We are just past Labor Day and with Halloween and Thanksgiving separating today from Christmas the stores are pretty full of costumes and turkey trays.  The Christmas trees will be out in a few weeks.  They are always the backdrop to the Halloween witch costumes.  With little to browse in the stores, it is time to begin the Christmas card list.  This is really one of those tasks that I do not enjoy.  It seems tedious, checking the names and the addresses.  But, while there is time let’s get it done.

Keeping the card list from one year to the next is always a good idea.  There will be some who get marked off and some who will be added.  But, there is just something about having an existing list that takes the edge off the task.

Compiling a First List:

If this is the first time a card list is being compiled for a young family or individual, take time to think about it.  Do not try to sit down once and have a complete list.  It just won’t happen.

• Start the list with family.
• Add close friends.
• Take a count.  Christmas cards mean a lot to those close to us, but the cost can run up rather quickly when considering the costs of the cards and the postage.
• Begin gathering addresses of those on the list.
• Keep the list in a spot with easy access and that is visible at all times.  Being able to see the list on the refrigerator or the home work desk will be a reminder to work on it.  Plus, it will be easy to add a new name or complete and address.

Updating the Christmas Card List:

•  Check the list for names that may no longer belong on the list, for one reason or another.  Mark those off.
• Go through the list carefully to see if you know of any card recipients who may have changed addresses.
• Make a separate notation for the addresses that need to be updated.  When you talk to anyone of those people, be sure to ask for a current mailing address.  Doing it this early in the year will be a benefit.
• Spend a few days — yes, a few days — jotting down names and addresses of any additions to the list.
• Remember, the Christmas card list is never finished.  Things can change between now and the holiday mailing season.  At least, you have a place to start.
• Get a good count of the names so you will know how many cards to purchase.  Then, add 5, 10, or 15 cards to the total.  There will always be writing errors and last minute additions.

The kids and grandkids are back in school and it is time to begin thinking about the Christmas list or lists.  With Labor Day weekend coming up it is probably best to only make a few notes.

Christmas List #1:  Christmas Dinner Guests

First of all, who will be home for Christmas dinner?  It is always important to know how many and who will be seated around the table.  Although other relatives will be preparing the meal at their homes, we will have a family gathering at our home for the immediate family and a few in-laws who may act more like outlaws before the day is over.  Oh, well!  The perils of the holidays.

I think it is always important to decide on the who before deciding on the what to eat.  I can remember a couple of years ago when my mother-in-law prepared the traditional Christmas ham.  We had stuffed ourselves with turkey from Thanksgiving right up until Christmas Eve.  Christmas ham is always good for some of us.  Forgetting about the aunt and uncle who, according to doctors’ orders, no longer eat pork was one thing.  Forgetting that one grandson had married a Jew was another.  When the table is being set and the guests are arriving is not the time to thaw a 12 pound turkey from the freezer.

Know your guests.  That is the first key to a good holiday dinner.

And of course, we all have at least one relative who believes Christmas is celebrated only as an opportunity for all day drinking.  To combat that scenario, I try to plan an early get together.  Call it Christmas luncheon if you want to.  Make it a middle of the afternoon event and let the invitees know the start time and the end time.  Maybe that sounds a little harsh.  But, knowing that the guest list includes someone who does not know when to say when calls for preventative measures when possible.  In fact, I have gone so far as to have two separate dinners — one for the masses, served buffet style on Christmas Eve at 1:00 p.m. and one for the immediate family and loved ones Christmas night.  Making one a buffet style event and the other a sit down around the dining room table can work out quite well.

First Draft Christmas Dinner Guest List

Okay, so far I am looking at two sons, one divorced and one with wife and two young children.  My sister-in-law will be here . Of course my mother-in-law will come with the sister-in-law.  There will be my husband and me.  That makes 9 of us — sorta.  One grandchild is too small to sit at the table, the other is still questionable.  My one divorced son may want to bring a date or a friend.  I’m still teetering around 9 people, but just in case everyone wants to sit at the table and there is an extra I’m going to count on 10.  It is always better to plan on more than less.  And, after all, we are talking about Christmas.  I’m going to plan for 10.

