MAKING WRAPPING THOSE CHRISTMAS GIFTS EASY

One of the dilemmas of the season is where to hide the gifts once purchased. Wrapping them a few at a time seems to be the solution for me. With little grandchildren that visit often and now know to snoop, it solves the problem of where to hide the items. Once wrapped and labelled, put in larger Christmas bags for each family group, the secret is safe until Christmas morning! Which brings us to wrapping! There are so many choices now- pay a charity at the Mall that does wrapping, with your  online shopping gifts can be delivered to the recipient gift wrapped, tissue and bagged or wrapping that special gift with the pretty paper, special ribbon and little ornament. A fun thing for children of course is the proverbial candy cane on top instead of the ornament! An easy way is the gift box. I like them for the children's clothes. Put 2 or 3 items in the box with some tissue and a little tape-voila! Too many bags are hard to place under the tree so a few boxes are good for stacking. So how is your shopping and wrapping going?

JUST TWO WEEKS TO GO TO CHRISTMAS

The panic is in the air. If shopping is not started, people are worried how will it be done. Houses decorated, lights up, presents needing wrapping and social functions in full swing make the season busy. Slow down and write a list, prioritize and use modern methods. Gift wrapping for example can be done at the store or at a mall booth where for a nominal fee someone else does it for you. Gift bags and tissue or just decorative gift boxes make it easy and inexpensive. Buy the significant items for the holiday meals- once the turkey, ham or roast is bought- the rest of the meal falls into place. Homemade baking is good but remember there are many bake shops and sections of the supermarkets just waiting for your businsess. Many families share the load with everyone bringing a dish to holiday meals. Who invented gift baskets? They are a treat and a great help to last minute shoppers. A beautiful flower arrangement is a welcome addition to anyone's home. If Christmas is about family, slow down to enjoy the family. Slow down and enjoy your friends and work colleagues. So take your finger off the panic button! It's okay all will be done!

And the mess will be put away in time!