Thinking About Christmas

I've been doing this lately.

For one thing, it helps keep my mind off the Brick's recent hospital stay. Looking at Christmas trees and stockings is far more entertaining than sitting in the hospital room enduring daytime tv. And trying not to worry about your husband.  (He's doing much better now, thankfully.)

For another, it makes me feel cooler. (I don't know why -- it just does.)

And it helps me plan ahead. What can I do now (besides saving money for later) that will make the holidays easier and more meaningful? 

Some of the best frugal holiday ideas are on Pinterest. Including this incredibly clever snowman, made from dollar store fish bowls! (Thank Kelly at Smart School House for this one.)

Just thinking about snow makes me feel cooler.

Plus:  Sixteen strategies for a frugal and wonderful Christmas.  (From The Simple Dollar)

101 Frugal Christmas tips. (From Moms of Faith)

30 dollar store Christmas ideas.  (From Idea Stand)

A dozen homemade Christmas gifts -- many could be made (and given) in multiples.  (From Postris)

Fourteen DIY home projects -- several of these, including this dainty birdfeeder , would make outstanding gifts.

Don't forget holiday cookies or candies -- manyof these can be made now, and frozen. Like Aunt Bill's Brown Candy, from Organized Christmas: a sort-of pecan brittle with a chew instead of a crunch. (More candy recipes here.)

And here are Betty Crocker's 'Christmas cookes best made from scratch.' (Make some for me too, please.)

Also from Postris:

Thirteen unusual holiday gift wraps... including a CD mosaic that would also make an interesting presentation box.

Somebody can make me one of these!

Twenty ways to decorate a Christmas tree -- or just make it look like one.  (From Hometalk)

 30 dollar store Christmas ideas.  (From Idea Stand)
              This snowman wreath comes courtesy of the dollar store link:

And, in case you're looking for something new on the future holiday buffet:  Greek Stuffed Turkey.

It's just as relaxing to read about other people's Christmases, including MessyThrillingLife, Prudent Homemaker and Thrifty Mom in Boise. The last two are particularly careful to celebrate on a budget. Or celebrate like our Aussie quilter friends do -- this is their chilly season, after all.

For inspiration, there's also a post about a $100 Christmas from the Family Frugalwoods.  And I got a copy of The Man Who Invented Christmas. I get to satisfy my Dickens leanings and the Christmas urge at the same time!

I don't really think he did. (Charles Dickens himself would agree, in spite of the movie's catchy title.) But it will be fun to watch... and think about, now that we're back to 90+ degree days.

And this easy idea for decorating a mantel or shelf is from Southern Hospitality
See? Don't you feel cooler now, too?