Tag: christmas

Start Early to Save on Holiday Spending

Posted on by Jordank

It seems like #summer ended just a few days ago (and it did). You’ve barely had time to adjust to the cooler weather, check the furnace for #winter or prepare for #Halloween. But the #holidays will be here sooner than you think — and you need a plan to keep your spending in check.

With inflation driving up prices on fuel, food and pretty much everything else, many Americans are getting ready for a frugal holiday. Three-quarters (77%) say they will adjust 2026 gift-buying in response to rising prices, the Penny Hoarder says, and half (51%) say inflation is driving “severe financial anxiety” about the end of the year.

To avoid overspending, establish a #budget. Come up with an ideal maximum spend and break it down by category: gifts, travel, food, entertainment and decorations. Figure out whether you’ll need to dip into your savings or finance purchases with credit cards, but try to avoid creating long-term debt just for the holidays.

For gifts, make a list of recipients and jot down a few ideas for each. Watch for sales and track prices on desired merchandise, but be forewarned that retailer discounts may not be as generous as in past years. Start shopping early, and be prepared to “pull the trigger” on reasonably priced finds to check off your list.

Fidelity Investments suggests looking to sources other than the big-box stores to find thoughtful gifts. Social media platforms, Etsy, #yard and #garage sales, discount stores, and the #thrift and #secondhand stores supplied by generous #donations to ClothingDonations.org can be valuable sources of unexpected and distinctive presents.

Also look to the #thrifts and discount stores for low-priced #holiday decorations and #gift wrap. Much of that paper will wind up in the #recycling bin anyway, so there’s no harm in sticking to the basics. Alternatively, consider making gift wrap, greeting cards and gifts to bring an extra-personal touch to the holidays.

Save on food costs by focusing on simple, seasonal ingredients and crowd-pleasing favorites instead of fancy feasts. For instance, if your go-to holiday meal is beef tenderloin (currently $28 per pound!), substitute something a little more humble such as pulled pork sandwiches or lasagna — things your friends and family will love, but don’t take a lot of money to put on the table.

The holidays are for togetherness — and that, you can accomplish on a #budget. #HolidayShopping

More Reasons Fall Is America’s Favorite Season

Posted on by Jordank

Fall begins today, Sept. 22, 2026, and we at The Organizing Blog are thrilled. To be sure, the season has a few wistful elements — going back to school, saying goodbye to warm weather and the outdoor and leisure time  it allows, and getting down to brass tacks at work.

But fall has its own rewards, including multiple #holidays to celebrate; the leaves changing color; fall produce such as squash, cranberries and apples and hearty comfort foods; football and tailgating; and pumpkin spice everything.

The weather alone is something that many people — especially those in hot and humid areas — appreciate. One friend of the blog is reluctant to go outside when it swelters, preferring air-conditioned environs such as movie theaters until sweaters come out of #storage.

A Rasmussen Reports survey says that fall continues to be America’s favorite #season, with 40% of respondents. Summer is second, with 24%, and spring is third, with 22%; just 10% like winter best. Regardless of favorites, 50% said that fall’s arrival improves their mood.

Much of that positive feeling stems from childhood, Mental Floss says. The thrill kids get from starting school, seeing old friends and shopping for new clothes sticks with people. The season also represents a reset from summer — back to routines and productivity.

Fall stimulates the senses and encourages better sleep, The Healthy adds. You can see it on the trees, smell it in the air and feel it on the skin. “Sights and sounds of fall trigger the reward center of the brain and release dopamine, which makes us feel cozy, calm and nostalgic.”

As you get your #fall #clothing out in preparation, figure out what items are going to deliver that warm fall feeling — the clothes that will keep you cozy and optimistic through the change of season. #Donate anything that no longer serves that purpose to ClothingDonations.org.

#Resale of your #donated items will help share those fall feelings with the nation’s #veterans by helping #fund #holiday events, health care and more. Donate fall and #winter clothing, and you can help families stay warm and reduce #waste. Here’s to a happy (and productive) fall!

Make Space for Charity This Holiday Season

Posted on by Jordank

’Tis the season for #giving! But what will you be giving this year?

There’s nothing inherently wrong with amassing a big pile of gifts under the #Christmas tree. It’s what most Americans have grown to expect over the years, and you might be seen as a spoilsport if you buck consumerism entirely. Everyone likes to open a wrapped #gift!

But also consider making room in your budget and schedule for #charitable #donations this holiday season. It’s a way to share your good fortune with the people and causes that you and yours care about, and even a small #donation can make an impact.

This year is fraught with need. #Charitable organizations worldwide are seeing their funding from the U.S. government dry up. Millions of people are facing food and shelter insecurity every day — overseas and down the street.

Dedicate your dollars to a cause close to your heart. It might be a global concern that feeds people in conflict zones or provides medical care, a nationwide #nonprofit protecting civil liberties or the environment, or the local humane society or food bank.

You can also #donate in another person’s name in lieu of giving some gewgaw that’s destined to wind up in in a landfill. Consider the organizations they value, and give; it’s a particularly good option for a last-minute gift or giving from a distance.

Be sure to pick a charity that uses your donations efficiently. At least 75% of the funds should go to the mission rather than administrative costs, according to Consumer Reports. Check the Charity Navigator to research giving options and charity ratings.

The gift of time is just a valuable. Volunteer at the local homeless or animal shelter. Start a fundraiser for a local charity or a drive to stock the local food pantry. Drop a few toys off for the tots to enjoy. Bring a few treats to the local #veterans’ home.

Speaking of #veterans, there’s an easy way to give that also can help you live a more secure, streamlined and uncluttered life. Bag or box up some of the #clothing and #household items you no longer need and #donate them to ClothingDonations.org.

Whatever you choose, give this #holiday season and throughout the year. For your trouble, you’ll get the good feeling of spreading joy. Happy Holidays from ClothingDonations.org!

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle as You Wrap

Posted on by Jordank

#Wrapping #holiday #gifts can help you #reduce, #reuse and #recycle if you do it creatively. Try wrapping an odd-shaped gift in a tea towel, DIY Beautify suggests: Simply center the gift, pull up the sides of the towel and tie at the top. Or use scraps of attractive fabic in holiday colors to make ribbons rather than buying new. Top gifts with natural materials such as rosemary sprigs, dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks or pinecones, Environment America suggests. And if you must use store-bought papers, avoid those with glitter, foil and metallic elements or plastic coatings; these can’t be #recycled. #GiftWrapping

Simple (But Crafty) Gift-Wrap Ideas

Posted on by Jordank

The craftiest among us have many options when it comes to #wrapping #Christmas #gifts. Most Lovely things suggests using kraft paper and rubber stamps to create your own, one-of-a-kind, repeating-pattern wrap; making air-dried clay tags for labels that can double as ornaments; using white butcher paper and a labelmaker; or stringing candy canes on gifts with ribbon. The wrapping-challenged might opt for paper lunch bags with custom stickers or jam jars in a red-and-white pattern for cookies and other small items. While it’s the thought that counts, a gift’s look can make a splash with recipients, too! #GiftWrapping