Holiday Helpfuls

• If you have a present to wrap and don't have wrapping paper, use aluminum foil instead.  Add a pretty bow and voila!
• Give gift coupons tailored to the recipient.  For example:  an extra half-hour of TV for kids, a foot massage for your husband or an hour of uninterrupted listening for a friend.
• Start buying all those extra holiday presents for teachers, co-workers and such early.  You won't overspend when the holiday arrives.
• Buy generic, no-message greeting cards in bulk packages.  Or, better yet, design your own on your computer or send an online card.
• Save money on gift wrap by substituting brown craft paper with rubber-stamped images appropriate to the occasion.
• If you run out of ribbon while wrapping presents, try this trick.  Cut wrapping paper into long thin strips, then tie them around the gift.  The ends can be curled by gently running a scissor along the back of the wrapping paper.
• Wrap your front door with gift wrap and tie it with a big bow.
• String your own beads for Christmas tree garland, or use on packages.
• Save on holiday candy by shopping at the stores that reduce prices on foil-wrapped chocolate candies.  You can do this all year long.  Freeze until ready to use. 
• Christmas balls hanging from ceiling make great decorations.
• Wrap pictures on the wall like presents.
• Cover bottom of Santa-like boots with flour for Santa's footprints coming out of chimney and/or around the tree.