..using things that only cost a few cents to make
the holidays more enjoyable, makes good sense.
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Even children can make a nice smelling accent for
the holidays.
Oranges
Whole cloves
Cloves are pushed through the skin of the whole
orange, at intervals. You can pierce the skin before
inserting cloves, to avoid breaking the cloves.
Lemons or apples can be used instead of oranges.
The smell is heavenly, they last a long time,
simply getting more dry & shrinking as the fruit
dries.
I place mine out of sight, behind something. Until
these day, I put them in glass dishes, so they can't
mar furniture surfaces.
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Thrift stores have the greatest variety of items,
this time of year. I love to find fancy glass plates,
dishes, or Christmas ornaments. These can be
cleaned/sterilized & regifted. Who wouldn't like a
pile of fresh cookies on a beautiful Christmas plate.
Matching the gift to the person's hobby or likes,
is especially fun. A golf cup, with a bag of candy,
or in a basket with hot chocolate, flavored coffees, &
such can be a unique & delightful gift.
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Draft dodgers are great for holding in heat &
keeping out cold. Instead of an old blanket, kicked
in front of the door, I comb fabric departments of
stores for: "after Christmas" sales, & buy Christmas
fabric printed for draft dodgers. During the year I
make & stuff my Christmas themed draft dodgers. Then
adding velcro, (to the door, & corresponding velcro to
the draft dodger) keeps the draft dodger where it
belongs. It looks pretty, & keeps things warm.
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We get more company at Christmas, than the rest of
the year, so I put out a plate of individually wrapped
cakes, in a prominent place. Guests are free to help
themselves, or I'll offer them a hot drink, & we can
sit a moment & chat & enjoy a peaceful moment in the
rush of the season. People seem to really like that.
Having a glass full of individually wrapped candy
canes on the same table, invites guest to have
peppermint in their drink, or to take one for the
road. Since peppermint can be calming to the tummy,
it's a nice addition to a Christmas table of treats.
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When I find some particularly interesting writings,
which I want to share, I frame it, & hang it, at eye
level, in the guest bathroom. Guests often comment on
what is hanging there, & sometimes, someone even asks
for a copy to share with other people. It's an
interesting, & diverting way to add to the usual
decorations in the guest bathroom. In our hurry,
hurry world, it give people a moment to stop &
comtemplate.
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Christmas brings back memories. I try to key to
this, & make treats for people that remind them of
their favorite "Christmas past" treats. If I have the
old recipes, I use them. If not I try to come as
close as I can to making something they loved as a
kid, as I can. This means chatting about favorite
Christmas treats, but the smiles, & joy those treats
bring, is worth the effort. Spending a little time to
find what people want, rather than giving them what I
would want, makes all the difference. Money can't buy
the joy, that good memories brings. It's inexpensive
in money, & only costs a bit more time & caring.
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Unusual "snowflakes" can be made by folding a
square piece of paper (or coffee filter) & cutting
shapes in the folded paper. This can be Chrismon
style (featuring shapes that relate to the Christian
faith) or just random shapes. These look pretty taped
to windows, & children love to make them.
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You e-zine is just terrific. I love the tips, &
love to know other people are catching on to the
"frugal goes farther" idea. It's not how much we
have, but how we use what we have, that makes all the
difference in life.
