Holiday gifts to bring cheer to coffee and tea lovers

Delight the coffee connoisseur and tea aficionado on your holiday gift list with this season’s newest array of on-trend coffee brewers, colorful stovetop teakettles, and elegantly crafted infuser-style tea brewers.

What’s new and noteworthy for gifting the cook this holiday season

When seeking cookware gifts for friends and family, here are a few new collections to consider.

Get creative with gift choices this holiday season

This year make some holiday gifts — or give presents that foster creativity in your family and friends. Woodcraft offers many choices for creative gift-giving, as well as more traditional tools and accessories for woodworkers and DIYers.

Woodcraft offers ideas for early holiday shopping

Avoid the crowds and start your holiday shopping now at Woodcraft, where you will find quality brand tools, accessories and supplies for the woodworkers and DIYers on your list. A few of the many gift ideas you will find at Woodcraft are featured below.

Gifts that add colorful zest to cooking, baking and entertaining

Functional and practical, culinary gifts are always welcomed by cooks, bakers and frequent entertainers. Fortunately, for friends and family members who also covet great design and fashion trends, there’s a plethora of quality kitchen products available today with beautiful styling that’s too fun and vibrant to hide away in cabinets.

Films contribute to cherished holiday traditions and inspire great gifts

Tradition plays a pivotal role during the holiday season. While each family has its own unique holiday traditions, certain traditions are embraced and shared by families far and wide.

Holiday hosting how-to: Party pointers from three of Napa’s premier winemakers

Each year, holiday hosts face the challenge of setting their seasonal soirées apart from all the other parties guests attend between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.

Shop early for holiday gifts

Begin your holiday shopping early at Woodcraft, where you will find more than 20,000 products for woodworking, home/shop improvement and upcycling.

Gifts for the family cook spread holiday cheer all year

For the gift that keeps on giving long after the holidays, consider well-crafted kitchen tools and equipment that will inspire cooks to create delicious meals and treats all year round. To get started, here’s a short list of ten affordable culinary gifts under $50, including many that are new for this season:

Great gift ideas for everyone on your list

Holiday shopping season has hit full swing, and shoppers everywhere are searching far and wide for the perfect gifts for their family and friends. Veteran holiday shoppers know that no two people on their shopping lists are the same, which can complicate their quests for the perfect presents.

Kitchen Gift-Giving Made Easy with Personality Profiles

hose names on your holiday gift list are more than just people — they’re personalities. This simple shift in perspective can go a long way to help narrow down gift selections.

Clever ways to give cash gifts

Whether it's for a couple on their wedding day, a youngster just graduating high school or as a birthday gift to a beloved family member, cash has become an increasingly popular gift in recent years. Once considered impersonal, cash is now a go-to gift for shoppers whose foremost concerns are putting smiles on their loved ones' faces.

HairDo and HairDon't for styling safety

You're looking forward to the big event: New Year's Eve. You're excited about ringing in the New Year right with a fresh look, including a gorgeous new hair style.
But before you break out the hair dryer, straightener and curling iron, remember that any electrical appliance should be used with caution to prevent accidents -- and to ensure you'll be able to have a fun and fabulous New Year's Eve.

Keep the traditions, but ditch the worn-out decor

The holiday countdown is on and it's time to get your house razzle-dazzle ready. But before you do, make sure to check that your lights and decorations are still in good working order after a year in storage. Not only can old decor look worn out, but it also can put you and your family at risk -- which is the last thing anyone wants at this joyous time of year.

Electrical safety tips for holiday decorating

Everyone has at least one -- the house on the street that lights up in splendor around the holiday season. Decorations are in abundance both indoors and out, and just seeing the house brings on a smile. But as beautiful as it might be, that home may also be a safety risk if the decorator hasn't followed precautions like these offered by CSA Group:

'Tis the season for sharing ... germs How to boost your immune system for the holidays

The hustle and bustle of holiday celebrations will soon be upon us. The office parties are already in full swing and storefront windows are all decked out in holiday glitz. Your Christmas lights and decorations are up and all that is left to do is entertain family and friends.

Celebrate the joy of baking with holiday gifts inspired by "The Boss"

The holidays are a perfect time to indulge in treats and spread the joy of baking with gifts that encourage friends and family to discover their inner baker. This season, there's more to choose from in the baking category with the launch of Cake Boss, an extensive line of more than 200 "Buddy approved" baking items designed in collaboration with Buddy Valastro, the star of TLC's hit reality show, "Cake Boss."

Ring in the New Year with your pet

It's the time of year when people make resolutions to be a better and healthier version of themselves. So why not make resolutions that will mutually benefit you and your pet? Here are some ideas to help you and yours have the best year yet.

Stress-Free Holiday Entertaining -- A Dozen Ways to Keep Calm and Carry On

Whether you're a seasoned cook and veteran at throwing parties, or new to the art of entertaining, hosting family and friends can provoke a condition that has been coined, "kitchen performance anxiety." With the holidays upon us, Meyer Corporation, U.S., the largest cookware company in America with long standing brands, such as Farberware and Anolon, enlisted the advice of Los Angeles-based party expert Diane Rossen Worthington for tips on how to alleviate stress and gain confidence hosting parties this time of year, and all four seasons.

Safety tips for the extreme holiday decorator

Taking holiday decorating to extremes is fun. But accidents can happen, especially when using a lot of electronic decorations on the outside of the house.
Follow these safety precautions for outdoor decorating from CSA Group, a leader in electronic product testing and certification, to help make sure your house gets noticed for the right reasons:

Enjoy a safe and cozy winter

As temperatures drop and the annual hibernation routine begins, we start using heating appliances such as the furnace, fireplace, and space heaters for the first time in months. To avoid potential hazards, check every autumn that these are in still in good condition and follow precautions for proper use.

Ideas for the "Challenges" on Your Holiday Gift List

Giving gifts is a holiday tradition, but sometimes friends and family who maintain, renovate and build can pose special gifting challenges. To find gifts for these folks and others on your gift list, check out the Woodcraft suggestions below.

Barbecued Chicken Wings -- Surefire Super Bowl Winners!

Grilling chicken wings is an easy way to feed a crowd on Super Bowl Sunday. How to grill them can be a challenge. The grilling experts at Broil King have some tips to make your life easier when it comes to preparing delicious grilled chicken wings.

Score Big With Guests At Your Super Bowl Party

Try these chicken wings during the big game, or any other time. Broilkingbbq.com offers a wide variety of recipes, tips, and tricks for everyone from the novice griller to the die-hard outdoor chef. The barbecue chefs at Broil King have developed this recipe for delicious grilled wings.

A fishy New Year's resolution

Do you think that all New Year's resolutions are a bit fishy? Perhaps you're suspicious of the fads that appear each January, offering us the latest in fitness and diet trends that promise a slimmer you in the year to come.

Dig into some groundhog trivia

Each February, thousands of people gather at locations across the country to watch a hairy animal pop out of a hole and predict the weather. Although most people know that there is no actual way a groundhog can be a weather prognosticator, what a groundhog actually is and does might not be so obvious.

Exploring the history of Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is best known as a raucous event that takes place in New Orleans, LA and other areas around the world in January and February. Fat Tuesday, the final day of Mardi Gras, can occur in March depending on the calendar year and how it corresponds to the Christian liturgical calendar.

Don't forget the food this Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is a celebration many people look forward to. A carnival in which revelers are known for losing their inhibitions, Mardi Gras has many traditions beyond just enjoying a beverage or two.

Presidential biography: William Howard Taft

With President's Day upon us, the history of the office of the President of the United States of America is once again being celebrated. While most are aware President Barack Obama is currently in the Oval Office, less likely know off the top of their head who occupied the office a century ago.

Did you know?

Approximately 110 million roses, mostly red, will be sold and delivered in three days surrounding Valentine's Day. The reason red roses are so popular is because they were the favorite flowers of Juno, the Roman goddess of love.

A decadent Valentine's Day dessert

It seems that even the most steadfast dieters make room for a little dessert come Valentine's Day. What better than a trifle that's both impressive to the tastebuds and the eyes this holiday?

