“Why Didn’t I Think Of That?” – The 2nd Annual Holiday Edition

Here on my blog, I strive to share simple, everyday tips and tricks that can help make life a little bit easier. But sometimes, the tips that I want to share aren’t something I can write a whole blog post about. And since I simply cannot waste a good idea, I tuck them away to use at a later date. I decided to share some of my Christmas-themed tips & tricks today, in the 2nd annual holiday edition of my ongoing series, “Why Didn’t I Think of That?” (And in case you missed it, you can check out the 1st annual holiday edition from last year at the link below.)

Related: “Why Didn’t I Think Of That?” – The 1st Annual Holiday Edition

Note: Many of the tips I share on the blog come straight from your comments. If you have a great idea you’d like to share, leave it in the comments, and your idea could be featured in the next “Why Didn’t I Think of That?” post!

1. Tree Trimming Trick

If your artificial Christmas tree is starting to resemble the tree from “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” here’s a simple trick to help! Use a cheap pine garland to fill in some of the more sparse spots on the tree. Once you get the lights and ornaments put on, your tree will look nice and full (and your secret will be safe with me!) :-)

Related: 19 Brilliant Tips That Will Help You Trim Your Tree Like A Pro

2. Dollar Store Deals

When it comes to holiday shopping, the dollar store isn’t exactly the first destination that comes to mind. But don’t count it out, because you can often find a wide variety of holiday items available at the dollar store. You never know what untold holiday treasures await you, and you’re sure to save quite a bit of money in the process! (And really, who couldn’t use a few more ways to save money this time of year?)

3. Festive Folded Napkins

I’m not usually one for fancy folded napkins, but who could possibly resist these tree-shaped ones?! They’re so cute and festive that I just HAD to learn how to make them myself. And lucky for you, I wrote a post breaking down the process step by step so that you can do it too! (And don’t worry, it’s actually easier than it looks!)

Related: How To Make Christmas Tree Napkins & More Festive Table Decor

4. Ribbon Holder

Use a paper towel holder to help hold your ribbon collection during your holiday gift wrap-a-thons. Just look for one with a bar small enough to fit through the middle of your ribbon spools. Simple and useful!

5. Candy Cane Dust

Step aside pumpkin, because it’s officially peppermint season! I love adding a peppermint twist to just about anything during the holidays. The easiest way to do it is to simply crush up a few candy canes! Sprinkle the candy cane dust on cookies and ice cream, or mix it into a warm cup of hot chocolate. Or you can make a festive cocktail/mocktail with a candy cane dusted rim!

6. Whipped Cream Shapes

Speaking of hot chocolate, here’s another fun and festive topping idea! Spread whipped cream onto a cookie sheet or pan in a thick layer and freeze it. Once it’s frozen, use a cookie cutter to cut out fun holiday shapes! A cozy mug of hot chocolate topped with shaped whipped cream is sure to delight kids and adults alike!

7. Easier Icing

You don’t have to be a baking wizard to make beautifully iced cookies. Just grab a small squeeze bottle! Fill the squeeze bottle with your icing, and use that to ice your holiday cookies. You’ll have a lot more control over where the icing goes, so you can easily create intricate designs.

8. Box It Up

Save up your cardboard and paperboard boxes this month to reuse for gifting! One of my favorite items to reuse as an unusual gift box is old cereal boxes. Whatever box you choose to use, they all look the same one they’re wrapped! ;-)

9. Cute Cookie Gift

Speaking of reusing old boxes, make a point to save your tin foil, parchment paper, and plastic wrap. These long boxes make a perfect gifting container for cookies! I like to give them a coat of craft paint to spruce them up a bit, then I just line them with parchment paper and store the cookies inside. Throw on a cute ribbon, and you’ve got a quick and easy gift!

And to avoid any unintended injury, you may also want to cut off the sharp edge before painting.

10. Damage-Free Decorating

Here’s a genius tip for hanging decorations during the holidays. Place a strip of painter’s tape on your wall, then put a dab of hot glue near the center of the tape. While the glue is still warm, attach cards, paper decor, or other lightweight items. When the holidays are over, removing them is as easy as peeling the painter’s tape off the wall!