Advent Reads Day 16: Northstars Vol. 1: Welcome to Snowville by Jim Shelley, Haigen Shelley & Anna Liisa Jones

Welcome to Advent Reads!

This is an event I have had on my blog for several years running now.  Each evening I feature a different holiday themed book. Think of it as your Book Advent Calendar! I post a variety of holiday books including romance, children's, middle-grade, mystery, paranormal, and I try to find some that are other holiday celebrations than Christmas too. I hope you will stop by each evening to see what new book I have for you!

Read for: Requested Review/ Netgalley & Graphic Novel Challenge

Synopsis: "Join us for the magical adventures of Holly, the daughter of Santa Claus, and Frostina, a Yeti Princess, as they explore the mystical wonders of the land of Polaris. In this first volume in a series of oversized keepsake hardcovers, Holly and Frostina journey to the subterranean city of Undertown to investigate trouble in Troggie Town. There is an evil force scheming right below Snowville, and it threatens Christmas itself!"

My Review: I am always looking for graphic novels to include in my Advent Reads event in December but it is pretty difficult, so this was really exciting to stumble upon. This is definitely geared towards a younger audience but can definitely be enjoyed by all age groups. We get to see some classic holiday characters and some new ones that have quite an adventure. There are some unique explanations to common questions from kids who are starting to doubt the magic of Christmas. I do think it is aimed at young girl readers, as the 2 main characters are female, but the action can be enjoyed by all genders. The art is a fun cartoon style that feels like it will become a classic. This was definitely a fun introduction to Snowville and the characters and I am excited to see more in the future.

My Rating: I really enjoyed this book, it is so hard to find Christmas related graphic novels and this was a fun story for everyone from younger readers to adults.  I give it a rating of Four Paws.

I received this book via Netgalley, and am giving my honest, unbiased opinion.

You can find out more about the authors on the Goodreads Page.

You can obtain your own copy in digital or print format from Amazon or ask about it at your local comic book store and I am sure they can get it for you.

Stress Free Holidays: Don't Over Do the Goodies

Welcome to my Stress Free Holidays series, I will be sharing some tips to reduce the amount of stress this time of year puts on all of us.  Some are ones I have used, some are ones I will be instituting this year, and some I will be using in the future.  If you have any great ways to reduce the amount of stress please feel free to share them with us!

One of the biggest complaints I have heard from friends and co-workers is all the baking they have to do during the holidays, but who says you have to do all of that?!  So many people make multiple varieties of goodies, and while I am sure they are all delicious and much loved by the recipients, there really is no need to put that much pressure on yourself.  If you do enjoy the baking and have the time for it than feel free but if not don't worry about it.  In my opinion and experience, it is best to pick 2 - 3 types of goodies and just make several batches instead of making 1 batch of 6-8 or more types.  For me I make Chex Mix (sometimes upwards of a dozen batches), Cheese Ball (about 4 batches) and one batch of cookies for Munchkin to give Santa. While it is still time consuming, you end up not needing a wide variety of ingredients and it is easier and more streamlined to make the same goodies again and again. So maybe ask your family what the absolute must have holiday treat is and only make the one or two. 

Advent Reads Day 15: Merry Christmas, Mouse by Laura Numeroff

Welcome to Advent Reads!

This is an event I have had on my blog for several years running now.  Each evening I feature a different holiday themed book. Think of it as your Book Advent Calendar! I post a variety of holiday books including romance, children's, middle-grade, mystery, paranormal, and I try to find some that are other holiday celebrations than Christmas too. I hope you will stop by each evening to see what new book I have for you!

Read for: Children's Book Challenge

Synopsis: "Join Mouse from "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" as he decorates his Christmas tree in a holiday counting adventure."

My Review: This is a very simple book for the holiday season. Mouse is decorating his tree and counts the different types of ornaments he is adding to the tree. There really isn't a story line more of just a counting book which may be a little too brief for older children but possibly a good one for those just learning to read on their own. Still love the classic If You Give a Mouse a Cookie illustration style.

My Rating: While we loved the mouse and the way it connects to the other books, it was a little young for Munchkin.  This book would have been great as a board book for non-readers.  We did still enjoy it and give it a rating of Two Paws and a Stump Wag.