Romantic locales ideal for Valentine's Day

Part of the excitement of Valentine's Day is taking the person you love to a romantic locale. Romantic tourism continues to be big business, according to Conde Nast. While much of the romantic retreats that take place are honeymoon-related, there are some couples who want to share their love in a romantic spot other times of the year, like Valentine's Day.

Explore poetry for sentiments of love

"How do Ilove thee? Let me count the ways." - Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Come Valentine's Day, many people feel compelled to spout words of love to those they care about. However, it may have been some time since they engaged in a little creative writing. The option to select a mass-produced, store-bought card instead can be very tempting.

Sealed with a (X)

People often use the symbol "X" to represent a kiss at the end of a love note or card but don't understand how this letter came to be associated with the meaning of a kiss. It is believed the custom dates back to when the majority of the public was illiterate.

Valentine's customs then and now

Valentine's Day is a holiday during February that commemorates love and romance and also the patron Saint Valentine. The history of St. Valentine is shrouded somewhat in mystery, and there are beliefs that many different people went by the name St. Valentine. One such individual was a holy priest who served in Rome, Italy.

14 romantic movies to share

Dinner and a movie have been a dating staple for generations. On Valentine's Day, couples often opt to stick with what works and dine out and then catch a flick -- either at the theater or curled up on the sofa at home.

Best foods for Valentine's Day dining

Enjoying a delicious meal together is popular for couples on Valentine's Day. The National Restaurant Association predicts that more than 70 million Americans will visit a restaurant on Valentine's Day this year. This statistic is what helps catapult Valentine's Day to the second most popular holiday for dining out, preceded only by Mother's Day.

Valentine's Day by the numbers

190 million:The number of greeting cards exchanged for the holiday. Valentine's Day comes in second to Christmas for the most number of greeting cards sent.
73: The percentage of men who give bouquet gifts.
119: The number of single men in their 20s per 100 single women of the same age.

5 thoughtful gifts that don't require much thought

Valentine's Day is prime season for florists, with floral sales capturing 40 percent of holiday dollar volume, according to data collected by IPSOS-Insight FloralTrends Consumer Tracking Study.

Delectable desserts set hearts a-flutter

Valentine's Day is synonymous with candlelight dinners, romantic movies and delicious desserts. Although chocolate is often standard fare for the day of love, many other treats, including petit fours, can win the heart of a special person.

Historical events of February 14

Certain dates in history become associated with a particular holiday or a special event, which outshines other occurrences that may have happened on the same day. February 14 is widely known as Valentine's Day around the world.

Vintage T-Shirts Gain New Life as Unique Holiday Gifts

That sports jersey from sophomore year of high school has seen better days, but you can't seem to part with it even now. What about that hair band concert T-shirt you're too embarrassed to admit is still tucked in the back of your closet? Are the kids making fun of your college alma mater tee that has holes under the arms? T-shirts hold special places in the hearts of many people. Now quirky, athletic and downright memorable tees can be turned into customized gifts for everyone on a holiday shopping list.

Keep your family healthy through the holidays

The holiday season is upon us once again, and with it comes the season's notoriously hectic pace. With crowded social calendars and the stress of holiday shopping, it's easy to feel overwhelmed once the season hits full swing.
Unfortunately, many people have trouble staying healthy through the hectic holiday season.

The 529 college savings plan: a holiday gift that keeps on giving

The holiday season has arrived, and with it, the quest for the perfect gift. Hours spent at crowded shopping malls or perusing online retailers often prove fruitless, and shoppers commonly settle for something that falls short of perfect.

Did you know?

Many Christmas traditions are older than some celebrants might think. The tradition of lighting up a Christmas tree, for example, dates back to the days before Christmas lights. Before electric-powered twinkle lights were invented and even before electricity was discovered, people used actual candles to adorn the Christmas tree.

Keep your children fit while they play

Toys that encourage physical fitness are a great way to keep your children fit, active and having fun all year-round. Therefore, putting just the right activity-gift under the tree will not only ensure your kids have fun, but will also stay healthy without even realizing it.

The right toys will teach problem solving skills

Encouraging the use of creative activities and games that challenge your children to think outside the box and build their problem solving skills at an early age will help encourage them to become independent thinkers and problem solvers -- skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

Keep kids learning during the holidays

Don't let the fun and food of the holidays interfere with your child's learning. Video games and flashy electronic toys may appeal to many kids, but often don't work your child's mind as well as non-electronic games and puzzles. Parents shouldn't fret, however.

Impressive holiday entertaining with Atlantic salmon

With the holiday season approaching again, our thoughts turn to entertaining friends and family over mouth-watering food and a bit of the bubbly. And while in hindsight we often remember the best of the season -- the good cheer, relaxed atmosphere and delighted taste buds -- we too often forget the stress and preparation that come before a holiday party at home.

Make the holiday season sparkle even more

The holidays are a festive time of year when people come together to socialize and recall good times shared through the years. At the heart of the holidays are moments for endless entertaining.

A New Gift for Your Golfer

Perhaps no amateur athlete is more committed to his or her sport or dedicated to improving his or her skill than a golfer. If you have a golfer in your life, you may have already given up on giving golf-related gifts because they usually nab the latest and greatest club, ball or gizmo before you do ... or your gifts just end up gathering dust because the products simply don't work.
This year, break your golf-gift slump by giving a gift that actually works, with results backed by a recent study.

Finding a perfect gift for the person who has everything

Holiday shoppers know all too well about the endless and often exhausting search for the perfect holiday gift. Such a search most often surrounds that one stickler on everyone's holiday shopping list, the person who seemingly has it all and annually proves puzzling to shop for.

Holiday Entertaining Simplified Time- and Money-Saving Tips for Holiday Gatherings

The holidays are a season for savoring moments with loved ones shared over delicious foods. Whether you prefer buffet get-togethers or intimate dinners, simplifying the details by planning and prepping as much as possible in advance are surefire ways to save time and money. Here are a few helpful tips to take the stress out of holiday entertaining by keeping it simple and budget-friendly.

3 Tips for the perfect holiday buffet

The countdown to the holidays is on, bringing with it the challenge of how to serve a large gathering fast and easy. Fear not! There's a simple solution. Forego the traditional, full-service, sit-down meal and opt instead for a buffet-style serving. Follow these three steps and yours will be a gathering remembered with fondness by both your guests and you.

The origins of the yule log

The burning of a yule log has been a Christmas tradition in many European countries for centuries. It is believed to have originated at pagan winter solstice festivals or yule festivals among Germanic people. Eventually it turned into a Christmas tradition -- one where a piece of wood is burned in the hearth, oftentimes overnight until Christmas arrives.

Gift wrapping tricks and tips

The holidays are here and that means shoppers have started to stockpile gifts for those they love. Once the shopping rush is over, the time to wrap all of those great finds and treasures has come.

Meal fit for vegetarian holiday guests

The holiday season is a special time of year when many people choose to spend time with the people they love the most. Gatherings of friends and family occur throughout the holiday season. These gatherings might surround a specific holiday, but even those people with a religious affiliation use the holidays as an opportunity to reconnect with those closest to them.

Sweet facts

Candy canes are very popular holiday treats and are often used to decorate Christmas trees. That hooked shape certainly makes them whimsical and able to hang on tree boughs. But candy canes weren't always the curved and colorful treats they are today.

Holidays by the numbers

Many people, including retailers, have high hopes for the 2011 holiday shopping season. As much of the country and world continues to gut it out through an economic recession, speculation reigns as to just how much consumers will spend this holiday season and whether such purchases will help businesses rebound after another tough year.

Last-minute shopping for the holidays

It's December 22 and you've just barely made it through half of your holiday shopping list. The panic may have set in that you just don't have enough time to get everything done.

Gifts for auto afficionados

Few passions are as strong as the passion a car lover has for automobiles. Auto afficionados are often walking encyclopedias about all things automotive. When it comes to the holiday season, buying a gift for the car guy or gal in your family might seem easy. After all, any gift related to cars is sure to leave your loved one head over heels.

Some dos and don'ts of holiday travel

The holidays are a festive time of year, but they can also prove stressful for the millions of people who travel to visit friends and family or use time off during the holidays to go on vacation. Because so many people travel during the holidays, airports are more crowded than usual and the nation's roadways often experience heavy traffic, especially on the days immediately before and after a holiday.

