On the 4th Day of Christmas...

For the next remaining 9 days I will be posting a Christmas carol, a Christmas tip to overcome stress of the next two weeks, and a cheap or free spur of the moment gift.

The Carol:

Oddly enough, the Christmas classic "Let it snow!" was written in Hollywood California on one of the hottest days on record in July 1945  by lyricist Sammy Cahn and composer Jule Styne. In 1959, Dean Martin recorded the song for his album A Winter Romance. He also recorded a different version in 1966 for The Dean Martin Christmas Album.

The Tip:

Shopping days are dwindling. To beat the Christmas Eve crowd, try shopping online, but hurry though as shipping days are also dwindling. Usually around the 15th is the last day to shop online to get the item by delivered by Standard Ground Fare (the cheap shipping). So if there is something on your list that is online order... do it NOW! Stop reading further, you can come back to this post later, get those orders in online! And don't forget to look for the little lock icon on the website to make sure your purchases are done on a secure site. The only thing worse than not getting your item shipped in time is to later find out someone has stolen your payment information and went on a shopping spree.

The Gift:

Photo courtesy of Homemade Gift Made Easy

While you are here at the computer, why not jump over to Homemade Gifts Made Easy and print off these wonderful gift coupons! There is an option to print off ones with ideas already filled in. Here are a few others.

• 1 Night Kid Free (let your nieces, nephews, grandkids spend the night so Mom & Dad can have a free night)
• 1 Free Spaghetti Meal (or any other meal. All mom's appreciate those no cook nights!)
• Run your Errands (great for those with little ones and those who already spend 95% of their time running from doctor appointment to another doctor appointment)
• Movie Night (let them borrow a movie from your collection and provide a bag of popcorn)
• Party Prep/Clean Up (assist the parents of the Birthday child with additional help in setting up and cleaning up from the party)

And if you're giving this to kids, here are a few ideas as well.

•  1 Movie/Game Rental, Your Choice.
• Good For a Big Bear Hug
• Special Dinner out with Dad
• Shopping Trip with Mom (1- $10 or Less Item)
• 1 Sleep-Over Party

See you tomorrow with another Carol, Tip, and Gift!