“Why Didn’t I Think Of That?” – The 5th Annual Holiday Edition

Here on my blog, I strive to share simple, everyday tips and tricks that can help make your 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!

Since I simply cannot waste a good idea, I tuck them away to use at a later date. Today I’ll be sharing some of the most festive tips and tricks I’ve gathered throughout the year here in the 5th holiday edition of my ongoing series “Why Didn’t I Think Of That?”

Revisit any of the previous editions of the “Why Didn’t I Think Of That?” series by clicking the button at the end of this post!

1. Make Your Fake Tree Smell Real

While I wouldn’t give up the convenience of my pre-lit Christmas tree, I do miss the fresh smell of the real thing! But this year, I can have my cake and eat it too thanks to my secret weapon: Freshly Cut Essential Oil Blend!

This blend features natural essential oils from several types of evergreen trees, so it doesn’t just smell like the real thing—it is the real thing! It’s a great way to fill your home with the scent of a real tree without all those messy pine needles. ;-) Here are a couple of easy ways to do it:

• Make A Diffuser Ornament. Make a simple diffuser ornament by rolling out some air-dry clay, cutting out a shape with a cookie cutter, then adding a hole near the top to hang it from. Use a bamboo skewer to add some decorative details if you like, then let the clay dry completely before adding several drops of Freshly Cut and hanging the finished ornament on your tree.
• Make A Scented Sachet. Use Freshly Cut to make a simple scented sachet following the directions in this post, then hide it in your tree by tucking it deep within the branches.

Whichever method you choose, refresh the scent as needed with a few more drops of oil to keep your tree smelling fresh and festive all season long.

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Note: I truly think these are great diffuser blends all winter long! But even if you don’t feel the same way, you could grab a set to save for next year. As long as you store your oils in a dark place, they have a minimum shelf life of 2-3 years. 

2. Give A Festive Homemade Gift

Hot chocolate is more “giftable” than ever before thanks to the latest cocoa craze: homemade hot chocolate bombs! These dissolvable chocolate spheres contain all the ingredients necessary for a cozy cup of hot cocoa—just add hot milk!

In addition to being easy to make, they’re also totally customizable, allowing you to pick and choose what to include based on who you’re planning to give them to. Learn how to make these delicious and festive treats in this post.

3. Unwrap An Orange

Tangerines and mandarin oranges are always on sale this time of year, and they frequently make an appearance at the bottom of our stockings too! This year, try this clever hack while opening your oranges.

Slice the top and bottom ends off of the orange (a small amount will do) and then tear the peel open in a vertical line. The orange will unwrap conveniently and you can use the skin to keep it all together!

4. Add Extra Twinkle To Your Tree

Wish your tree had a bit more sparkle? Add another strand of lights to your tree that are smaller or larger than the ones you normally use. Having two different sizes of lights will instantly add more dimension to your tree and make it look even more magical!

5. Hang Your Wreath The Easy Way

Use a Command hook to effortlessly hang your holiday wreath! Attach a large Command hook upside-down near the top of the inside of your front door. Once the hook is secure, loop your wreath’s ribbon around it so that the ribbon is draped over the top of your door.

Not only does this tip make hanging a wreath quick and easy, but it also eliminates the scrapes and scratches that bulky metal wreath hangers often leave behind!

6. Soothe Tummy Troubles On The Go

Indulged in too many holiday treats or rich, savory dishes? Naturally soothe a too-full tummy with Tum Ease, an essential oil blend featuring coriander, pink grapefruit, ginger, sweet fennel, and a whole slew of other earthy oils.

The Tum Ease Ready-to-Apply Roll-On is easy to stash in a purse or your car for convenient relief for upset tummies, no matter where your holiday plans take you!

7. Keep Pets Off Your Tree

Are your pets trying to climb, attack, or even live amongst the branches of your Christmas tree? Hang a few small bells on the lower branches of your tree. And if the sudden sound of jingling bells doesn’t scare them off, at the very least it’ll act as an alarm for tree-related shenanigans!

8. Tactical Gift Wrapping

Outsmart gift shakers and present peepers this year with a bit of tactical gift wrapping! Instead of wrapping all your presents in the same gift wrap, use a uniquely patterned or colored roll of gift wrap for each person in the house (and don’t forget to make a note about whose wrap is whose!)

Once you’ve wrapped your presents in their color-coded gift wrap, no one will know which presents are theirs, turning speculative gift shaking into a relatively fruitless endeavor. And as an added bonus, you won’t have to bother with gift tags! :-)