Some Christmas Ideas

Christmas is fast approaching, as it does each and every year. And every year I tell myself, “I’m going to get my decorating, baking, shopping and wrapping done early.” And every year I find that I lied to myself. That’s like the worst betrayal. However, it always gets done, right? So, as Crocodile Dundee says, “No worries.” So, here’s some sense from me, your sensible Siren:

1. Buy I-tunes cards for the kids and wrap them in a tie box. Tape the card to the bottom of the box and stuff the box with tissue paper. The kiddos won’t have any clue what’s in the box! A little trick I picked up over the years when my kiddos began shaking boxes to try and guess what was inside.

2. Disguise Xbox or Playstation games or CD’s in boxes stuffed with tissue paper. Again, it’s a way to trick those nebbie noses that like to play peek-a-boo with the gifts. They can shake all they want, but the tissue paper, or even newspaper will disguise the insides of the box and the nebsters will never be able to guess what’s inside! I just love watching them shake the box and start spewing what’s inside-never coming close! I get the last laugh on Christmas morning.

3. Stocking Stuffer Ideas
a. Adults: Peanuts, almonds, instant lottery tickets, items for desk @ work i.e. highlighters, pens, etc., candy
b. Teenagers: deodorant, body wash, candy, socks, hair clips, hair gel/spray etc., small computer supplies i.e. thumb drive, digital camera supplies, hand-held games
c. Kidlets: matchbox cars, beanie babies, candy, balls, doll clothes, hair clips, small GJ Joe action figures, small dolls

4. Wrap gifts in different colored paper for each kid. If kids still believe in Santa; wrap in different Santa Paper to distinguish each child. This saves on having to write names on each gift. I like to wrap gifts in brown packing paper and use wired ribbon to decorate the package. Wired ribbon is sooo easy to use, too. I normally purchase it after Christmas when it’s 50% off at Craft stores. You can get it in all colors. I use brown packing paper to wrap birthday and wedding gifts too and I coordinate my wired ribbon. That brown paper comes in handy!

Just a few ideas to get you started, unless you’re ahead of me, then I hate you-- Just kidding. If you are ahead of me, then maybe you can add to what you’ve already started. The most important thing to remember is to have fun and don’t get stressed out. People can be so crabby out there this time of year-don’t be one of them!