DECLUTTERING OLD CHRISTMAS CARDS..
sweetchild
One could actually recycle an old Christmas card by using paper card stock
( even the type used for scrapbooking-- goes on sale at AC Moore for .06
ea. a 8.5x11 sheet...), glue and old card fronts cut out with fancy scissors
like pinking shears or scrapbooking scissors .. .... then maybe outline the
card with glitter paint and use stamped Christmas designs inside... just
don't send that card to the person who sent THAT same card to you the year
before!! rotf!!
Find envelopes to fit...perhaps even make your own??
Peggy
Just a suggestion... if one has time!
Stormmee
you get all the cards you were sent, then you take the first one out of the
envelope, make new card, get the second envelope, address the card to the
second one, check your address book to make sure it is up to date, start the
Christmas card list, discard second envelope and scraps from first card,
then go to second card and third envelope repeat until last card uses first
envelope, store with Christmas items and if you do it all except for stamps
you are ahead for next year, Lee
sweetchild <swe...@rcn.com> wrote in message
news:GNednWanwqf...@rcn.net...
val189
sweetchild wrote:
> One could actually recycle an old Christmas card by using paper card stock
> ( even the type used for scrapbooking-- goes on sale at AC Moore for .06
> ea. a 8.5x11 sheet...), glue and old card fronts cut out with fancy scissors
> like pinking shears or scrapbooking scissors .. ....
nice idea, but time consuming. Sounds like a good project for a Scout
troop. Or just keep in mind for a rainy day kid's project. Knew a woman
who, every Thanksgiving afternoon, would use last yr's cards to cover
matchbooks, then give small batches of 'em to friends. Course, who
smokes anymore.....
One thing-they'll look handmade and the recip should be more
appreciative of your efforts. You could pen your own personalized
greeting in gold ink.
Friend of mine does this with pretty fabric for general notepaper and
makes a gift of them.
DivaM...@webtv.net
at Wal-Mart, and decorated each with a cutout picture from an old
Christmas card glued on, and wrote the recipient's name on top with a
glitter nail polish I have (could also use glue and glitter, but I had
the nail polish already). Turned out pretty nice, I thought.
I've got all my Christmas shopping done (except for DH's gift), and got
our photo Christmas cards back from Wal-Mart, and have all the ones to
be sent off addressed and ready to go. I love getting Christmas
shopping done ahead of time, so when the holidays arrive, I can relax
and actually enjoy them! :)
Diva
sweetchild
probably love getting something fancy like this ..along with say a homemade
gift certificate for your services in something as a gift for
Christmas.... even pics could be glued into the card...
if one were out of money or wanted to provide a clutter free gift.. this
could be a viable solution..
I agree about the time..but it might not be as consuming as one thinks to
make a few...depends...
I am not a big tv watcher so for one hour say in lieu of watching a show...I
would do something like that...
But ... again I would only make them for the closest ppl in my life or even
an older person as it seems once you get older you tend to favor things
from the heart...
It would be cool tho if ppl could all donate their old Christmas card
fronts say from each neighborhood-- like they collect trees..and donate
them to somewhere like scouts, adult day care, kids daycare, scouts etc...
for reusing... I know ppl can make ornaments out of them and other things
as well ..not really familiar but I know they can have many uses. I can see
even taking a bunch of them and decoupaging them all to a box for a
decorative fancy Christmas box to give as a gift to someone who would like
that sort of stuff.. ..
Anyway..have a good day!
Peggy
"val189" <gweh...@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
news:1131891207....@g14g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
New Leaf
That's a good idea. It would even look good using plain brown lunch
bags.
Here's a trick I learned a few years ago when we were doing some little
gift bags for seniors in our congregation. If you carefully fold a bag
down to close it, then use a hole punch to make 3-5 holes along the
top, you can thread small scraps of ribbon through to tie it up. It
looks really pretty and uses up small pieces of leftover ribbon saved
from other years.
Viv
Barbara in CT
celebrate the season. I've come close, but I haven't succeeded.
Barbara in CT
Joyce
You are all so organized...I am so jealous. I have not even started Christmas shopping yet. I'll be lucky to get it or anything done by Christmas Eve, and it has been like this every year since DD was born and got even worse with arrival of DS. Every year I like the holidays less and less.