Needless to say, the family can never agree on the guests.  That’s natural.  My husband wishes I would not invite someone.  One of the kids wants to invite a few friends.  Well, you get the idea.  That’s the way Christmas dinner is.  Everyone gets through it and no one is 100% happy with the guest list.  Anyway, I try to give my husband a “heads up” each year, so when grumpy old Aunt Maggie arrives with her Pug he won’t be dragging me into the hall closet to complain.  The best way to break the news is with a movie.

Anyone got a better movie idea?

Make Dad happy this Christmas.  Add a Logitech Harmony remote control to the Christmas list for him.  Men love gadgets and electronics.  Instead of giving a tie or more after shave lotion, think of something that the head of the house will enjoy all year long.

How many times have we watched Dad spend half a Saturday and half a football game looking for the remote?  Take the guesswork out of a sport filled Saturday.  Combine Dad’s controls with a universal remote that will take care of all his clicking from one spot and with one accessory.

The remote control is a controversial item in most homes.  Unfortunately, most of our homes have more than one.  Of course, there is one for the television.  There is another for the TiVo or the BluRay or the DVD.  There are others.  In fact, it seems that almost everything has a remote control now.  But, that can present a problem.  We need to keep up with all of them.

How many times has Dad asked the kids (or Mom) to locate the control to the tv or the BluRay?  Sometimes it seems that it would be easier to just get up and walk to the television or the player — or buy Dad a backpack to put them all in.  Solve the problem for everyone this Christmas with a Logitech Harmony Remote control.  This is truly one item that should be on every Christmas list.

Go top of the line at an affordable price with Logitech.  Dad will appreciate it — and so will the rest of the family!

Often when we look at the successful mom or dad’s name on the Christmas list we wonder what in the world they would want as a gift.  It is always difficult to buy something for the person who has everything.  At least, most often we cannot think of anything they do not have.  This year show the executive family member that you have put some thought into his or her gift.

One of the most overlooked gifts for the exec is a fountain pen.  With so many professionals now using whatever pen is handy, there could be nothing better to say “success” than an Aurora fountain pen.  And, the price is right!

Even if no one is exchanging gifts, this makes a great stocking stuffer.

If you haven’t heard about Sing-A-Ma-Jigs, you haven’t been listening to the little ones.  While these toys are the perfect collectibles for children between 3 and 6 years of age, they have become a favorite among teens.  Whether looking for a fun and safe toy for the pre-schoolers or a hot collectible for the teenage girl who will place it on her bed, these are some of the hottest trends this Christmas.

The variety of colors is awesome, so matching the bedroom colors will be easy.  This teal Sing-A-Ma-Jig is a hit for every age group.

Product Features

• Free-spirited, offbeat character that features unexpected laugher and excitement with every interaction
• Features three modes of play including chatter, singing own their song, or singing in harmony with their other Sing-a-ma-jig friends
• In chatter mode they speak their own language full of jibber and jabbers
• They always harmonize with each other perfectly every time
• The more Sing-A-Ma-Jigs you collect, the larger the chorus

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Browse all Sing-A-Ma-Jigs

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Hottest Christmas Toys

Get ready to meet The Sing-A-Ma-Jigs, the new free-spirited, offbeat characters that set off unexpected laugher and excitement with every interaction!

The Sing-A-Ma-Jigs enjoy nothing more than singing together, and just to prove it, they harmonize with each other in perfect pitch every time.

The more you collect, the larger the chorus! Their zany looks are unique to them, and when they sing you can’t resist when their little mouths open wide for each note! Every Sing-A-Ma-Jig has three modes of play where they chatter, sing their own song, or sing in harmony with their other Sing-A-Ma-Jig friends!

Begin the collection with this Pink Sing-A-Ma-Jig!

Ages 3-6 years

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Browse Hottest Christmas Toys

Is blue the color selection for the holiday decorations this year?  Keep the theme going with this blue background snowflakes Christmas gift wrapping paper. 

Each year, we carefully plan all our interior and exterior decorations for the Christmas holidays.  Yet, often when it comes to wrapping the gifts we grab whatever paper is left over in the store.  Make this year the year that the theme carries through the entire house, even to the gifts under the tree.  Remember, the gifts will be under your tree before they are delivered to the recipient. 