Stress Free Holidays: Extra Gifts

Welcome to my Stress Free Holidays series, I will be sharing some tips to reduce the amount of stress this time of year puts on all of us.  Some are ones I have used, some are ones I will be instituting this year, and some I will be using in the future.  If you have any great ways to reduce the amount of stress please feel free to share them with us!

Let's talk about extra gifts, for me this is a standard thing but I have come to learn that not everyone does this.  I always have around 6-10 extra gifts on hand for people who I may have forgotten or may not have expected a gift from and want to reciprocate.  It reduces the frantic feeling of wondering if you have everyone on your list or having to say but I don't have a gift for you and feeling guilty.  So some ideas of this is to pick up some rather generic gifts like mugs with coffee, tea or hot chocolate, nice ornaments for the tree, stationery sets with nice pens and envelopes, bottles of wine are always a good one too (we buy a case and put them in coordinating bags - red in dark bags or red and white in lighter bags so we can give a preferred type) and this year I have managed to catch a good deal on cozy blankets.  Another thing to have on hand is gift cards, I keep a few smaller ones of $10-$15 to places like the coffee shop, amazon and the grocery store and keep them in nice envelopes in my purse for gift giving on the go.

Advent Reads Day 14: See Santa Nap by David Milgrim

Welcome to Advent Reads!

This is an event I have had on my blog for several years running now.  Each evening I feature a different holiday themed book. Think of it as your Book Advent Calendar! I post a variety of holiday books including romance, children's, middle-grade, mystery, paranormal, and I try to find some that are other holiday celebrations than Christmas too. I hope you will stop by each evening to see what new book I have for you!

Read for: Early Reader Challenge

Synopsis: "After delivering presents Santa needs a nap, but Otto and his friends like their gifts so much that Santa cannot find a quiet place to sleep."

My Review: It is a little more difficult than I expected to find Leveled readers for the holiday season, so I had to grab this one when I saw it; little did I know what a big hit it would be. This is a silly book about Santa working hard all night and just wanting a nap but not getting the rest he wants. It is a great pre-level one book with simple sentences and words, lots of repetition and a fun story to keep young readers interested. Munchkin absolutely loved this one, especially since one of his new words this month is see.

My Rating: This was a great book, Munchkin loved being able to pick out his class words and being able to read the simple sentences was great for him.  This is a great pre-level one book and we give it a rating of Four Paws.

Stress Free Holidays: Set a Music Playlist

Welcome to my Stress Free Holidays series, I will be sharing some tips to reduce the amount of stress this time of year puts on all of us.  Some are ones I have used, some are ones I will be instituting this year, and some I will be using in the future.  If you have any great ways to reduce the amount of stress please feel free to share them with us!

I know this seems like just another thing to add to your to do list but I think it is worth it.  It can be a fun and relaxing night for you of picking your favorite songs, or maybe a fun night with the family that sparks conversations, memories and just a lot of family time.  It will also be something to listen to while you wrap, or bake or to listen to on Christmas day.  No one will have to remember to change the CDs or fiddle with the music, no worries about lulls in conversations.  You can set up the play list on the computer or the itunes or even on Youtube like I did, no matter what way you did just make sure it has several songs that you and your family enjoy.   And if you don't have time, maybe at least find a play list that someone else has put together that you enjoy, just something to get you in the spirit and keep the good holiday feelings going.  

Here is the playlist I set up on youtube one night while enjoying a glass of wine.  I have since put it on my TV (using the Amazon Fire Stick Youtube App) and listened to it while decorating a bit, wrapping and making my Chex Mix.  You can feel free to use it too if you like.

Advent Reads Day 13: A Christmas to Love You by Megan Smith

Welcome to Advent Reads!

This is an event I have had on my blog for several years running now.  Each evening I feature a different holiday themed book. Think of it as your Book Advent Calendar! I post a variety of holiday books including romance, children's, middle-grade, mystery, paranormal, and I try to find some that are other holiday celebrations than Christmas too. I hope you will stop by each evening to see what new book I have for you!

Read for: Audio Challenge

Synopsis: "How can they still be in love after all these years?

Andrew and Elle Cahill have been married for twenty-six years. They have a strong and healthy relationship along with a beautiful family. Join them and the rest of the Cahill’s this Christmas to hear about their epic love story and catch up with the rest of the crew."

