Short on gift tags? No need to run to the store to pick up more! Print these FREE holiday gift tags on regular paper, use a single hole punch in one corner to make a hole for a ribbon, and attach them to your gifts. Or print them on full-sheet adhesive label paper and cut to fit!

Goodwill is a big part of the holiday season. One memorable way to show it is to make sure you thank those who have remembered you with a gift or an invitation to a party, dinner or event.

With the right preparation and approach, writing and sending a thank-you card can be done quickly and easily. And the simple gesture is sure to be greatly appreciated by the recipient.

Continue Reading How to Write a Thank You Note

Always eager to take part in community service activities, the Solutions team was particularly enthusiastic when they adopted a local Head Start class for Christmas.

“The Community Service Committee took a survey in August, and many of the employees expressed a special interest in doing something to help kids,” says Bob, a Solutions team member.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 35.9 million people live below the poverty line in America – 12.9 million of whom are children. One federal program geared toward helping kids from low-income families is Head Start.
Continue Reading The Giving Tree

The holidays can really take a toll on your home. Normal cleaning duties get overlooked, extra dishes and linens get used, and the guest bedroom. And then there are always the decorations that need to be taken down and stored.

Here’s a plan to help you get things back in shape — and give you a head start on next year!

Continue Reading Post Holiday Clean Up in 9 Steps

There are many realistic artificial trees on the market, but for some, nothing replaces the fresh smell of the real thing. With fresh-cut trees, however, can come messy needles – and, if your tree dries out, a potential fire hazard. These simple tips will help keep your tree fresh and beautiful throughout the season!

1. Don’t hurry the season. To ensure your tree looks fresh and lovely on Christmas Day, bring it home no more than four or, at most, five weeks before New Year’s Day. If you’re in a hurry to get into the spirit of the season, put your other decorations up first.
2. Choose the freshest tree possible. The more recently the tree was cut, the longer it will stay fresh.
   When buying it from a neighborhood lot, make sure the needles look shiny, green, and fresh — not dry or brown. They should not fall off when you pull on a branch.

3. Keep it in a shady spot. If you buy your tree a few days before you plan to put it up, keep it outdoors in a cool, shady place. As soon as you get your tree home, cut an inch off the trunk and stand it in a bucket of water until you’re ready to bring it inside. Cut an additional half-inch off the base of the trunk just prior to setting the tree up.
4. Use an antitranspirant. Before bringing the tree indoors, spray it with an antitranspirant. Found in the gardening section of many stores, an antitranspirant coats the needles with a clear film, slowing water loss.
5. Keep the tree away from direct heat. Put the tree in a spot that’s well away from a fireplace, stove, heating vent, radiator or other heat source (this includes your television).
6. Use mini lights. Miniature lights produce less heat than large bulbs and won’t dry the tree out as quickly. LEDs stay cooler and last a lot longer than standard lights. Use UL-approved electrical cords, making sure they aren’t worn or frayed. Be sure to unplug the lights before going to bed or leaving the house.
7. Keep it wet. Choose a tree stand that holds at least a gallon of water. The tree should start taking in water right away – keep adding plain tap water until the level stays the same.
8. Check the water level often. Monitor the amount of water in the tree stand. If it drops below the cut end of the trunk, resin can form. If this happens, add hot water to melt the resin and improve water intake. If this doesn’t work, you might need to make another cut.

Plan Ahead

1. Make a list… and check it twice! Write down the names of friends and family members you definitely want to remember with a Christmas gift (such as parents, grandparents, children, siblings, best friend). Make another list of folks you’d like to acknowledge this holiday season (such as a favorite aunt, cousin, or teacher). Keeping these lists separate will help you in putting together a budget.
2. Create a budget. Planning ahead and working with a budget helps you avoid overspending. Start by deciding how much you would like to spend on gifts this year, and make a note of this figure.
   Continue Reading The Art of Gift Giving, 12 Steps to Finding The Perfect Gift

Organize your gift giving throughout the year with these planners & checklists:

Gift Closet Inventory (PDF)	Gifts Ordered Checklist (PDF)	Gifts Given Checklist (PDF)
Gifts Received Checklist (PDF)	Gift Planner (PDF)

Stringing lights and hanging ornaments on the tree are part and parcel of the anticipation, fun and excitement of Christmas. But the prospect of putting everything away once the holidays are over is less appealing! These tips will not only help you stow your decorations away as quickly and neatly as possible, but will also aid in getting them out again next year.

Continue Reading Hints for Holiday Storage, Ornament and Light Storage