they can be reused.

Greeting cards & gift tags

• Send an e-card.

• Make a greeting card or tag from scrap paper, fabric or wallpaper.

• Make cards or tags from pieces of food box.

Packing material

• Use saved packing material such as foam or bubble wrap.

• Crush up newspaper into loose balls. This is cheap, quick and lightweight! This is our preferred method for box filler.

After the New Year

• Find out where you can recycle your real Christmas tree or Christmas cards, local councils and supermarkets are a good place to start. They will turn your trees into mulch for use in parks and public gardens.

• Use any wrapping paper that is no longer reusable for shelf liners or craft projects.

• Save boxes, gift bags, wrapping, filler, ribbons and bows for future gift wrapping or craft projects. Give them away to friends, neighbours etc if you have too many to keep.



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