Significance of Midnight Mass

Christmas is one of the most celebrated dates on the Christian calendar. Commemorating the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ is only surpassed in importance by the celebration of Easter, a time when Christians remember Christ's sacrifice of life for His people.

Planning the holiday meal

Perhaps the most anticipated aspect of the holiday season is the lavish holiday meal. Many people look forward to the food just as much as they look forward to the festivities. This could be why the average person gains a pound or two from the period of Thanksgiving up until New Year's Day.

Host a merry, memorable holiday party

The holidays are the most festive time of the year, and no holiday season is complete without a party or two with family and friends. Be it to celebrate a religious holiday or to ring in the New Year, a holiday party is an essential element to the holiday season.

How to prepare for holiday pet boarding

The holiday season is a time when many family and friends come together. If you'll be going home for the holidays, that trip may or may not include the family pet.

How to accommodate overnight holiday guests

Thousands of people travel far and wide to visit family and friends for the holidays. Chances are many holiday hosts and hostesses will open their homes to overnight guests.

What to do with all those holiday leftovers

The food cooked during the holidays is often enough to feed an army. Too often, hosts and hostesses prepare and serve much too much food, only to find themselves left with a refrigerator full of leftovers when guests don't eat as much as hosts had suspected.

Secrets to being lean (even during the holidays)

Eggnog, turkey and stuffing, assorted pastries -- the holidays are as much about the food and drink as they are about sharing good times together. So is it any wonder that many gain weight during the holiday season?

Getting married during the holidays

Although prime wedding season runs from May through October, many brides- and grooms-to-be choose to tie the knot during the winter, with the holidays providing a popular backdrop to the wedding festivities.

These gifts are music to music lovers' ears

Taste in music is a topic of eternal debate. Whether a person's interests lean toward the Beatles or the Beastie Boys, there's no denying most people love listening to music. Music can lift our moods and help us through difficult times, and it can also make the good times that much more enjoyable.

Gifts to make foodies say, "Mmmmm"

Cooking is a rewarding hobby and meals, when shared with friends and family, are a great opportunity to sit down and stay abreast of all the goings-on in the lives of your loved ones. For some, however, food is more than just a hobby, it's a passion.

Gift ideas for the family sports fan

Sports fans are a unique breed of people who range from avid devotees to casual observers. Come the holiday season, perhaps no gift is more appropriate for a sports fan than something that makes the big game that much better. This holiday season, shoppers searching for the right gift for their sports-crazed love ones might consider the following gift ideas.

Keep gift receipts organized

A relatively recent component of holiday shopping -- or any shopping for that matter -- is the gift receipt. Keeping gift receipts organized can take a little effort on the part of the shopper to ensure each gift recipient is in possession of their respective receipts.

Origins of a holiday staple

The thick, spiced drink we know as eggnog has become synonymous with the holidays. It is so linked with the Christmas season that a person may be hard-pressed to find it sold in the supermarket any other time of the year. But eggnog wasn't always the holiday beverage it has become.

Celebrating the season of Epiphany

Celebrants of the Christian faith and Eastern orthodox Christian religion may want to wait a few days after Christmas to start packing away their decorations and cease celebrating the holiday season. That's because it is customary to commemorate the Epiphany, which marks the day that Jesus Christ was revealed as the Son of God.

Christmas Cards

Sending out Christmas greetings is a tradition that is still common today. Have you ever wondered just how many cards are sent across the country?

Prevent home break-ins any time of the year

The joys of the holidays are many: Sharing eggnog, exchanging presents, trimming the tree, contacting the police to report a robbery. The last one certainly isn't a joy, but it's an all-too common reality of the season. But the holidays aren't the only times that home break-ins take place. There's no telling what goes through the minds of thieves, and preparing for any situation is the way to avoid loss due to theft.

Throw a successful office party

Recent findings show a trend toward downsizing the annual holiday office party due to poor economic times. But this may be a mistake on the part of employers.
According to a recent CareerThink readers survey called "What Do YOU Think," 84 percent of respondents believe that a holiday office party is good for employee morale. Some survey participants said that they would not miss an office party, though most agree that's it is a good thing to have. Keeping the office party tradition going is one thing employers can do to boost employee morale -- which often translates into better business.

8 ways to create new holiday traditions

Much of what makes the holiday season so special is the traditions that people hold dear. While families have traditions that stretch back decades, there is plenty of opportunity to embrace new means of celebration to breathe new life into Christmas, Chanukah or the season's other holidays.

Easy ways to reuse and recycle holiday gift wrap

Now that the holidays have come and gone, it's time to pack away the decorations, take down the tree and haul large bags of trash to the curb. If much of that trash filling garbage bags is discarded wrapping paper, there may be better ways to put the paper to use.

New Year's Eve for kids

New Year's Eve is widely known as a night of indulgence full of entertainment that is not particularly appropriate for young children. There's actually a lot of fun ways to get kids into the New Year's Eve celebration in age-appropriate ways.

Delicious sugar cookies

Part of the enjoyment of the holiday season involves spending time in the kitchen whipping up delicious treats. Particularly for young children, baking sugar cookies with Mom or Dad and then decorating the creations can be a festive way to spend a day.

Little known facts about Chanukah

Chanukah is a Jewish holiday that occurs around the same time as Christmas, making it one of the better-known holidays of Judaism. Although Chanukah is now much about flickering candles and eight days of celebration, there are many lesser known traditions and facts about the holiday.

The winter solstice

Each year individuals count down to the first day of winter, be it in anticipation of the new season or with anguish that the warmer weather is a distant memory. The first day of winter is also known as the winter solstice.

Drunk driving fact

Many people mistakenly assume that New Year's Eve is the holiday responsible for the most drunk-driving accidents. Although champagne and other alcoholic drinks are often free-flowing on December 31, New Year's Eve holds a distant second place to Thanksgiving for the most drunk driving-related fatalities.

3 Tips for the perfect holiday buffet

Stuff Their Stockings with Solutions for Their Sleigh

Whether the person on your gift list loves anything with wheels, has a new car under the tree or just needs a few holiday tips to make their "lump of coal" car shine like a holiday ornament, here are some easy ideas for stuffing their stockings.

Popping the question? Simple tips so she'll say 'yes'

According to David Tutera(TM), wedding guru and party-planning expert, "Men should propose with personality, making it echo something meaningful to your relationship with one another and do it in a place that highlights your love story." That certainly sounds like good advice. But while women seem to have the knack for conjuring up perfect wedding-related ideas, men tend to be a bit clueless on the subject.

Make this Black Friday a safe one

There are some people who get the ultimate rush by waking up early and waiting in line for some amazing doorbuster deals at the stores. Although Black Friday is one of the hotly anticipated shopping events for shoppers to score momentous deals, it has also proven a recipe for disaster.

Holiday safety for pets

While people are ho-ho-ho-ing and hustling and bustling, pets may not be as enamored with the holiday season as their human counterparts. That's because, amid the blur of activities that fill the season, there are potential sources of stress and dangers to pets.

Highest rated health charities

Health charities are a popular option for charitable giving. Millions of people have health problems, and those who have a friend or family member suffering from a disease or condition often make a particular health charity a priority when making a donation.

Unique ways to raise money for a good cause

When a cause is near and dear to a person's heart, that individual would do just about anything to lend a helping hand. Be it volunteering their time or donating their money, men and women who identify with a worthy cause are often ready and willing to help out in any way possible.

Many retailers are big donors

Private citizens are not the only ones who donate to special causes and events. Many different national and local retailers also contribute a portion of profits to charitable causes. Shopping at these stores can help encourage further programs that give back to the community.

Giving makes the body feel good

The warm and fuzzy feeling that arises when helping others is what drives many to donate money or do good for others. Studies show that altruism may actually have profound physiological effects.

How shopping can benefit the community

Retail therapy can be good for the soul and the community -- provided consumers shop at the right stores. When spending money at shops that put some profits back into the neighborhood, consumers are supporting merchants with an eye on more than just the bottom line.

