Ideas

Hi everyone, I'm new to this site but I'm a complete Christmas nut and just love everything Christmassy. There's not better time of year! I really enjoy getting all the e-mails to my inbox, some of the ideas are fab! here are some of my ideas:

1. Recycle last years christmas cards! Why spend a fortune on embelishments to make your own cards when you already have a stack awaiting you? Even the poems inside are useful! I cut up cards from last year, stick them onto new cardboard in this years chosen christmas colours, then add glitter, bows etc etc and voila! Lovely cards at a discount price and you're helping the world by recycling.
   
2. An idea I came across years ago was to make baskets of joy for grandparents and elderly relatives. The idea was to get the kids to make drawings or little booklets filled with pictures and silly kiddie jokes etc for their grandparents. Also the kids can help with making cookies and various other sweet treats to to inside the basket. Then add a home video of the kids (made throughout the year) of the kids at sports days, in school concerts, baby's first steps etc then add a lovely christmas wish at the end. The grandparents will be so pleased! What a keepsake!
3. If you have a large chest freezer then make use of it! Not only does a chest freezer use up more electricity if it's standing empty but it's also a waste of a valuable tool. Next time you're making bolognaise sauce, make double and freeze half. This works well with so many recipes. I even freeze things like cookie dough. When you have time, make up an extra batch, roll it into a sausage shape and freeze in plastic wrap (neatly marked of course) and when you're ready to make cookies at christmas, just defrost and cut them up and bake 'em! The extra meals you've frozen will save you valuable time to get on with holiday handcrafting!
4. For free kiddies entertainment, check out what's going on in your area. Most of these activities are free or very low cost and will keep the kids busy while Santa (aka) mom does the shopping!
5. Make use of your video recorder and tape movies all year round. Then when it comes to Christmas time you'll have loads of movies to keep the kids entertained. Hold movie nights with popcorn and christmas cookies to keep the kids busy while you wrap the gifts!
6. Keep your eyes peeled for deals on grocery items that you know you'll need for the holidays. When the butchers have specials on roasts, take advantage of this and freeze them! Thing like biscuits and sweets don't generally go bad if stored correctly and they sure come in handy!