My Review: I downloaded this on a whim using Audible's new Romance package. I didn't realize that it was part of the series until I started listening. It was a quick glance into the relationships, that have been building throughout the series, over the holiday season. Even though I didn't really get a chance to get to know each of the characters and all their backstories, it didn't really take away from the enjoyment of the book. I definitely found some connection with each of the couples as they were dealing with jobs, family and the stress of the holidays. I am interested enough to go back and start at the beginning of the series.

My Rating: I was really pleasantly surprised with this one, normally I hate coming into a series in the middle but this book did a great job of conveying the characters and the story in a way that you could still build a connection.  I will say though that this is definitely an adult romance as there are some open doors bedroom scenes.  I give it a rating of Three Paws and a Stump Wag!

Review of The Tethered Mage by Melissa Caruso

Read for: Netgalley/ Requested Review

Synopsis: "In the Raverran Empire, magic is scarce and those born with power are strictly controlled -- taken as children and conscripted into the Falcon Army.

Zaira has lived her life on the streets to avoid this fate, hiding her mage-mark and thieving to survive. But hers is a rare and dangerous magic, one that threatens the entire empire.

Lady Amalia Cornaro was never meant to be a Falconer. Heiress and scholar, she was born into a treacherous world of political machinations. But fate has bound the heir and the mage.

War looms on the horizon. A single spark could turn their city into a pyre."

My Review: I really haven't seen much about this book but was drawn in by the cover and found the synopsis intriguing enough to give it a shot. I am so glad that I did! While this book has a lot of magic in it, there is also a lot of political intrigue, behind closed door dealings and a lot of puzzles to figure out, my favorite combinations in a book. The characters are so widely varied from political powerhouses and super spies to loyal military members to reluctant/cynical citizens trapped in the system. I thoroughly loved all the thought that went into reading this book, there were a lot of twists and turns to figure out. They were so carefully done you could figure them out but not so easy that you saw it coming a mile away (at least for me). The magic system is really unique, it blends outright power with a little bit of artistry and a touch of steampunk like devices. Then of course you have the element of Falcons and Falconers for an added element of connection and tension throughout the book. This is one that I highly recommend and cannot wait until the next book!

My Rating: This was so much more than I expected! I love that it didn't get bogged down with romance and that there was so much use of mental abilities as opposed to just fighting and magic.  If you liked The Winner's Curse definitely check this one out! I give it a rating of Four Paws!

I received this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

You can find out more about Melissa Caruso on her Goodreads Page or Website.

Tethered Mage was just released on October 24th and you can obtain your own copy in print or digital format from Amazon or Barnes and Noble or check with your local bookstore.

The other good news is that the second book is currently scheduled for release on April 19th so not too long to wait!!

Advent Reads Day 12: Angels at the Table by Debbie Macomber

Welcome to Advent Reads!

This is an event I have had on my blog for several years running now.  Each evening I feature a different holiday themed book. Think of it as your Book Advent Calendar! I post a variety of holiday books including romance, children's, middle-grade, mystery, paranormal, and I try to find some that are other holiday celebrations than Christmas too. I hope you will stop by each evening to see what new book I have for you!

Read for: Mount TBR

Synopsis: "In this joyous and whimsical holiday novel, Debbie Macomber rings in the season with the return of Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy, delivering laughs, love, and a charming dose of angelic intervention.

Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy know that an angel’s work is never done, especially during a time as wondrous as New Year’s Eve. With an apprentice angel, Will, under their wings, they descend upon Times Square in New York City eager to join in the festivities. And when Will spies two lonely strangers in the crowd, he decides midnight is the perfect time to lend a heavenly helping hand.

Lucie Farrara and Aren Fairchild meet after bumping into each other—seemingly by accident—in Times Square on New Year’s Eve. They immediately hit it off and find they have a lot in common: Lucie is a burgeoning chef and Aren is a respected food critic. But just as quickly as they’re brought together, another twist of fate tears them apart, leaving Lucie and Aren with no way to reconnect.