Seniors are targets of charitable fraud

Donating money to charity is one of the most selfless things a person can do. Unfortunately, criminals can easily prey on these selfless acts, using a person's desire to help the less fortunate for their own personal gain.

Donating items instead of cash

Sometimes, people want to donate more than cash to charity. Charitable men and women might have some items around the house they no longer need, and they selflessly look to donate those items to charity rather than sell them or simply throw them away.

Answering the call What to do when a charity calls your home

In order to meet their goals and provide the services and programs to the less fortunate, charities must solicit donations. For larger charities with name recognition and big budgets, securing donations can be easier than it is for lesser-known charities with more financial restrictions.

Be Charitable Without Spending Money

According to Charity Navigator, a nonprofit organization that monitors charities, Americans gave more than $290 billion to charity in 2010. Thirty-five percent of all donations went to religious organizations. Much of these contributions can be attributed to people giving to their local place of worship. Donations toward educational services and programs were the second most common types of donations.

Imported holiday gifts

People shopping for toys and presents this holiday season who are also trying to be conscientious of buying American or Canadian may want to pay more attention to the items they are getting.

The Gift of Good Taste that Lasts Quality Cookware on Any Budget

Managing a holiday shopping budget can be a daunting task. While there's constant temptation to buy the latest must-have on the "hot" list, it pays to mindfully shy away from fads in favor of gifts that offer genuine value and lasting enjoyment.

Each Purchase Gives a Woman Purpose

The US has a greater poverty gap between men and women than any other country in the Western World. This holiday season, become a part of the solution to domestic poverty and help close the gap by giving a gift from Women's Bean Project. Women's Bean Project is a nonprofit business that helps women break the cycle of poverty and unemployment.

Gift Ideas for the "Home Care Specialists"

Give your friends and family members who handle home improvement and maintenance projects gifts to help them work efficiently, successfully and safely. Woodcraft offers the following holiday gift suggestions.

Did you know?

Black Friday might be more well known, but it's not the only day retailers look forward to for big profits post-Thanksgiving. Cyber Monday is the term used for the Monday immediately following Thanksgiving.

E-cards an alternative, not replacement to paper Christmas greetings

Estimates say that 2.65 billion Christmas cards are sold in the United States each year. That's enough paper to fill a football field 10 stories high. Most of these cards end up in a trash can come the end of the year, which contributes to the millions of pounds of extra trash generated during the holidays.

Have a safety plan for kids while holiday shopping

It's easy for children to get lost in big crowds. According to safety expert Alyssa Dver, founder of the Center to Prevent Lost Children, statistics indicate 90 percent of families will experience losing a child in a public place.

Put some 'green' in holiday plans

With the holiday season on the horizon, many people's thoughts turn to charitable giving and other altruistic efforts. Amid giving a helping hand to those who need it and donating to worthy charities, individuals can think about giving back to the planet as well.

Giving on a tight budget

As global economic woes continue, holiday spending remains difficult to predict. In 2010, holiday spending rose more than five percent from the year before, according to MasterCard AdvisorsTM SpendingPulseTM. That increase surprised forecasters, many of whom predicted holiday spending would decline for the fifth straight year.

Beware these holiday shopping traps

The holiday season is rife with deals on items that range from the very small to the very large. But as enticing as holiday deals can be, not all of them will benefit the consumer in the long run. When shopping this holiday season, consumers should be mindful of the following holiday shopping traps.

Last minute holiday shopping tips

Nearly everyone has a last minute holiday shopping horror story to tell. Be it a late-season grab for a child's must-have gift or fighting fellow procrastinators for a parking spot come the waning days of the season, veteran shoppers have experienced it all.

Online shopping means figuring out on-time shipping

When faced with the prospect of long lines at the store and hours driving around finding a parking spot at the mall, many shoppers turn to the convenience of their personal computers or smartphones to shop online for holiday gifts. Today the array of businesses who offer online retail opportunities create boundless options.

Gift cards not always the best option

As people gear up to do their holiday shopping this year, gift cards figure to remain a popular choice for gifting. But the hidden pitfalls of gift cards may make giving cash or a check a better bet.

Protect against mail theft this holiday season

Today's families are more geographically diverse than ever before. When today's young adults leave the nest, their new nest is almost as likely to be across the country as it is down the street.

Toys through history that caused a 'feeding' frenzy

'Twas the night before Christmas when all through the store; Parents seek the hottest toy, while sales clerks shout, "No more!"

Tipping point Who to tip during the holidays

Come the holiday season, most people find themselves in a giving mood. Gifting friends, family and even coworkers is common, but there are many other people in our daily lives who societal norms suggest deserve a gift as well.

Survive the parking lot this holiday season

The holiday season has its share of highs and lows. Battling for a spot in the store parking lot could be as low as it gets. Oftentimes shoppers dread buying their presents not for the crowds inside, but for the chaos outside in the parking lot.

Shipping gifts more than just timing

When shipping holiday gifts, much of the focus is on getting those gifts in the mail on time. While it's important to avoid procrastinating when shipping holiday gifts, there's more to shipping gifts than just getting them sent out promptly. When shipping holiday gifts this season, consider the following tips.

Budgeting your charitable donation

Donating to charity is a selfless act that helps keep charities afloat. In many instances, the programs and services offered by charities are the only options for the less fortunate, who rely on charities to provide some of the most basic human needs, including food and shelter.

Results important when choosing a charity

When choosing a charity, individuals often find it difficult to narrow down the list of deserving candidates. A host of factors must come into consideration, but most individuals end up choosing a charity they have some personal connection with.

Credit Crunch Managing credit cards during the holidays

The holiday season is synonymous with many things. Among those things is holiday shopping. Some people revel in holiday shopping, while others would just as soon never see a mall again the rest of their lives.

Survive holiday shopping with kids in tow

Tackling a holiday gift list -- particularly at the peak of the season -- can be stressful even for enthusiastic shoppers. But bringing kids along for the ride can be enough to inspire the most passionate purchasers to forsake shopping -- at least brick-and-mortar shopping -- forever. While leaving the kids behind may be optimal, here are some surefire strategies for surviving your next consumer outing with little ones in tow.

Kids and gifts: How many is too much?

Despite the many messages from all corners promoting a "more is better" philosophy when it comes to holiday gifts, the truth is far more complex -- especially for children. While most parents work hard to give their kids everything they need and much of what they want, it is often hard to draw the line, prompting many well intentioned moms and dads to ask, "How much is too much?"

It's a wrap Green alternatives for gift packaging

If your holiday halls are decked with stacks of paper bags, mounds of crumpled wrapping paper, an array of random ribbons, and a gaggle of gift tags that are destined for the local landfill, it's time to add a little "green" to your gift-wrapping regimen.

Ideas abound for budget-friendly holiday meals

With so many people looking for alternatives to costly holiday fare, newspapers, magazines and online cooking sites are overflowing with great ideas. But the key to hosting a successful seasonal meal is not simply finding interesting recipes and purchasing lower-cost foods, but in creating and organizing a menu that works from start to finish. The easiest way to do that? Make a plan and stick to it.

Gifts from bad to worst

Great gifts are great for a multitude of reasons, but bad gifts tend to have a lot in common. The worst gifts are not only a poor fit with the recipient's personality, lifestyle or interests, but also send a negative or critical message.

'Tis the season for online holiday scams and cons

It is sad but true: As the holiday season heats up, so do the number of scams and cons perpetrated on unsuspecting consumers. While swindlers, thieves and pickpockets operate year-round, the period from November to January offers criminals more opportunities for wrongdoing and a population of prospective targets who are feeling generous and preoccupied with the demands and doings of the holiday season.

Daily deals make great holiday gifts

Over the last few years, daily deal sites have grown enormously in both popularity and membership. The largest of these sites -- Groupon, Living Social, Woot and Eversave -- are all expected to draw large crowds of virtual shoppers on the hunt for gift deals this holiday season.

Popularity of conventional shopping malls on the decline

Shopping malls as we know them may soon be a thing of the past. While these shopping complexes, typically with interconnecting walkways and large parking areas, have been symbols of suburban success since the mid-1950s, today's conventional malls are facing daunting challenges.

