Wooden ornaments you can buy in the craft stores make perfect gift tags, and they are fun to paint while watching Christmas movies on TV.

All you’ll need:

• Unfinished wooden ornaments
• Acrylic craft paint
• Small paint brushes
• Water
• Paper towels

Simply paint the ornaments as you wish, let them dry, use a Sharpie to write the name of the giftees on them and tape them to the front of Christmas packages. Be sure to rinse off your brush well and tap it dry on paper towels, every time you want to use a new color. You can get creative and use metallic paints, glitter or whatever else works for you. What is great about these is that the ornaments will be used for years to come, and the recipients will think about you every time they put your hand-painted ornament on their Christmas trees.

10 things that I don’t love during the holiday season:

1. Hearing that horrible song on the radio, “Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time.”
2. Selfish people who put their shopping carts in empty parking spaces so I cannot park there.
3. Shoppers who walk across the parking lot on a diagonal, while looking down at their cell phones, in front of cars and assuming they will never get hit.
4. Accidentally burning gingerbread men cookies in the oven that took a long time to roll out and cut out.
5. Post office lines out the door, only one clerk at the counter and patrons without senses of humor.
6. Hideous wreaths and baskets with cheap plastic greenery and fake pine cones.
7. Batteries not included.
8. Christmas lights that have partial sections burn out that I cannot get to work again no matter what I do.
9. “Some” assembly required.
10. People who ask me, “What time is Midnight Mass?”

Over the years I’ve made my share of mistakes when it comes to shopping for Christmas. I think I’ve got it down pat now. Here’s what I’ve learned:

http://www.cksinfo.com

1. Communicate. If you are on a tight budget, explain to your friends and extended family members that you prefer not to exchange gifts his year. Another option is a gift exchange where each person buys only one gift for one family member, rather than buying for every member of your extended family. There is nothing wrong with this! What IS wrong is buying gifts you cannot afford, out of obligation.
2. Get creative. If you have lost your job or are really strapped this year for another reason, that does not mean you cannot have a wonderful Christmas. Get creative and celebrate economically.
3. Inquire first. Ask those you plan to buy for (including small children), what they really want. That way they won’t be disappointed, and you won’t be tearing your hair out trying to find something perfect. You can get one or two small surprise gifts, but in general, make sure the recipient will use and enjoy what you are buying.
4. Set limitations. Tell your kids they will not get everything on their list, and be open about your budget or gift limitations.
5. Zig when everyone else zags. Go shopping during off hours to limit your stress levels. There are deals every single day of the holiday season.
6. Shop at home. There are so many amazing options online for gifts. Many websites offer free or budget shipping. If you order from only one or two websites, you’ll save a lot on shipping.
7. Beware of shady deals. Two-for-One deals can be wonderful, but make sure prices have not been elevated before you buy. If the price of two for one is not a big savings, don’t buy it.
8. Think before you buy.  Now that I am a much more cautious shopper, I always ask myself these questions: 1) Do I really like this? 2) Can recipient really use this? 3) Is this made well? 4) Will this be in my donation pile in a year or less?
9. Avoid featured holiday gift shelves. You know what these are – those sections of a department store that showcases a bunch of junky low-quality gifts like cheap jewelry or electronics, etc. These are a waste of money and will not last. Don’t buy just to buy.
10. Track all costs. If you are on a budget, add up the cost of the gifts, taxes, shipping, batteries, warranties, etc. It all adds up.
11. Capitalize on leftovers. Buy gift wrap, bows and ribbons after the holidays are over. You are going to need it all next year, so why not buy it for up to 90% off?
12. Attitude is everything. Getting excited about the holidays is a bigger part of the fun than the material aspects. Planning out your meals and activities with your entire family will add to your most memorable moments of the holidays.
13. Spread the joy. If you can afford to, adopt a needy family for the holidays. This does not mean you have to spend hundreds of dollars on gifts. You can buy a turkey for their dinner, or a few small gifts for the children. This is the best way to put the holidays into perspective and show your kids how important it is to give.

Read my review on Good Reads with Ronna of The Littlest Evergreen by author/illustrator Henry Cole. It is a darling children’s book and is a perfect gift for the little person in your life!

Clockwise from from top left – Apple, Chocolate Pecan, Pumpkin and Lemon Meringue!

Here’s our GIGANTIC spider made from garbage bags and newspaper!

Southern fried chicken, cole slaw, ranch mashed potatoes and buttermilk biscuits

Peach Blueberry Crumble!