* Line the mantel with glass jars half-full of unwrapped peppermint candies and topped with a small votive candle. These candies can be purchased in large bags very inexpensively at Sam’s Club. Or fill the jars with coffee beans (cheap ones!) and candles. ~ Sheri …
Make Now, Bake Later
If you will be needing cookies for parties or homemade gifts, make the cookie dough now and freeze it. When it’s time to bake that’s all you’ll have to do. A few of my favorites include chocolate chip cookie dough along with the following: Snowball …
Ten Tips for an Organized Christmas
1. Christmas Binder Relieves Christmas Binder In 2005 Anita Cramer shared the idea of creating a holiday binder to keep up with all the lists and ideas. Taking her advice, I put together a binder and have been pleased with the organization it has brought …
Don’t Let the Grinch Steal Your Christmas
author unknown, from Michelle Moore G – Give your worries to God R – Refuse to focus on what you don’t have I – Include time for rest N – Never forget the reason for the season C – Consider your future H – Hold …
Our Family Advent Traditions
Teresa Snipes Our family does a combination of a daily Advent calendar, Adornaments, and traditional Advent wreath. The Jesus Tree is a miniature tree that we place by the Advent candles that holds Adornaments. Adornaments are names of Jesus made into ornaments. Each ornament is …
Ideas for Advent
Advent calendars are a fun way for children to understand the countdown to Christmas. Here are some ideas for your family this year. * A candy calendar can be purchased or made. To make one, put 24 pieces of candy per child in a jar. …
Advent: The Coming of Christ
Deborah Woolridge The celebration of Advent, “the coming of Christ,” is a tradition begun in my family by my mother in 1966 and now, 41 years later, it is still going strong. Not only do I celebrate Advent with my family, but also all of …
Natural Centerpieces
Don’t overlook the beauty of natural elements to create stunning centerpieces. The table of above was made using elements found outside free of charge. Photo by Loi Palmer.
Designer Placemats
Loi Palmer With just five, six-inch straight stitches you can make these functional place mats. Materials needed: tea towel, 34-inch ribbon, sewing machine. Fold the end of the tea towel up to form a six-inch pocket. Stitch along the edges. Stitch a three-inch pocket on …
Mall Scavenger Hunt
Loi Palmer A fun party for teens is a mall scavenger hunt. To avoid any problems, contact mall security one week in advance to clear your activity. Some malls will not allow pictures to be taken inside the mall unless it has been put on …