A quick guide to gift-giving etiquette

Deciding on and paying for holiday gifts can be a challenge under the best circumstances. But then there are the inevitable "sticky situations" that can leave even the most experienced gift-givers scratching their heads. In the hopes of dodging major gift gaffes this holiday season, here are eight tips for gracious giving and receiving.

Sensible planning makes for smart holiday shopping

The holiday season is among the most stressful times of year. With long lists of things to do, meals to prepare, family and friends to entertain, and gifts to buy, many people embark on the holiday season with more fear than cheer. And with so many people trying to spend less these days, preparing for the holidays has become that much more challenging.

Secure your identity when shopping online

There is no denying that shopping online is the quickest and easiest way to zip through a holiday shopping list. With a few clicks and keystrokes, it's possible to have all of your Christmas shopping done in no time. But as many people have found out -- the hard way -- purchasing via the Internet can be risky business, especially during the holiday season when shoppers are pressed for time and make hasty decisions.

Layaway plans make a comeback

If you thought layaway plans had gone the way of eight-track players and floppy disks, think again. The deferred payment or installment plan, once popular with budget-conscious consumers — especially during the holiday season — is making a big comeback.

Six strategies for tranquil holiday travel

Traveling during the holiday season is a mixed blessing. School vacations and time off from work provide great opportunities to spend a “White Christmas” with faraway family and friends or sneak in an end-of-year getaway via “The Polar Express.” At the same time, holiday travel can be both expensive and stressful.

Dos and don'ts for exchanging gifts with coworkers

While there is nothing inherently complicated about choosing tokens of appreciation for one's associates or superiors, the challenge is not just choosing the right token, but in choosing something without the potential to offend or confuse the recipient.

Mother's Day Minus Mom

Mother's Day is supposed to be a happy occasion wherein individuals honor their mothers and other special women with gifts and tokens of appreciation. But for the men and women who have lost their mothers, this holiday can be everything from bittersweet to painful. Honoring Mom takes on new meaning.

Did You Know?

The first Saint Patrick's Day parade took place in New York City and not on the Emerald Isle. In 1762, Irish soldiers serving in the English military became the first to hold a Saint Patrick's Day parade in what would eventually become the United States of America.

Saint Patrick's Day Celebrations

There are roughly 70 million Irish decendants around the world, and many will be celebrating St. Patrick's Day this March 17. While several will be hitting the pubs or participating in parades, traditional Gaelic games are also a fun way to celebrate.

Seeing Shades of Green on St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day is all about the green. While most shades of green are acceptable for St. Patrick's Day festivities, to be true to the holiday a person should wear the offical green of Ireland. Shamrock green, or Irish green as it's often called, is a distinct color breakdown and part of the Irish flag and celebration coloring.

Did You Know?

The shamrock is the national flower of Ireland because of Saint Patrick. Credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland, Saint Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Christian belief in the Holy Trinity to the pagans of Ireland.

'Tis the Season for Sharing ... Digital Content Throughout the Home

Consumer interest for Web-on-TV applications has increased, as consumers are connecting their PC and game consoles to their high definition (HD) TVs for a new home theater-like entertainment experience. In fact, according to Parks Associates, from 2008 to 2009, the number of U.S. households using Web-connected game consoles increased by 64 percent, and the number connecting a PC to a TV increased by 36 percent.

Origins of "Valentine"

Every year couples express their love on a day that is set aside explicity to do just that. The origins of Valentine's Day are well documented and, in fact, there were multiple people named Valentine when the holiday originated.

Dining Out With a Sweetheart

For many couples it is customary on Valentine's Day to hire a babysitter for the night and enjoy an evening out on the town. One of the stops on this date night is a romantic dinner for two at a nearby neighborhood establishment.

Host A Fun Valentine's Day Party For Kids

Valentine's Day is often a time for adult couples to show their affection. But Valentine's Day is a fun time for kids, too. Kids often enjoy handing out and receiving Valentine's Day cards, and parents often enjoy seeing their kids' crushes.

Love Poems to Heighten Valentine's Day Romance

Saying, "I Love You" to a special someone is par for the course on Valentine's Day. People go to great lengths to say the right words and express the perfect sentiments.

Popular Love Songs Set the Mood This Valentine's Day

What would Valentine's Day be without the soundtrack of romantic songs to share with a loved one? Every year the public is introduced to the latest catalog of love songs, some sappy, some funny, some destined to become classics.

7 Facts About the Human Heart

The heart is one of the essential components of human life. It was once also believed to be the center from where love and other emotions emanated. Many feel a heart can break and that it can know no bounds of love. Dr. Seuss' "The Grinch" was said to be nasty because his heart was "two sizes too small."

Valentine's Day Proposal Dilemmas

Valentine's Day is a popular day for marriage proposals. After all, a day set aside to celebrate friendship and love seems the ideal moment for a couple to begin their new life together.

Valentine's Day Facts & Figures

Every year, couples get together on Valentine's Day to express their affection for one another. This February 14, consider the following interesting facts and figures when celebrating Valentine's Day.

Augmented Reality Cards Transform Traditional Valentines

A picture -- or in this case a 3D holographic-type image -- can tell a thousand words. Especially "I Love You" come Valentine's Day and other holidays. The new trend in greeting cards is augmented reality that puts a new interactive twist on the classic paper card.

Presidents to Celebrate This President's Day

Once known as Washington's Birthday, President's Day is now a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the third Monday of February.

Make This Year's Mardi Gras As Memorable As Ever

Few days of the year are as festive as Mardi Gras. Also known as "Fat Tuesday," Mardi Gras is the annual party the night before the Lenten season begins.

Valentine's Day Movie Guide

No holiday is more synonymous with romance than Valentine's Day. Every February 14 couples express their feelings for one another with candies, flowers and a host of other romantic traditions.

Facts & Figures to Celebrate Black History

Black History Month is celebrated annually in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Americans and Canadians celebrate Black History Month in February, while the U.K. devotes the month of September to recognizing and celebrating black history.

Famous New Year's Babies

Each year, families across the globe welcome a new addition on the same day as they're ringing in the New Year. Known as "New Year's Babies," babies born on January 1 are often the talk of newscasts and even get written up in the local newspaper. For some, that first foray into fame continues later in life. The following people, who gained fame and notoriety in all walks of life, can all lay claim to being "New Year's Babies."

More Winter Holidays to Celebrate

While it's easy to associate winter holidays with Christmas, Chanukah and New Year's, winter is actually host to numerous holidays across the globe. The aforementioned holidays might get the bulk of the publicity, but these holidays are wintertime traditions far and wide.

This holiday season, give the gift of no stress

Tension is who you think you should be," according to a wonderful Chinese proverb. "Relaxation is who you are."
Medical science has in recent years confirmed that stress-reduction is good for the body, but this charming old saying makes a case for it being good for the soul as well!

Celebrating Boxing Day

You won't find Rocky Balboa or Mike Tyson pulling punches come Boxing Day. That's because the holiday is a bit of an implied misnomer. Boxing Day, celebrated in Britain, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada among others, is really not about fighting -- or boxing -- at all.

Take Time for Tea

With robust flavor, storied tradition and abundant health benefits packed in each and every leaf, is it any wonder tea is the one of the most widely consumed beverages around the world?

Keep Your Family Healthy Through the Holidays

Affordable Luxuries Holiday Gifts Under $50

Yes, the economy has us worried and many holiday shoppers know there isn't as much available cash for this season's gifts as in years past.

Hosting the Ultimate Holiday Family Reunion

The holiday season is right around the corner and for families across the country that also means gathering for holiday reunions. Whether the get-together is a large group gathering in a vacation destination or the whole extended family is headed your way, here are some stress-relieving tips to keep this family holiday one to remember.

Battle the Bulge In As Little As 10 Minutes This Holiday Season

The holiday season is synonymous with many things, including holiday shopping, Santa Claus and gatherings with family and friends.

Vintage T-Shirts Gain New Life as Unique Holiday Gifts

(MS) -- That sports jersey from sophomore year of high school has seen better days, but you can't seem to part with it even now. What about that hair band concert T-shirt you're too embarrassed to admit is still tucked in the back of your closet? Are the kids making fun of your college alma mater tee that has holes under the arms? T-shirts hold special places in the hearts of many people.

