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Written by Ilona
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 It is summertime as I write this, and how often do we think of Christmas in the dog days of summer? Not often. Unless, you are a crafter who likes to prepare homemade gifts or an organizational maven who is shopping smart all through the year for people on the gift list. So, it is actually a very savvy consideration, while soaking up sun and sipping lemonade, to start thinking about Christmas. Every year I vow to get my Christmas shopping done without the frantic, mindless buying that can come about when you wait until December (preferably with a light snowfall to "get in the mood").
But with all the online help, tips, and shopping opportunities, does that make sense anymore? So I am now an advocate of using the more relaxed attitudes of summer to leisurely plan a cozy Christmas. Join me? I've reopened the site for the year, and in the spirit of this new and smarter approach to creating a loving family Christmas, I'll update with tips to plan and create holiday peace and joy. Maybe this will be the best Christmas yet. |
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Written by Ilona
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Creatives for Christmas
There are so many creative people and the internet is a wonderful showcase for so many of them. If you would like some inspiring celebration and decorating ideas, take some time to look over these highlights. While on Flickr I started making galleries of all the beautiful and fun ideas represented in the pictures there. One blog that is creating posts for the season is Stephanie Levy's "Studio With a View". She likes to use non traditional things in an artistic way. I found her via Flickr, and love her photos and original ideas. She also will point you to many others who are just as creative, from recipes to decorating and art. Be sure to check out an Advent Gallery on Flickr, too. |
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 02 December 2009 11:37 |
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Written by Ilona
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Consumer Reports lets the buyer beware with better info. This year they list five "gotchas" that could be the Grinch in your holiday plans. Don't let Grinch steal your joy this Christmas, check out the full article, "5 Gotchas". It will tell you about: - Hidden debit-card fees
- Phony sales
- Unnecessary warranties
- Gift-card charges
- Return fees
...and what you can do to avoid the traps. |
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Written by Ilona
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 I wanted the readers who visit here to be able to take advantage of some discounts in some of my favorite stores, so they can save money this Christmas season. I'll try to keep adding to this post to keep it up to date and then have it linked so that coupon codes, etc. are readily available. This is the only post that will hold these discounts, although short terms ones may have their own posts.
If it is something that enhances your life, let me know and I will try to make it a regular feature on the site. I'm all for simplifying Christmas shopping. I want to give gifts, but not be paying for it for half the next year. I also don't like running around the stores like a madwoman during Christmas time. It detracts from the peace and joy... which is not at all what gift giving should be like. So online shopping, and discounts are a welcome help, in my own opinion. I am alerted to these discounts because I have become an affiliate of these businesses. They are all brands that I have come to trust and because I love their products it made sense to become affiliated for the times I recommend them on my site! If you use my links it will go towards my account. Ultimately it results in more site goodness for you, as I then can support this site. Win, win! |
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 25 November 2009 13:52 |
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Written by Candlelighter
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Last year, Amanda did a roundup of many Advent Calender ideas. Filled with photos and links, it is sure to get your creative juices flowing. Advent is one of the best ways to "put Christ back into Christmas", since it gets your attention regularly and makes devotional time fun for the kids. Some of us make it a daily habit to read the Bible and pray, but many of us find that time difficult to fit in. Advent gives a new start on centering thoughts around what is really important in one of the most hectic seasons of the year. And an advent calender that reminds you every day of something important about God's promises is one of the traditions I like best during the Christmas celebration time. Check out Amanda's Best Advent Calenders EVER |
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Last Updated on Sunday, 01 November 2009 12:48 |
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Written by Ilona
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Christmas in Ash Cave December 12, 2009 5 – 7 PM Step away from the hectic holiday season and come bundled for the weather while enjoying a lighted stroll back to Ash Cave. Once you arrive at the cave warm with refreshments by an open fire. Listen to or join with our carolers, have the kids visit with an old fashion Santa or help to decorate our Christmas tree for wildlife. I found that information and if the weather permits, this would be a wonderful holiday outing. The trail isn't too demanding and the Ash Cave is quite large and sheltered. If you like the great outdoors, this may just be the way for you to celebrate Christmas in a special way. More about such events, and maps |
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