Christmas (12/25) > 12 Ways to Survive the 12 Days of Christmas in the Holidays
Give a gift that gets thanks this year. Send gorgeous fresh flower arrangements, centerpieces for the holiday table, terrific gourmet gift baskets and more to everyone you're thankful for!
It's the most wonderful time of the year...isn't it? With all the running, shopping, wrapping and cooking the holidays bring, it's enough to get Santa Claus himself down, not to mention you! Let 1-800-FLOWERS.COM® help you make it home for the holidays and take the stress out of the season. We have 12 great valuable ways to not just survive, but thrive, this holiday season!
Don't miss out. Buy your holiday gifts early and score big savings. You'll have the satisfaction of extra cash in your pocket AND you won't be panicked beyond belief if that big storm hits and you just can't get to the mall.
Go online and Save Time. Shopping online is perhaps the most pain-free way to get all of your holiday shopping done, on time—every time! You can always find gifts for everyone on your list with just a point and a click. Go ahead—make Santa green with envy!
Create Your Own Cards. Sending holiday greetings is easy with the internet. Just choose your favorite online card store, download your family photo into a holiday card template and within days, you'll have your card. If you're really pressed for time and you don't mind spending a little bit more, some companies even stamp, address and mail them out for you! If you're looking at the calendar and realized you missed out on writing your cards, visit www.1800flowers.com and send a virtual bouquet to say Happy Holidays!
Figure out the Finances! Don't start your New Year wondering how you're going to pay for the holidays. Create a budget and stick to it and develop a list of those people you really care about that you want to exchange gifts with. Make it a meaningful Christmas and give to those who matter, not just those who expect a gift.
Save By Joining Savings Clubs. Many retailers offer free membership to their rewards clubs and often give you money-saving opportunities and more value than outlets or stand-alone stores, including coupons, exclusive discounts, and points towards future purchases—all important options in these tough economic times. Sign up and start saving!
In America, Christmas became a national holiday in 1870.
Shop, Compare but Beware! Although the internet butler named Jeeves has long since retired, search engines can help you find the lowest prices on products and be a real life-saver. Ask.com (Jeeves' former home), PriceGrabber.com, and PriceWatch.com are just some of the sites that can help you get the best prices on gifts this holiday season. But smart shoppers also beware! Just because the price is great, make sure you are getting value for your product. Don't just grab discounts for savings sake; make sure the company is one that believes in giving you true value for your dollar.
Have a Decorating Party. There's no need to struggle with the tree all alone. Make a night of it with small appetizers, fun holiday recipes and delightful desserts! Just put a holiday CD or DVD on and ask family and friends to decorate the night away with you. So what if it the tree isn't pristinely perfect—it will definitely be unique!
That's a Wrap. For those last minute gifts especially, buy gift bags and tissue paper in a number of sizes and colors so you always have them on hand. If someone stops by unexpected, just slip a gift inside the bag and you're ready to gift! Don't forget to also buy gift wrap on sale and keep extra on hand, for those oversized gifts that absolutely, positively have to be wrapped.
Make a new plan, Stan. If you have to mail gifts or buy stamps, don't head over to the Post Office at 12:00 pm. Go early—or late—when the crowds are at their thinnest. Or, for all you early birds and night owls, find a Post Office that's open 24 hours a day.
Give Them Their Just Desserts! Do you spend your entire holiday season baking cookies and shipping them to friends? Free up some time by ordering your cookies and desserts online. Remember, it's the thought that counts (and your sanity counts too).
Take-Out Dining Is Your Friend. Can't remember the last time you mingled with guests because you've spent the past 10 years cooking the perfect turkey? Find a caterer that's got a special holiday menu, and get ready to join in on the fun or check out the menus and offerings online. Who wouldn't want to open the door and find a precooked turkey with all the trimmings waiting?
Relax and Rejoice. Worried those relatives will drive you crazy again this year? Just remember, every person is special deep down inside—some just takes a little more patience to deal with than others! See the beauty in that person you love...because like Linus Van Pelt said in that classic Christmas show, A Charlie Brown Christmas, "...that's what Christmas is really all about, Charlie Brown."
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