Branded Gifts: Tiny Investments with Unparalleled ROI Why Companies Should Consider Promotional Branded Gifts This Holiday Season

With the holiday season right around the corner, many businesspeople have turned their attentions to finding just the right 'special something' for everyone on their list. Branded products are an ideal way for businesses to show how much they appreciate their customers and clients, also expressing how much they look forward to working with them in the year ahead.

Find the Right Fit For Everyone On Your List

With the holidays upon us, shoppers across the country are once again agonizing over what to get their family and friends. While holiday shopping once consisted of a necktie for Dad, a comfy robe for Mom and some toys for the kids, today's holiday shopping list is much more complicated than that.

Bake a Warm Welcome for Holiday Gatherings

The holiday season is a time for reuniting with friends and family, and sharing delicious oven-baked recipes. Whether you're hosting a family reunion, or rolling out the welcome mat for overnight houseguests, prepping in advance and simplifying baking tasks helps to create a festive mood that everyone will enjoy, including you.

Gifts of the Three Kings

With presents and parties foremost on the minds of many, the religious significance of the holiday season can take a backseat to some of the secular celebrations.

7 Things to Consider When Boarding Pets for the Holidays (540 words, US, UK, CAN)

Thanks to the travel-heavy nature of the season, many families choose to board their pets during the holidays. If traveling by air, families often don't have a choice, as airlines, if they allow pets at all, often charge hefty fees to carry animals. If traveling by car, families may find they don't have the room.

Keep Kids Occupied During Winter Break

Winter break can be the perfect respite for school-aged children. Although not quite halfway through the school year, the timing of winter break does come when kids might be preoccupied with the holiday season and all that comes with it.

Christmas Tree Debate

People have firm beliefs on what's better for the holidays: a natural tree from the nearby tree farm or an artificial tree purchased at the store.

Celebrate the Season in a Festively-Named Locale

Winter afficionados who are planning to relocate can consider one of the many winter- and holiday-related places to live across the United States. Here are just some of the places to call home.

How to Plan a Successful Office Holiday Party

Holiday office parties are a tradition at many businesses across the country. These parties can vary greatly depending on the size of the company, the resources allocated for the festivities and the participation level among the employees.

Eggnog a Holiday Tradition

The holiday season is rife with tradition. From gift-giving to kissing under the mistletoe to spending time with family and friends, the holidays are a time of great tradition and family fun.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

Dreaming of a white Christmas? Many people look forward to new-fallen snow to add to the picture of the holiday season. How many, though, give thought to how snow actually forms?

Winter Solstice Arrives

As people are running to complete holiday errands they may forget that this time of year also features the winter solstice.

Tips to Make Holiday Eating Habits Healthier

Holiday eating habits are often characterized by overindulgence. From the first taste of turkey on Thanksgiving Day till the last pig in blanket hors d'oeuvre on New Year's Eve, holiday eating habits are not always healthy.

Alternatives to Cash Holiday Bonuses

Employees expect holiday bonuses. But in this economy, cash-strapped employers may wonder how to reward employees during the holidays if funds are low.

Make Holiday Travel Less Taxing

The holiday season is one of the most joyous times of year. Family reunions and holiday parties make the end of the year a favorite for people across the globe.
One sometimes unfortunate element to the holiday season, however, is travel.

Season for Safety Host a Safe and Sound Holiday Party

Few times of the year are simultaneously as festive and dangerous as the winter holiday season. With the celebratory nature of the holiday season often comes the increased risk for accidents, particularly on the nation's roadways, where impaired drivers often take to the streets after over-indulging at holiday parties.

The Real Santa Claus

Come Christmastime, children all around the world await the arrival of Santa Claus. Although many of his abilities are the result of folklore, there actually was a Santa Claus, or St. Nicholas.

Set a Plan of Attack for Black Friday Shopping

Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Every year thousands of shoppers flock to area malls and shopping centers in the wee hours of the morning attempting to get the best deals on their holiday gifts.

Gift Ideas for the Household Handyman

Many homeowners have taken cues from the recession and are choosing to stay in their homes a little longer rather than sell in a buyers' market. Those who want to make their current abodes more livable or attractive to future buyers may choose home improvements that raise the value and/or add more space.

Gift Ideas for the Family Music Maven

Every family has at least one, and every one has several family members who simply don't know what to get them come the holiday season.

Gift Ideas for the On-the-Go Business Pro

Pack your suitcases, business travelers. According to a report from the National Business Travelers Association, global business travel is on the rise once again. After a recession-related dip in business travel spending in 2009, forecasters predict a 6.2 percent increase by the end of 2010 and an even brighter forecast for 2011, when researchers suspect business travel spending will surpass the 2008 peak of $926 billion.

Hot Holiday Gift Ideas to Match Every Cook's Style

For the cooking enthusiasts on your gift list, hone in on each person's style of cooking and entertaining to find the perfect match from today's ever-widening array of culinary tools and equipment. To help streamline your shopping this season, here are some new and recently launched products that are sure to get lots of smiles and good use in the kitchen.

How-To Guide to Holiday Hosting

The holidays are once again right around the corner, and families across the country are preparing to reunite.

How to Pick the Right Doll This Holiday Season

For a little girl, there is no more magical gift to receive during the holidays then a beautiful new doll. Despite all the high tech toys, classic doll play has stood the test of time giving children today the same wonderful imaginative play experiences as they did centuries ago.

Peer Pressure May Undermine Christmas Budgets

Most families are scaling back on extravagant Christmas purchases this year. There simply aren't enough discretionary funds to shop without prices in mind.

Showcase Holiday Spending Savvy

While the economy remains tough to predict, much of the world is again approaching the holiday season with a degree of trepidation. Uncertain of what lies ahead for the economy in 2011, would-be holiday shoppers are once again more likely to watch what they spend this holiday season.

Reindeer Not All Red-Nosed Rudolphs

While Rudolph might be the most famous reindeer, there remains no documented evidence of a red-nosed reindeer guiding Santa's sleigh on an especially stormy Christmas Eve. But just because no one has yet to find the real Rudolph, that doesn't mean we don't know a few things about Santa's sled buddies.

Staple of Holiday Decor Has a Deep History

Chances are, holiday revelers will find themselves underneath the mistletoe at least once this holiday season. While they might know what to do when that time comes, they might not know the history of that plant above their heads.

The Gift of Volunteerism for the Holidays

Donating is a popular way to show appreciation during the holiday season, but not every household has the funds to donate this year. In lieu of making a financial donation, a gift of time and service is just as valuable.

Make the Most of Shopping Online

While many people still find holiday shopping no walk in the park, those same people would likely admit that shopping for loved ones around the holidays has become much easier over the last decade. Much of that newfound convenience is a result of the ever-evolving Internet.

Avoid Crowds by Shopping Smart

Christmas shopping. Some love it and some hate it. Regardless, it's expected that crowds will be part of the equation at some point during the holiday season. Avoiding the biggest crowds is often the goal of many holiday shoppers.

Easy Ways to Keep a Home Safe While Away for the Holidays

Because extended vacations to visit family and friends are common during the holiday season, criminals often target this time of year thanks to empty homes they know will not be the hub of activity they usually are. To safeguard your home while you're out of town this holiday season, it's best to take a few precautionary measures to make a home less appealing to prospective burglars and criminals.

Savvy Solutions to Help Save for the Holidays

But just as worn down is the person holding that card. In addition to the busy social schedules and shopping lists that run people ragged by the end of the holiday season, financial stress can also take its toll by the end of the season. But the financial stress doesn't have to be so burdensome.

Surviving the Gift Return Rush

As much a part of the holiday shopping tradition as long lines and limited parking, returns often require waiting on lines that are even longer than those before the holiday and parking lots that are somehow even more crowded this time around. But there are steps boths shoppers and those making gift returns can take to make the process go more smoothly.

In-Home Family Fun Ideas Fit for the Holidays

As many families are looking to save money this holiday season, in-home family fun will no doubt be counted on to keep everyone entertained and happy. Whether you're hosting family this season or heading off to Grandma and Grandpa's, the following ideas can provide entertainment for the whole family.

