Sneaky Thanksgiving Savings

If you want to get real savings for Thanksgiving, you will have to think outside of the box. Try the following sneaky ways to save on all of your Thanksgiving needs. Travel It certainly won’t be cheap to fly out to see family this Thanksgiving, but you can make it cheaper by choosing a flight that leaves on Thanksgiving morning, instead of one that leaves a day or two before. Expect a savings of $50 to $100 per ticket. Another way to save on Thanksgiving travel is to fly out of an alternative airport. Sometimes a short drive of 20 … Continue reading

Waiting to Take the Christmas Decorations Down

I have been accused of being a “bah humbug” when it comes to Christmas decorations. That’s because I am usually counting down the days until all of them come down, including the tree. While the first couple of weeks I really do enjoy the festive look of Christmas throughout my house, it begins to die out. Suddenly all I can think about is getting my house back to where it was. I miss my family pictures, currently being replaced by angels and snowmen. I miss seeing out the window, currently blocked by the Christmas tree. Actually, I just prefer the … Continue reading

The Day After Thanksgiving Part II

All of our Christmas treasures were packed neatly and carefully away last year with anticipation for the Christmas seasons to follow. Inside were coordinating red, green, and gold globes, snowflakes, and bird ornaments; along with strings of lights, festive garlands, personalized stockings, gift boxes, wrapping paper, ribbon, and stocking holders. Given our new and different space and layout, the decorating will require some creative ingenuity. Without a fireplace and mantel, we will have to find a different location to hang the stockings and the garland. Our living room is much smaller so we were mindful not to get a tree … Continue reading

Putting Kids to Work During Thanksgiving Break

When you are cooking Thanksgiving dinner for 30 guests, there’s no room for pride. Don’t be afraid to ask for help in the kitchen… and other parts of the house. One of the biggest mistakes stressed out parents make during the chaotic countdown to turkey carving is letting their kids run around aimlessly when they could be helping with a myriad of holiday preparations. For example, even very young kids, can lend a hand when it comes to crafting decorations for your Turkey Day feast. Simply line a table with newspaper and let kids go to town making their own … Continue reading

Thanksgiving Poems for Your Scrapbook

It’s time to scrapbook about your Thanksgiving Holiday! I find scrapbooking for holidays always the most exciting and rewarding. However, I always want to make sure my pages are perfect. There are a few poems that would be so adorable on your scrapbooking pages this year. Thank You For Inviting Us Thank you for inviting us To your Thanksgiving dinner. A day spent in your company Is invariably a winner. Thank you for the time you spent Preparing all the food; For making us feel welcome, You have our gratitude! By Joanna Fuchs Thanksgiving Feasting When the Halloween pumpkins are … Continue reading

Happy Thanksgiving 2010

1am: Dad goes to bed after trying desperately to get some reading done prior the Thanksgiving. Trying not to do any work on the holiday itself. Everyone else was asleep. 6am: An alarm goes off that we forgot to turn off in order to sleep in. Oh well. So it goes. It was apparently turned off mid-sleep as no one really remembers how it stopped. 8:30am: Mom wakes up Dad. They scurry about the house as their son sleeps soundly. They ready the turkey. Dad’s hands are freezing as the insides of the turkey are still frozen as he runs … Continue reading

Simple Last-Minute Thanksgiving Decorations

One of the advantages of parenting a first grader is that you’re pretty much set in the seasonal decoration department. Since the beginning of the month, my daughter has brought home no less than a dozen homemade Thanksgiving-themed craft projects. Each and every handcrafted turkey, pilgrim, cornucopia and Giving Tree is prominently showcased throughout our home, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. My daughter’s art teacher went all out this year. If your children weren’t as productive in art class, or you’re just looking for easy and inexpensive ways to keep the kiddos busy on Thanksgiving morning, and … Continue reading

Homemade Thanksgiving Decorations

With the economy still in recovery mode, many people are choosing to cut back on holiday celebrations this year. Fortunately, there are a slew of ways you can celebrate Thanksgiving without breaking the bank, including making your own festive decorations. The following Thanksgiving craft projects are ideal for kids of all ages (with adult supervision). What’s more, in addition to looking great, they help teach children the importance of being grateful. MAYFLOWER GRATITUDE CENTERPIECE Materials: Cardboard milk carton (washed and dried) Brown paper bag Construction paper (in a variety of your favorite colors) Craft glue Large wood dowel Two apples … Continue reading

Simple Thanksgiving Centerpiece

My young daughter is beyond thrilled that two local radio stations are already playing Christmas music all.day.long. However, I am adamant that Thanksgiving will not come and go without due celebration. To shift my 5-year-old’s attention back to the holiday at hand I’m having her handcraft all of our Thanksgiving decorations. Next week she is off from school for parent-teacher conferences. During this break from class we will be making the following simple Thanksgiving centerpiece: FALL LEAF CENTERPIECE Materials: Plastic margarine container (washed and dried) Scissors White craft glue or Mod Podge Decoupage Medium Glue gun Brown construction paper, burlap, … Continue reading

10 Tips for a Green Thanksgiving

Halloween’s over, Thanksgiving is upon us, and Christmas is just a step away! It is busy time for everyone, but you can still stay green. Here are a few tips to green up your Thanksgiving: 10. Stay Home Yes, I know the holidays are usually about travel to be with family, but consider staying home. You can help reduce emissions and stress by not taking a trip this year. 9. Travel Smart Okay, I realize many will ignore #10, so if you do have to travel, travel smart. Make sure the car is working properly before leaving, check your tire … Continue reading