Product Features

• Premium commercial quality gift wrapping paper in gloss finish.
• 24 inches wide x 17 feet long – approx. 34 square feet

Other Christmas Gift Wrapping Paper

Ribbons and Bows

Wrapping the Christmas gift is the one holiday activity that is all too often left to the last minute.  Often, after spending hours selecting the perfect gift we wrap it as if the gift itself was a last minute idea.  Do not drop the ball this upcoming holiday season.  Let the gift recipient know that you put some real thought into the present you selected.  One of the best ways to let them know how much you thought about them and the gifts is to wrap it so you will be proud to hand it to them.  No apologies this year.

From organic and eco-friendly wraps to lush and romantic presentations, the more than 50 projects and ideas contained in The Art of Gift Wrapping will remind you that it is as much fun to wrap as it is to receive.

Gift wrap and paper expert Wanda Wen knows what it means to give thoughtfully wrapped presents—a talent that has made her and her store, Soolip, a favorite among celebrities and tastemakers. With her expert tips and techniques—and creative vision—she invites you to use natural, luxurious, and everyday materials to perfectly dress any present for its occasion. Whether nestling your gift in a bed of all-natural moss, creating custom packing tape, cascading fresh flowers down a tower of boxes, or simply matching a festive paper with just the right ribbon tie—your thoughtful packages will leave lasting impressions long after the gifts have been opened.

See Christmas Gift Wrapping Paper

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Christmas Ribbons and Bows

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our Other

The beauty of black and white gift wrapping paper is that it can be used for any and all occasions.  The houndstooth design sets it apart from the rest of the gifts that will be placed under the tree.

This houndstooth paper is premium quality, not one of those papers that can be seen through.  Even with the white background, the gift recipient will have no idea what is under the paper.

Add a big red bow and this gift will be moved to the front of the Christmas tree.

Product Features

• Premium commercial quality gift wrapping paper in gloss finish.
• 24 inches wide x 17 feet long – approx. 34 square feet

This paper is ideal for the Christmas holidays — and any other occasion that needs a touch of class.  Add a big colorful ribbon and bow and the gift wrapping will be as well received as the gift.

Check out our ribbons and bows!

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Back to Christmas Gift Wrapping Paper

We all get into a bit of a tizzy around the holidays.  Christmas gift wrapping paper should be near the top of any Christmas list.  However, if you cannot find the perfect paper this Christmas — because you started shopping too late in the season — or if you are creative, making your wrapping paper can be fun for you and for the kids.

One of the most inexpensive ways to wrap a gift is to use an old newspaper.  Of course, it should not look like a last minute idea.  But, how can you make your old newspaper look like brand new gift wrapping paper?

• Select a double page from the local newspaper, preferably black on white — no colors.
• With a warm iron, press the paper flat to remove all the wrinkles and folds.
• Lay the paper outside on a flat surface.
• Spray one side with clear acrylic.  (A can costs less than $2.00)
• Let the one side dry completely.
• Turn the paper over and spray the other side.
• Let it dry completely.
• Flip the paper one last time and spray the first side again.
• Let it dry completely.

The side that was sprayed twice should be used as the exterior.  The interior side was sprayed only sufficiently to keep the print from rubbing off on the boxed gift.  Wrap the box just as you would with ordinary wrapping paper. 

If you prefer, lightly spray the package again once the wrapping is in place.  It will add a very nice shine to the paper.

When spraying the paper, be sure to spray very lightly and allow it to thoroughly dry after each spraying.

Using your best ribbon and bows, create a full size bow in a vibrant color that will stand out against the black, grey and white of the newsprint.  Pick a few sprigs of holly with berries from the yard.  Rinse the holly and dry thorougly.  Spray with the acrylic spray to add a little extra shine.  Use the holly and berries to decorate the package by sticking the sprigs under the edge of the bow.

There you have it!  Home made Christmas gift wrapping paper that will catch the eye of all who see the prepared gift.

Or, shop for Christmas gift wrapping paper!