Give Opportunity this Holiday Season

Each holiday season, we struggle to find the perfect gift. The right size. The right color. Most importantly, the right meaning. In these tough economic times, the perfect gift may be one that helps others. A gift from Women's Bean Project will give a woman the opportunity to reach her potential.

Give the Host a Helping Hand Gift Giving Etiquette for Holiday Party Guests

A big part of that enjoyment involves visiting family and friends for holiday gatherings. A good guest always knows what to bring to make the host or hostess' job a little easier. When planning your next holiday visit, consider the following gift giving tips courtesy of Bauducco, maker of America's number one panettone, a light sweet bread made with candied fruit and raisins.

How to Stretch Your Toy Dollars This Holiday Season

You can also save by taking a toy inventory with your children. This can be a true teaching moment. You can explain that before your child gets more toys, he or she needs to sort through what they have. Divide them into piles of what they still play with and what they have outgrown. Your child can then help to pack up the toys and give them to others who can enjoy them.

Get Creative When Hiding Gifts from Family

Kids, and even some adults, are never more curious than they are during the holiday season. Many kids will search the house far and wide in an effort to learn what presents await them come the big day. For parents new to the game of hiding gifts from relentless, present-hunting youngsters, the following hiding spots could ensure the surprise is still intact when kids wake up and rush downstairs to open their gifts

Money-Saving Tips for Memorable Holidays

By doing a little extra planning and reclaiming some of the traditions of simpler times, it's possible to discover that less really can be more. Make your holiday season both merry and memorable with the following money-saving tips.

Tips for Hosting Painless Holiday Parties

Whether you're preparing for a casual family gathering, a fancy four-course dinner party or a high-spirited hoe down for 100, planning a party -- particularly during the holiday season --i s a big job. Here are 10 tried-and-true tips for planning memorable holiday gatherings that will let you minimize the stress and maximize the fun.

Time-management Tips for Holiday Shoppers

If you have to shop during the holiday season or there are some last-minute gifts on your list, here are some tips that can help you save time.

Giving the Gift of Time During the Holiday Season

What better way to celebrate the season of giving than by volunteering in your community? Today, when so many families are struggling to make ends meet, there is no shortage of opportunities to help others by giving of yourself during the holidays.

Dos and Don'ts of Online Holiday Shopping

For shoppers going green this holiday season, a 2009 study by the Carnegie Mellon Green Design Institute showed that shopping via the Internet is not only more energy efficient, but its carbon footprint is one-third smaller than that of bricks-and-mortar retail establishments. So whether you're shopping online to save time or save the planet, it pays to take note of a few simple guidelines.

You've Shopped, Now It's Time to Ship

Long lines at the mall can pale in comparison to those at the local post office or shipping service. However, there are ways to ease some of the stress that goes with shipping gifts to loved ones during the holiday season.

Get the Better of Black Friday

But as 2008 can attest, shoppers are still going to hit the stores this Black Friday, and they're probably going to do so in droves. For those braving the mayhem that often characterizes Black Friday, consider the following survival tips.

Did You Know?

According to the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), no Christmas song was more played in 2008 than "Winter Wonderland," the popular tune first penned by Felix Bernard and Richard B. Smith in 1934.

Holiday Shopping Tips for Shoppers Tightening the Pursestrings

But just because shoppers will admittedly be spending less this season doesn't mean they should approach the season without a plan. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which serves as the United States' consumer protection agency, compares a poorly planned holiday shopping session to going to the grocery store when hungry. Shoppers will only end up spending more than they wanted, and will likely end up with lots of stuff they don't even need or want. That said, the the following tips can serve consumers this holiday season, when many might be spending less but not necessarily spending smarter.

Enjoy an Eco-Friendly Holiday Season

But this holiday season more and more people are involving green in their holiday season in an entirely different way than the norm. That's because more people are going green this holiday season, choosing to make their holiday as eco-friendly as possible. Those looking to make their holiday greener than ever should consider the following tips.

Did You Know?

According to the United States Department of Energy (DOE), homeowners can save significant amounts of money during the holiday season by simply choosing newer, more energy-efficient holiday lights.

Solstice Facts for Winter Enthusiasts

Thanks in large part to all the holiday hullabaloo, it's easy to overlook the official arrival of winter.This year winter begins on December 21. While you might know the winter soltstice brings cold weather, the following can teach you more about the arrival of the year's coldest season.

Substitute Holiday Favorites for Healthier Fare

Holiday gatherings often revolve around food. Big dinners with the family might get all the attention, but even office parties or casual get-togethers can focus on food. Unfortunately, many of these treats are loaded with fat, sugar and calories. Try these tips to still indulge in the holiday spirit without packing on extra pounds.

Holiday Gifting Across the Globe

Perhaps no one is a more familiar with gifting trends across the globe than the jolly man who lives at the North Pole. While you might not be able to fire up the sleigh and sail through the clouds this Christmas Eve, there are ways to mimic the gifting trends of countries far and wide.

Stress-Free Entertaining Ideas for Holiday Hosts

Gathering with friends, neighbors and family is one of the great joys of the holiday season. But for many of us who are time-strapped, on a tight budget and racing against the clock to decorate, gift shop and cook, hosting a holiday party can seem daunting. To keep spirits and energy levels high, consider inviting guests to a more relaxed and less-traditional holiday gathering that lets you have as much fun as everyone else.

Organization Tips for the Holiday Season

Staying organized during the hectic holiday season can be the ultimate testament to a person's ability to multi-task. Perhaps no time of year presents a bigger challenge than the holiday season, when the list of obligations increases but the amount of time in the day unfortunately remains the same.

Gear Up and Exercise Caution When Heading Out for Holiday Fun with the Family

Oftentimes, people spend ample amounts of time indoors when the weather gets cold. During the holiday season, when many people might stop in to visit family and friends, this can prove dangerous, as germs gather indoors. That said, getting outside in the fresh air can help fight off harmful germs that might lead to cold or flu. When heading outside this holiday season, consider the following tips to ensure you stay healthy and happy.

Parties Popular the World Over Come New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve is one of the most festive nights of the year. After 364 days, many Americans let loose on the final night of the year, and the first morning of the New Year. With those celebrations comes many traditions, from watching the ball drop to popping the champagne corks to kissing your significant other at the stroke of midnight. Those traditions are well known to many Americans who anxiously await the final day of the year. But the United States isn't the only country that looks forward to December 31. The following is how partygoers across the globe celebrate in select countries each New Year's Eve.

Be Safe and Sound When Stringing Holiday Lights

In addition, each year plays witness to thousands of visits to local emergency rooms resulting from falls that happen when stringing up holiday lights.
But for every person who visits the emergency room after a fall, there are thousands more who make it through the season safe and sound. To do just that, consider the following holiday lighting safety tips, courtesy of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Did You Know?

The holiday season is a favorite time of year for many people, but it might not be the best time of year for the nation's employers. In addition to vacation time during the holiday season, businesses must also contend with online holiday shopping.

Artificial vs. Natural: Pros and Cons of Both Tree Types

As long as Christmas trees have been a part of the holiday season, so, too, has been the debate over real or man-made trees. Each side has its supporters and detractors, and both have real and man-made Christmas trees have their pros and cons.

Lesser Known Holidays and Traditions

December is more than Santa Claus, Christmas trees, candy canes and mistletoe. For millions of people throughout the world, the month of December also means the arrival of other holidays. For the Jewish community, it means that Chanukah is around the corner. In the African-American community, the day after Christmas ushers in the start of Kwanzaa, a relatively new but increasingly popular celebration. While the focus of the holidays differs, both are joyous occasions for family and friends to gather and celebrate. Here is a brief history of these two other December celebrations.

Unearthing the Origins of the Christmas Tree

While most of us take these kinds of holiday images for granted, many of us aren't sure where the traditions started or how they became associated with Christmas. Whether you've always wondered about the origins of the Christmas tree or are simply in need of some seasonal small talk for this year's holiday parties, the following should add some insight into the origins of this popular holiday tradition.

