| A big part of most families' treasured Christmas | | | | easy to use. Just cut several lengths and curl and glue |
| traditions is the ritual of opening the presents. A big | | | | to the package. No need to buy separate bows! It also |
| part of getting ready for Christmas is Buying the | | | | makes a gift bag look really festive. |
| Presents! Most of us must do our best to save money | | | | During the year, when a merchant bags my purchases |
| where we can when doing our shopping. | | | | in a paper "gift" bag with handles, I always save them. |
| It's always been my belief that the most inexpensive | | | | Even though they may have a store logo or name on |
| gift is made special by the wrapping. It's an added | | | | them...just cut the front off an old Christmas card and |
| pleasure to be able to admire a package before | | | | glue it over the logo. Cover the edges with flat ribbon |
| opening. | | | | or dimensional paint or glitter if you wish. And there you |
| These are some of the ways I have made our | | | | have a FREE gift bag! |
| frugal,holiday packages beautiful and special. | | | | Children (and adults, too!)love to see candy on their |
| This year, I have discovered "Tulle". Tulle is available at | | | | packages! Candy canes are fun to use. Place two |
| discount and craft stores by the yard--in many | | | | candy canes flat on the package with their tips |
| different colors and in many different widths. I | | | | together and the curved end at the bottom...you have |
| happened to find a spool of white tulle in a 6-inch width | | | | a Christmas tree shape...top with a star cut from |
| (on the clearance rack)and used it for a bow on a | | | | self-adhesive felt or gold paper. Or use the mini-candy |
| birthday present recently. I cut it into a 3-inch width and | | | | canes and make a trio of Christmas tree shapes. |
| just wrapped it around the box like ribbon and tied it | | | | Another idea is to spell out a child's name in small |
| into a big bow and I was astounded at how good it | | | | candies. If you don't use wrapped candies, be sure |
| looked! It's kind of stretchy and is easy to work with, | | | | children understand the candies aren't to be eaten. |
| plus it doesn't crush if a gift is going to be mailed. | | | | Wrapping packages can be a fun part of your |
| My other favorite ribbon is the curly ribbon. After | | | | holidays, if you just let your imagination lead the way! |
| Christmas, it's usually available very cheaply and it's so | | | | |