Joyce
New Leaf
I am not buying much this year. I got books for DH's dad and step-mom,
one on politics and one on religion. They had seen the books at our
house and said if we were thinking of Christmas gifts, they'd like a
copy. They are planning a big trip so I got them a guide book for their
anniversary right before Christmas. The nieces and nephews on DH's side
of the family will get donations made to Sleeping Children Around the
World in their name.
My sisters agreed that Mom needs very little, but her 20 year old TV is
too small for her to see easily from her favourite chair and if we buy
her a bigger one, the little one could go to her bedroom. That seems
impersonal, so we've started a new family tradition and I'm making a
big stocking for Mom and the grandkids will each buy her something
small and wrapped to put in the stocking. That takes all the pressure
off my sisters and me. We agreed two years ago to stop exchanging gifts
among our kids. They get lots already.
While we were pricing TVs for Mom, DH and I saw a nice small flat
screen TV and agreed to buy that for each other for Christmas. Not too
romantic, but makes sense.
That leaves just my kids. YS has asked for something that's a bit
expensive but his birthday is in December and we could combine gifts.
OS doesn't know what he wants, but I think he is going to ask for a
contribution toward something he is cooking up for February reading
week.
Viv
val189
Joyce wrote:
I'll be lucky to get it or anything done by Christmas Eve, and it has
been like this every year since DD was born and got even worse with
arrival of DS. Every year I like the holidays less and less.
Maybe it's time to issue a notice to your family that you are
eliminating gifts to such and such relatives.
Friend and I decided not to exchange gifts this year - fine by me - I
donated the money to my fave charity and told her about it. I think
we're both relieved.
My shopping is so easy - gift certifs and such. You CAN take the
stress and expense out of Christmas if you set your mind to it.
Joyce
Oh, it's more of a marital issue rather than the number of gifts we purchase. We have cut back our gift list tremendously over the last few years. We mainly give gifts to our own two kids, our three nieces, and both sets of parents (the kids are all still young enough that we want to buy them something to open on the holiday). DH and I have not even exchanged gifts for several years. What it boils down to is that the shopping, wrapping, decorating, Christmas cards, etc. have largely fallen onto my shoulders for 14 years, and I end up doing at least half of the shopping now while dealing with the toddler and/or the toddler and the 7 year old. DH starts getting concerned about helping me out around the last week before Christmas (when I am at my highest stress level). The holiday preparations are, of course, piled on top of my normal housework, grocery shopping, cooking, errands, taking care of the kids, etc. And, I can always predict/guarantee that DH or one of the
kids will be sick at some time between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. :(
Some years are worse than others, of course, and I know (hope) it will be easier for me when the kids are a bit older.
And DH wonders why I have cut back on the decorating and often don't get cards mailed until January or February. Duh. ;)
Stormmee
New Leaf <noo...@rogers.com> wrote in message
news:1131907221.6...@g43g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
Stormmee
I collect gifts throughout the year and this year I even have them all in
the same place, then just before we go to my mother's we wrap, put back in
container and go, this allows a last minute check and I can get what I need
on the way, I have always wrapped, checked list and containerized just
before the trip, this year is the first for not having it all sit around to
be hunted for, I feel so much ahead just keeping them all together in the
same place, Lee
Barbara in CT <nawd...@ntplx.net> wrote in message
news:imMdf.8248$Kv....@newssvr22.news.prodigy.net...
Stormmee
starting with the after Christmas sales I buy stuff on clearance and put it
up, the blessing the last 2 years is that I have been trying to keep my
Christmas stuff together so I haven't bought as many clearance supplies.
Since I got one container on the stationary book case for tape I haven't
bought one roll, man does that feel good,stuff out of boxes, saving money,
DH sorts as we go and I know where it is, Lee, pleased with that tape box!!!
Joyce <nospamjah...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:jxNdf.126339$tD4....@tornado.ohiordc.rr.com...
Stormmee
and who is to do it in the date, Like,
Nov. xx 05 Friday,
take down thanksgiving decorations, Her
put away thanksgiving decorations Her
get out Christmas decorations Dad
unpack and put together tree, Niece that lives with them
decorate tree, whoever is there in the evening,
and so on, she has the list, it is on the refrigerator so there are no
shocking revelations, everyone knows to look so they can arrange their
schedules, she updates as need be when work schedule or school activities
warrant a change, Lee
Joyce <nospamjah...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:lRPdf.126359$tD4.1...@tornado.ohiordc.rr.com...