A Fire Safe Home For The Holidays

Unfortunately, many of these fires are caused by the very things that make the holiday season special -- Christmas trees and other decorations. About one in every 20 Christmas tree fires results in a loss of life. But by choosing decorations wisely and taking basic precautions to ensure that they are used properly, many of these fires can be prevented.

Did You Know?

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statisitcs (BTS), during the Christmas/New Year's holiday period, the number of long distance trips increases by 23 percent compared to the average number for the remainder of the year.

Holiday Party Planning Includes A Safe Driving Strategy

For better or worse, the consumption of alcoholic beverages is routine at holiday celebrations across the country. Unfortunately, National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) data shows that about 1,200 lives are lost each year between Thanksgiving and New Year's due to drinking and driving. If you are hosting a holiday celebration, there are steps you can take to ensure your guests don't become a holiday statistic.

Charity Contact Info

Come the holiday season, many people opt to help those less fortunate by contributing to their favorite charities. All legitimate charities are worthy of a donation, and nearly all are also in need. The following is a list of 10 charities and their respective contact information.

Donation Tips for Families

One such area many families have unfortunately been forced to reassess is their charitable donations. With the holiday season upon us, many families are realizing they might not be able to donate as much this year, which only highlights the importance of making a donation as meaningful as possible. The following tips should help families ensure their donation is the right one this holiday season.

Multiple Options for Charitable Giving

One of the reasons that charitable giving has remained strong is the variety of options that exist for giving and the fact that many donations can be taken as tax deductions. Here are some of the most common -- and most convenient -- ways to give.

Tips for Avoiding Charity Scams

But just as there are countless charities in need of support, there are an ever-growing number of scam artists that prey on the generosity of well-intentioned, unsuspecting donors. By becoming familiar with the tactics they commonly use, most scams are easily spotted and avoided.

Charity Begins with a Good Choice

Giving to a charity, whether it's a local cause or an international organization, is a relatively simple act that can help to improve the lives of those in need and address problems that affect all of us. Whether donating your money or your time, the charity you choose is an opportunity for your contribution to promote a cause or organization that reflects your values and is working in ways you believe can make a difference.

Celebs With a Philanthropic Heart

With celebrity typically comes fame and fortune. Thankfully, many celebrities put their name recognition and fortunes to work by helping others. The following famous names are not only recognizable for their accomplishments in the public eye, but worthy of renown for what they do away from the spotlight, regularly donating their time and money to the less fortunate.

Did You Know?

The Salvation Army, which many Americans associate with the red buckets and Santa Claus, actually has its roots in a Quaker graveyard in East London. Having abandoned the conventional concept of a church and pulpit, evangelist William Booth preached the gospel of Jesus Christ to London's poor, homeless, hungry, and destitute.

Film Classics to Rev Up Holiday Spirit

Families reuniting for the holidays this year have a host of films from which to choose to enjoy a night in and a bucket of popcorn. When heading to visit family and friends, consider bringing one of the following as a gift to make a memorable night with loved ones.

Give a Ring That Lasts Forever This Valentine's Day

While professions of love are an important part of each Valentine's Day, for the thousands of men who pop the question on February 14th, the way he proposes is what takes precedence. And no part of that proposal leaves a more lasting impact than the engagement ring. In fact, the Bridal Association of America reports that 85 percent of all grooms propose with a ring. For grooms getting down on one knee this Valentine's Day, consider the following engagement ring and proposal tips, courtesy of noted jewelry and style expert Michael O'Connor.

Valentine's Day Proposals

Valentine's Day is known for many symbols, all of which can be used as the backdrop for your proposal to ensure that it is memorable and special.

Film Classics to Rev Up the Romance

With Valentine's Day upon us, couples across the country have once again fixed their focus on romance. For those couples enjoying a romantic evening at home this Valentine's Day, the following films are some of the most romantic the silver screen has to offer.

A Singleton's Survival Guide for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day isn't just about couples in love -- it's a day for anyone to express his or her feelings. Spending Valentine's Day alone? Here are some ways to avoid the pitfalls from the pressures of this day.

Is Spring Around the Corner? The Groundhog May Tell

Since the eighteenth century, the tradition of Groundhog Day has been observed. However, it hasn't always centered around a groundhog or been called by that name.

St. Patrick's Day Cupcake Trick

St. Patrick's Day is full of a little luck and magic. However, you don't need a lot of know-how, luck or even a leprechaun to bake delicious cupcakes that take the shape of shamrocks -- the official symbol of St. Patrick's Day.

Make Patty's Day as Safe as It Is Fun

Rather than enjoying themselves responsibly, many revelers drink to extreme excess, putting themselves and others in serious danger as a result. For those hoping to celebrate the holiday safely this year, consider the following tips.

St. Patrick's Day: Separating the Truth From Blarney

Every March individuals tap into their inner Irish and celebrate St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Myth and fact have melded over the years with respect to St. Patrick, and many people aren't quite sure what to believe about this beloved holiday. Test your St. Patrick's Day knowledge with the quiz below.

Editorial Services

Metro Interactive Planning Calendar

Online e-Sections

Categories

Holiday gifts to bring cheer to coffee and tea lovers

What’s new and noteworthy for gifting the cook this holiday season

Get creative with gift choices this holiday season

Woodcraft offers ideas for early holiday shopping

Gifts that add colorful zest to cooking, baking and entertaining

Films contribute to cherished holiday traditions and inspire great gifts

Holiday hosting how-to: Party pointers from three of Napa’s premier winemakers

Shop early for holiday gifts

Gifts for the family cook spread holiday cheer all year

Great gift ideas for everyone on your list

Kitchen Gift-Giving Made Easy with Personality Profiles

Clever ways to give cash gifts

HairDo and HairDon't for styling safety

Keep the traditions, but ditch the worn-out decor

Electrical safety tips for holiday decorating

'Tis the season for sharing ... germs How to boost your immune system for the holidays

Celebrate the joy of baking with holiday gifts inspired by "The Boss"

Ring in the New Year with your pet

Stress-Free Holiday Entertaining -- A Dozen Ways to Keep Calm and Carry On

Safety tips for the extreme holiday decorator

Enjoy a safe and cozy winter

Ideas for the "Challenges" on Your Holiday Gift List

Barbecued Chicken Wings -- Surefire Super Bowl Winners!

Score Big With Guests At Your Super Bowl Party

A fishy New Year's resolution

Dig into some groundhog trivia

Exploring the history of Mardi Gras

Don't forget the food this Mardi Gras

Presidential biography: William Howard Taft

Did you know?

A decadent Valentine's Day dessert

Romantic locales ideal for Valentine's Day

Explore poetry for sentiments of love

Sealed with a (X)

Valentine's customs then and now

14 romantic movies to share

Best foods for Valentine's Day dining

Valentine's Day by the numbers

5 thoughtful gifts that don't require much thought

Delectable desserts set hearts a-flutter

Historical events of February 14

Vintage T-Shirts Gain New Life as Unique Holiday Gifts

Keep your family healthy through the holidays

The 529 college savings plan: a holiday gift that keeps on giving

Did you know?

Keep your children fit while they play

The right toys will teach problem solving skills

Keep kids learning during the holidays

Impressive holiday entertaining with Atlantic salmon

Make the holiday season sparkle even more

A New Gift for Your Golfer

Finding a perfect gift for the person who has everything

Holiday Entertaining Simplified Time- and Money-Saving Tips for Holiday Gatherings

3 Tips for the perfect holiday buffet

The origins of the yule log

Gift wrapping tricks and tips

Meal fit for vegetarian holiday guests

Sweet facts

Holidays by the numbers

Last-minute shopping for the holidays

Gifts for auto afficionados

Some dos and don'ts of holiday travel

Significance of Midnight Mass

Planning the holiday meal

Host a merry, memorable holiday party

How to prepare for holiday pet boarding

How to accommodate overnight holiday guests

What to do with all those holiday leftovers

Secrets to being lean (even during the holidays)

Getting married during the holidays

These gifts are music to music lovers' ears

Gifts to make foodies say, "Mmmmm"

Gift ideas for the family sports fan

Keep gift receipts organized

Origins of a holiday staple

Celebrating the season of Epiphany