The holidays can get crazy. Everyone has too much to do in too little time; too much to buy with too little cash in a tight economy. There are parties to plan, family schedules to coordinate, a house to decorate, inside and out. The list goes on and on. But don’t despair, this recap of ideas and resources will help ease some of the pain and bring 'Merry' back into Merry Christmas.

Decorating the tree this holiday season

The Christmas tree is the centerpiece of every home during the holidays. For ideas to add more “unique” to your Christmas tree, read “Unique Christmas tree decorating themes” and learn how to create an Angelic or Rustic tree, or create salt dough ornaments.

Decorating inside your home

Creating a magical home during the holidays is fun  but sometimes stressful. For stress-reducing decorating ideas for the home that are a snap, read “Christmas home decorating made simple" and “Ten creative Christmas candle decorating ideas”. If guests will be visiting for the holidays, “Christmas Bedding on a Budget" will provide ideas for finding bedding that will help create a guest room they’ll never want to leave!  For great ideas for the font door, view the slide show in the article, "Christmas wreath ideas".

Christmas decorating outside your home

Christmas light shows are becoming more elaborate each year. For help in creating a winter wonderland in the front yard, read, “Christmas shops and lighting decorators in Phoenix” and watch the neighbors line up on the walkway!

Holiday entertaining

Whether it’s a formal party or just dinner for extended family, there are lots of details to plan when gathering a group of people together for the Christmas holidays. For a great overview to solving the typical dilemmas that come up each year, “Eight Solutions for Holiday Dilemmas” will provide solutions. In planning a holiday party, its a given to have plenty of good food, invite fun people, and make sure that holiday music fills the frosty air, keeping the  mood merry. “2009 Top 10 Country Christmas Songs” has some great music ideas to add to the playlist. For game ideas for the family, read "Fun Family games for the Christmas holidays" and "Online Christmas games for kids".

Holiday Food

Nutrition and health is just as important in December as April, so becoming aware of what holiday food can do to the diet is important for the whole family. The article , “Calories in a Holiday Turkey Dinner” will evoke a few gasps and drive home the importance of smart holiday eating. If family or friends have decided to keep things simple this year, and cater in or eat out for the holidays, “No Cook Holiday Meals” will give the party planner some ideas.

Holiday Gifts

A Christmas present is more than something that fills a gift bag. Thought should be given to picking the right gift, within the budget, for each person on Santa’s list. For a single lady who deserves a gift from Santa, read, “Practical Gifts for a Single Woman” for ideas that she will appreciate. Need ideas for a grandparent? "Christmas Gift Ideas for Grandparents" has ideas for active seniors! For those who enjoy a gift basket with nostalgic goodies, make “Grandma’s Christmas Fruitcake” from the recipe provided that rivals the gourmet fruitcake that costs a fortune. (Don't frown, it's yummy!).  For friends or family members who love candles and ambient lighting all year long, consider buying them a Scentsy warmer. For details read “Scentsy warmers are a wickless alternative for the holidays”.

Christmas Holiday Safety

The biggest safety risk during the Christmas holidays is a fire. As outlined in the article, “Angelic Christmas tree theme”, power accessories are important. It advises “Make it easy to light up the tree by adding convenient power accessories and controllers. Nothing is trickier than crawling beneath the Christmas tree each evening to plug in the cord. Buy a power strip with an generous cord length and a few indoor/outdoor timers."

As well, since candles are usually burning brightly during the holiday evenings, be sure to review “Candle care tips for the holidays” for tips on keeping candles beautiful as well as preventing a holiday tragedy.

The Christmas holidays are undoubtedly a blend of wonderful and stressful, but with a little forethought, some help, and a good sense of humor, it will all turn out spectacular! Remind yourself occasionally what the holidays are about and don’t ever let unrealistic expectations dampen the real magic of the season. Love your family, appreciate your friends and don’t overspend. Most importantly, have a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and a safe holiday season!  Ho-ho-ho!

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