A year later, Lucie is the chef of an acclaimed new restaurant and Aren is a successful columnist for a major New York newspaper. For all the time that’s passed, the two have not forgotten their one serendipitous evening—and neither have Shirley, Goodness, Mercy, and Will. To reunite the young couple, the angels cook up a brilliant plan: mix true love, a second chance, and a generous sprinkle of mischief to create an unforgettable Christmas miracle."


My Review: I have had this book on my shelf for a couple of years, I have always enjoyed Debbie Macomber's work and I loved the play on the names of the angels. It was a bit confusing at first, this is definitely one that if you can you should read the previous books before this one. I listened to it on audio book and the narrator did a great job of adding in the NY/NJ accent but it was difficult to distinguish each of the angels from one another. It was a light story but the bouncing from the main characters of the romance to the angels didn't really allow for me to become really attached to the characters the way I usually do in romance. It also doesn't have quite the level of polish of Debbie's more recent work, I much prefer her stand alone Christmas books. It is still a fun, easy and light read to enjoy over the holidays.

My Rating: This is a fun little book, I think you really need to have followed the Angels series the whole way through to really get the humor, there are several events that happened previously that were alluded to.  I much prefer her stand alone Christmas books during the holiday season.  I give it a rating of Two Paws and a Stump Wag.

Stress Free Holidays: Don't Forget to Treat Yourself!

Welcome to my Stress Free Holidays series, I will be sharing some tips to reduce the amount of stress this time of year puts on all of us.  Some are ones I have used, some are ones I will be instituting this year, and some I will be using in the future.  If you have any great ways to reduce the amount of stress please feel free to share them with us!

This is something I have really struggled with in the past, taking a bit of time for yourself to rest, recover and recharge.  I have been doing a little better this year, maybe because I am more organized and on top of things but I am able to take a bit of time each day to treat myself.  It doesn't have to be something huge, maybe it is a quick nap on a weekend day to prepare for a long night of gift wrapping, or maybe a relaxing hot bath at then end of a long shopping day. Maybe stop at your favorite coffee shop for a cup of hot chocolate and just people watch for 15 minutes.  Whatever it is you enjoy, take a minute and do it for yourself!  

This year I have set up my own little advent calendar. I had bought one from David's Tea last year (but honestly didn't like most of the tea, it was all chocolate and nuts mostly), but I saved the calendar and tins and back in early November I started putting together one for this year.  I picked a variety of teas in my own stash that I may have not had in a while, as well as a few new ones.  I also added in a few bonus gifts to myself, like a cozy blanket and a travel mug from Society6 and I found some great blind date with a book and tea sets on Etsy (CraftingKates and Becca's Little Boutique).  So even though it is something small, I know each day there is something just for me to enjoy. 

Advent Reads Day 11: Can You See What I See? by Walter Wick

Welcome to Advent Reads!

This is an event I have had on my blog for several years running now.  Each evening I feature a different holiday themed book. Think of it as your Book Advent Calendar! I post a variety of holiday books including romance, children's, middle-grade, mystery, paranormal, and I try to find some that are other holiday celebrations than Christmas too. I hope you will stop by each evening to see what new book I have for you!

Read for: Early Reader Challenge

Synopsis: "A Level 1 reader with holiday search-and-find fun by bestselling author/photographer Walter Wick!

From the photographer of the bestselling I Spy books and creator of the Can You See What I See? series is a new Christmas search-and-find reader chock-full of fun! Children can read the simple text and use the picture clues to search for dozens of hidden trinkets and toys! An illustrated word list in the back of the book provides extra support for the newest readers!"

My Review: Need a way to keep your little shadow out of the way for half an hour, this is the book for you. It is great for those beginning to read as the words and text are simple and bold, there is also an image of what they are searching for in case they can't quite read yet. Some of the pictures were pretty difficult and others are easy. The pictures are also very season oriented with snow, cookies, christmas items and more.

My Rating:  This was so much better than the one I picked out for Thanksgiving, it is definitely Christmas oriented with lots of holiday fun.  Some of the pictures are actually pretty difficult but still definitely doable for young readers. We give it a rating of Three Paws and a Stump Wag.

Monday Reading List

Its Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Share what books you have finished in the last week, are currently reading and what might be coming up next!

