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Dear Glamorous Housewife,
Dear Glamorous Housewife,
Dear Glamorous Housewife,
We have three kids – 10, 7 and 5 years old. Right now, Thanksgiving is so hectic – my mother and I do EVERYTHING! I want to change that. How do I involve the kids in the preparation for the big day…and remind them of the meaning of the holiday?
At my office, my co-‐workers and I give little gifts to each other for the holidays. This year, I’d like mine to have a vintage twist. Any vintage-‐y gift giving ideas suitable for the workplace? Oh, and I’m on a budget!
Can you help us solve our Christmas card controversy? Each year, we get tons of cards. But once the holiday’s over, my husband just wants to toss ‘em. I feel terrible throwing them out. What should we do with them?
Thanks, Giftless in Boise
Many thanks, Christmas Carded in Connecticut
Dear Giftless In Boise,
Dear Christmas Carded In Connecticut,
How wonderful that you would like to add a vintage twist to your co-‐worker's gifts! There are so many things you can do. For example, I know I am always a fan of homemade items. You could find a set of vintage teacups (just a dollar or two at thrift stores) and plant a little flower inside. Or collect some vintage tins and fill them with homemade cookies and brownies. Really want to get your creative juices flowing? Get an ordinary picture frame (you can pick one up for just a few bucks). Then decorate with vintage fabric, buttons – your imagination is the limit. Whatever you decide, I am sure your co-‐workers will love it…because it came from you.
Oh, there are so many fun ways to reuse Christmas cards! Personally, I am a fan of reusing them as gift tags for the following Christmas. Simply cut out a gift tag shape and write your message on the blank side. Extra bonus: you’re being green, too! I have also seen them stored (by year) in an o-‐ring. Punch a hole in the corner and you have an instant Christmas scrapbook to reminisce with year after year. But my favorite idea: pick 1-‐3 people that you are closest with, and save their cards for 5-‐10 years. Then have them bound as a lovely book and give it back to them as a Christmas gift! Who wouldn't smile when receiving such a thoughtful present?
Thank you, Keeping Thanks in Thanksgiving Dear Keeping Thanks In Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to introduce your kids to teamwork. Make them part of team “Keeping Thanks” and give them a hand in Thanksgiving preparations. First, sit them down and explain how much work is involved in making Turkey Day a day to remember… and then ask them what they think they can do to help. I bet you they come up with some excellent ideas. From setting the table (can they make custom place cards or placemats?) to stirring batter and washing potatoes, from filling the bread basket to clearing the table (make it a game or sing-‐along to up the fun factor) – there are a bunch of options appropriate for all ages. Remember, kids can do a lot more than we give them credit for, so put them to work and let them feel the joy of accomplishing a job well done.
21 | VintageVille Magazine
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