DivaM...@webtv.net
gift is a photo mug I ordered from Wal-Mart for a friend that I have to
box up and send off to her, should be here in a week.
As for being organized, well, I don't know about that LOL, but one thing
that helped was a couple months ago, Wal-Mart had some nice, inexpensive
bath goodies on sale, so I bought a bottle of lotion and a matching jar
of bath salts for MIL, SIL and a couple of friends, so that took care of
a lot of my list right there.
For other people, it was seeing something that a certain person would
like and picking it up along with my regular shopping. An item here, an
item there, and it all adds up, plus it keeps December from being tight
financially by not having to buy everything at once.
Diva
sweetchild
..now you can sit back, sip on some wine or tea and be so appreciative that
you will not be one of those mall/mart rats running around like a chicken
without a head this year. If it were 100% up to me I would really minimize
the gift giving by 90% to even the little guy but I have a partner who has
different ideas so we have to compromise.
I am much more ahead this year than I was last year-- and truthfully it
feels damm good!!
I have things I bought from a month or 2 ago ALL TOGETHER in one place and
will be giving my MIL and her sis stuff too like you mentioned..MIL in a
reusable container and sister of hers in a cool hatbox I got for $2-- she is
a crafter and I know will love it to store stuff...
-- MIL got the storage container ...she is wayy worse than I with clutter
and mess and this will serve as a storage/organizational device for her...
It is a plastic box with a lock lid...I try to give her something like this
every year...now she needs an organizer to help her...
Anyway I am feeling less overwhelmed already...
and more apt to spelunk into my caves I haven't ventured into yet...maybe
find some USEFUL things to give out too...haha..
Stress is cut drastically and then I seem to become more functional.....and
so on.. and happy and content.
Peggy
<DivaM...@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:9772-437...@storefull-3117.bay.webtv.net...
Stormmee
Stormmee
stress reliever, Leenews:64ydnfOLOu_...@rcn.net...
Kim Olson
family draw names, so one $30-ish gift for one adult to buy (this is how I
got my lightbulbs and coffee maker :-) ), plus a chip-in gift for my dad
from all of us (tickets to two Nashville shows and hotel rooms, meals paid
for, bought online -- this has been his gift for several years since he has
literally everything he wants and needs, very simple guy, kinda like me),
plus gifts for the youngest nieces and nephew (in FL, so thank you online
shopping and free shipping ;-) ), and cards with checks in them for two
oldest nieces. I usually see the FL nieces and nephew in January for a
week, but it's just a tad long to make a 7-yo and 4-yo twins wait for X-mas
gifts from Auntie Kim
--
Kim Olson
Writing and Editing Services
Email Kime...@charter.net for rates and information
Free newsletter, The Lazy Vegan
For more information, visit:
http://home.earthlink.net/~kimcof/lazyvegan.htm
There is no one absolutely essential truth for all people, and every time I
look at a coin, I instinctively want to look at the other side.
--Peter Jennings
"Barbara in CT" <nawd...@ntplx.net> wrote in message
news:imMdf.8248$Kv....@newssvr22.news.prodigy.net...
LindaY
Why does a gift have to be "romantic" if it's what you want (or even
need)? I think a lot of clutter is added to homes because people think
they have to give a certain kind of gift. I really despise those
commercials where the announcer infers that if you don't buy your wife
some expensive bauble you don't love her enough to give a gift that
"proclaims your love forever" or some such twaddle.
For our first anniversary, DH bought me a paper cutter. It sure wasn't
romantic, but it's what I wanted and it's come in handy. One birthday
he gave me a mop vac--I really wanted it because I was tired of
breaking my back washing the kitchen floor with a bucket of water and a
mop. Not romantic, but my back and I both love him for it! To me,
jewelry and flowers are just clutter. I would rather have a book (I
told DH once after hearing a commercial for a $2000 "tennis bracelet"
that if he bought me anything costing $2000 it better be in a big
cardboard box marked "Dell" on the side). But other people would view
it as the opposite.
Linda
LindaY
to buy everything at the last minute. But I don't have the
responsibility of small children, either. You would think our society
would cut mothers with small children some slack, but no, it's "spend,
spend, spend" and supposedly this is all for the sake of the children.
Could you possibly do some of your shopping online?