Reviews Posted Last Week:

Links will take you to my review

A Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas
Merry & Bright by Debbie Macomber
The Christmas Letters by Bret Nicholaus
A Home For Christmas by Tish Rabe
I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas by John Rox
His Christmas Sweetheart by Cathy David
Christmas Sucks by Joanne Kimes

 Books Finished Last Week:

Reviews will be posted at a later date

I Want to Hold Your Hand
Jammie Day
Christmas Shoes
A Cars Christmas

Currently Reading:

Scythe by Neal Shusterman - Print - on page 265 of 435
Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet - Audio - 35%
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden - Kindle - on page 29 of 313




 Books to be Read Soon:

Pages Read/ Time Listened
304:36 Hours (about 10+ Days) Listened (10:48 listened this week)
49,132 Pages Read (196 this week)

Books Added to Shelves Recently TBR
Beauty and the Beast by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve
Samurai Rising by Pamela Turner
Dawn Study by Maria V. Snyder
Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
How to Tame a Willful Wife by Christy English
New World: Rising by Jennifer Wilson
The Sandcastle Empire by Kayla Olson
And I Darken by Kiersten White
World Mythology in Bite Sized Chunks by Mark Daniels
Eliza and Her Monster by Francesca Zappia
Frogkisser by Garth Nix
This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab
The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton
The Beast's Garden by Kate Forsyth
Addie on the Inside by James Howe
Also Known as Elvis by James Howe
Viking Warrior Rebel by Asa Maria Bradley
Puss Without Boots by Shari L. Tapscott
The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman
Saints Blood by Sebastien de Castell
P.O. Box Love by Paola Calvetti
Britt Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman
Nomansland by Lesley Hauge
The Secret Horses of Briar Hill by Megan Shepherd
The Secret Loves of Geek Girls by various authors
Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman
Keep Me Posted by Lisa Beazley
The Prince of Fools by Mark Lawrence
The Nothing Girl by Jodi Taylor
His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik
Tortall and Other Lands by Tamora Pierce
Wild Magic by Tamora Pierce
Wolf Speaker by Tamora Pierce
Emperor Mage by Tamora Pierce
Realm of the Gods by Tamora Pierce
The Winter King by CL Wilson
The Christmas Blessing by Donna VanLiere
The Christmas Hope by Donna VanLiere
The Christmas Promise by Donna VanLiere
The Christmas Secret by Donna VanLiere
The Christmas Note by Donna VanLiere
Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo
The Hearts We Sold by Emily Lloyd-Jones
Jane Unlimited by Kristin Cashore
Before She Ignites by Jodi Meadows
Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave
Shadowcaster by Cinda Williams Chima
Flamecaster by Cinda Williams Chima
The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell
Timekeeper by Tara Sim
Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco
Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco
Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco
Vassa in the Night by Sarah Porter
As You Wish  by Chelsea Sedoti
Down and Across by Arvin Ahmadi
Naondel by Maria Turtschaninoff
The Alchemy of Masques and Mirrors by Curtis Craddock
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan
Phantom Traces by Claire Gem
Dear Margaret by Pamela Ackerson
The Staying Kind by Cerian Hebert
Christmas Joy by Nancy Naigle
Hearts Unloched by Claire Gem
A Family for the Rugged Rancher by Donna Alward
Passion's Palette by Peggy Jaeger
Never Dare a Dragon by Ashlyn Chase
Vampire King of New York by Susan Hanniford Crowley
Crewel Work by Natalie Alder
Trouble Looming by Natalie Alder
A Shot at Love by Peggy Jaeger
Moment of Fate by Karen Stivali
The Promise by Jennifer Owen Davies
The Landscaper Series by Robin Stone
Recipes from Raine's Roast by LG O'Connor
Caught up in Raine by LG O'Connor
Kilty Pleasures by Nancy Fraser
Redeeming the Billionaire by Christina Tetreault
The Billionaire's Best Friend by Christina Tetreault
A Billionaire Playboy by Christina Tetreault
The House of Four Winds by Mercedes Lackey & James Mallory
Warriors by Various Authors
Books of the South by Glen Cook
Chronicles of the Black Company by Glen Cook
If You Find this Letter by Hannah Brencher
Dinosaur Lords by Victor Milan
Dinosaur Knights by Victor Milan
Voyage of the Basilisk by Marie Brennan
In the Labyrinth of Drakes by Marie Brennan
The Speaker by Traci Chee
Nevernight by Jay Kristoff
Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine
Christmas at Thompson Hall by Anthony Trollope
The Nutcracker
Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum
A Merry Christmas and Other Stories by Louisa May Alcott
The Night Before Christmas
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu
The Wall of Storms by Ken Liu
The Traitor's Blade by Sebastian De Castell
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
From a Certain Point of View
The Dinosaur Princess by Victor Milan
Above the Timberline by Gregory Manchess
Wishtree by Katherine Applegate
I Want to Hold Your Hand by Marie Force
I Saw Her Standing There by Marie Force
And I Love Her by Marie Force
It's Only Love by Marie Force



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Yikes! This month is already flying by and I haven't even finished reading half of my Christmas books yet! Luckily, most of my house is decorated, nearly all the Christmas shopping is done and the wrapping too.  Now to start planning and preparing for Christmas dinner.  I hope you have been enjoying my tips for a stress free holiday, I must say that most of them so far are tips I have been using and this year I am surprisingly less stressed (holiday wise anyway) than in years passed. 

We did have a little extra holiday fun this weekend and took Munchkin on the Polar Express train again. It is so pricey but he has so much fun on it and this is the only time he will even get close to Santa!  We even got our first snow the night before so it made it extra magical.

Hope you are having a great December so far!

Advent Reads Day 10: Christmas Sucks by Joanne Kimes

Welcome to Advent Reads!

This is an event I have had on my blog for several years running now.  Each evening I feature a different holiday themed book. Think of it as your Book Advent Calendar! I post a variety of holiday books including romance, children's, middle-grade, mystery, paranormal, and I try to find some that are other holiday celebrations than Christmas too. I hope you will stop by each evening to see what new book I have for you!

Read for: Cause Christmas does suck sometimes & we need to prepare for it

Synopsis: "These days, Christmas lights adorn front porches before the Thanksgiving turkey is even in the oven. Plane tickets to visit hardly-missed relatives cost more than the suitcase full of presents people have to lug across the country. And radios everywhere play songs about that fat guy in a red suit on an endless loop. Yes, it’s official: Christmas Sucks. This title is a humorous look at America’s commercialization of the Christmas holiday season and the terrible travel, inordinate amount of preparation, and family strife that accompanies it. You can commiserate with the fact that everyone drives themselves into debt buying gifts, no one enjoys seeing long-lost relatives, and everyone is creeped out by the department store Santa. With twelve days of Christmas, there’s plenty of reasons why this is far from the most wonderful time of the year." My Review: This was a fun book that takes a comical look at the parts of the holiday season that do honestly suck, like holiday travel or not having a gift for someone when they give you a gift. It also gives some great ways to combat those parts of the holidays to make them a little less stressful. Now I have read a ton of books similar to this one to try to streamline my Christmas with the least amount of fuss and while some of the tips I have heard before, there were also some unusual ones that really make a lot of sense. So if your Christmases have sucked in the past, grab a glass of wine and kick back for some laughs but don't forget a notepad and pencil for all the great ideas! My Rating: I was not expecting to get so much out of this book, I figured I would get a lot of snark and a few over used tips on dealing but there were so many great ideas in here that I had to take notes! I give it a rating of Four Paws!

Stress Free Holidays: Coordinate Your Wrapping Paper

Welcome to my Stress Free Holidays series, I will be sharing some tips to reduce the amount of stress this time of year puts on all of us.  Some are ones I have used, some are ones I will be instituting this year, and some I will be using in the future.  If you have any great ways to reduce the amount of stress please feel free to share them with us!

On the theme of wrapping, from yesterday, I have another tip for you.  Coordinate your wrapping paper, not so much with the decor but where the gifts will be going.  Have one style for those who will be unwrapping at your house, another style for friends, another for co-workers and another for packages that need to be sent out. In our house Santa also has his own gift wrap (but often his gifts are left unwrapped and are set up).  This method allows you to find gifts under the tree with a quick glance and will also help avoid the shuffling of packages when the time comes to unwrap.  A bonus tip with this is to put the gifts that won't be needed until after the holiday (for friends or family you may be meeting after the main event) in the back so they don't get mixed up or even lost in the gift wrap headed for the trash.