Linda
LindaY
bit if we just put up a tree and nothing else. It's my idea to put up
other wreaths, garlands, and geegaws. If your DH wants the house
"properly" decorated and cards out on time, perhaps it's time for him
to help. DH has helped me with at least half the shopping this year,
which I really appreciate; he's seen how strung out I got while I was
nursing my mom and has been really supportive. (I've had to suggest a
gift to him, but he's been attentive and followed through.) Whether you
are celebrating the birth of Christ or just having a holiday period,
the emphasis of the season is supposed to be good times. You are not
supposed to be working yourself to a frazzle.
Linda
Barbara in CT
With prices lately, you'd need two big old boxes marked "Dell" to cost
$2,000.00. I'm with you on the practical stuff. A 'tennis bracelet'
would get lost in short time around me and it would surely scratch the
furniture just before I lost it.
Barbara in CT
New Leaf
It doesn't have to be romantic at all. I'd rather get something I want
and need than something froufrou that doesn't appeal.
Viv
DivaM...@webtv.net
a busy person is to decide on one gift for everyone on the list.
Calendars, books, magazine subscriptions, CDs, etc. - each tailored to
the specific person, but the same basic gift. Frex, a car calendar for
the auto enthusiast, a kitty cat calendar for the animal-lover, a floral
calendar for the gardener, a specific movie or celebrity-themed calendar
to a fan, etc.
This could also be applied to homemade gifts. Give everyone a plate of
Christmas cookies, a tin of your fudge, or a cookie-in-a-jar mix.
Diva
sweetchild
Peggy
~~~~~~~~~~~`
"LindaY" <jly...@mindspring.com> wrote in message
news:1132064926.6...@g49g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
sweetchild
an inexpensive silver turquoise ring ANYDAY or a Celtic ring if a ring is
desired. I can never justify spending lots of money on a ring, bracelet etc
and LOVE practical gifts too over romantic ones which are usually junk
anyway.....
Peggy
"LindaY" <jly...@mindspring.com> wrote in message
news:1132064169.5...@o13g2000cwo.googlegroups.com...
Stormmee
cause stress, if one of us wants something and it costs over fifty bucks, we
discuss it, and then we decide if that will be what we tell people we got
for X occasion, Lee
Stormmee
looking at those dried soup in a jar to give as gift recipes
<DivaM...@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:27528-437...@storefull-3114.bay.webtv.net...
Stormmee
don't have kids, we do have cats, and we are always away from home so we
have never even had a tree, I have a few small things, that we occasionally
look at but am not sure if I will even keep them after I have gone to all
this trouble to declutter and simplify everything else, that is on the
"decide next round" list, Leenews:1132064926.6...@g49g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
Stormmee
at least by me or DH,... and is only legal to sell in Nevada... Lee, sorrynews:WcWdnTOvKoN0gufe...@rcn.net...
Joyce
Joyce
My MIL used to buy her gifts year round when her health was better. For the past few years she has had to reduce her time shopping in the stores because of bad health. This has been a big deal for her as she has always been one to go "overboard" with Christmas shopping (especially for the little kids) and loves to see lots of gifts under the tree.
I do some Christmas shopping online when I can get good deals on shipping. I am seriously thinking about giving more gift certificates this year to make things a bit easier. Our oldest niece is starting to enjoy shopping and loves receiving gift certificates. The younger kids still like toys and such, but our parents are getting harder and harder to buy for. They have almost everything they need. I may buy each parent a small personal gift and include gift certificates for their favorite stores/restaurants. You are all inspiring me to eliminate some of this holiday madness! :)
Joyce
Stormmee
had my dad put his priorities down first. So if my dad wanted to paint she
would say which 2 days to paint, then ok the 2 days before that we empty and
declutter, while you paint I will sort, and then after it is dry, you and
child will put in furniture while I do gift shopping, Lee, who is always so
amazed at her mother's ability to do these thingsnews:LwNef.128392$tD4....@tornado.ohiordc.rr.com...
Stormmee
Ryan's certificates, they love them, would eat there anyway and they think
of us every time they use them, It is a win for everyone. Leenews:MeOef.128395$tD4....@tornado.ohiordc.rr.com...
sweetchild
are talking dried beans etc?? Please share!!
Peggy
( likes the COOKIES in a JAR but thinks 2-3 ppl would love the soup in a jar
present!)
"Stormmee" <rgr...@consolidated.net> wrote in message
news:3u0kctF...@individual.net...
Stormmee
I can't decide which is best because I have never met a bean I didn't like
except black eyed peas, Leenews:ePydndPp4qe...@rcn.net...