Crackling fires, snowflakes, colorful lights, and the anticipation of Christmas is all around.  As the excitement of the holiday draws near, and pets young and old await the arrival of Santa Paws, here’s some decorating ideas to help get your pet involved in the holiday spirit.The Treat Tree: Mix homemade dog biscuits into your tree decor.  There are some great recipes online.  Place a hole into the unbaked cookie with a straw, bake, and set to cool.  Place ribbon through the biscuit to hang on the tree. 

To make these treats interactive, attach a small label to each ribbon that lists a trick or behavior you would like your pup to perfect. Each day you can pull a treat, or allow your pup to pick, and have him complete the task before receiving the treat.

For cats, simply use a soft treat and add ornament hooks. Many cat owners express a problem keeping their cat out of their tree, if your kitty likes to use your tree as a hiding place, the treat tree may not be a good option; consider a pet tree without edibles or create a second tree as the treat tree to act as a decoy for your cat. 

The Pet Tree: In addition to homemade treats, add candy cane rawhide, embellished pet ribbon, small picture frames with your pet’s photo, and pet related ornaments to your tree.  Finish it off with a small picket fence to keep create a barrier for your pet for the ultimate pet themed Christmas tree.

The Treat Wreath: Make a wreath out of dog treats.  Purchase a Styrofoam wreath form at your local craft store.  Simply make additional dog biscuits or purchase Milkbones at the grocery store.  Hot glue each bone to your wreath form until the entire wreath form is covered, layering and overlapping bones.  Add dog embellished ribbon and your wreath is ready to great your guests at the front door or anywhere in the home.

For cats, substitute Milkbones with small cat toys.

A Mantle to Bark About: In addition to stockings and traditional holiday décor, include your pet by adding black and white photography of your pet in a silver or gold frame.  Take a photo of your pet dressed in the holiday spirit or simply in front of your Christmas tree.  You can easily alter this photo to black and white using your computer or take it to your photo center.  Print your photos to the size of the frame and add to your holiday mantle collection.  You can also search for pet related holiday accessories at your local HomeGoods store.  Don’t forget to add a stocking for your pet.  Petco offers some great stocking stuffers.

Incorporating your pet into the décor can be fun for the whole family, whether you go all out in a pet themed holiday décor or simply include your pet by adding a few pet friendly embellishments.  It’s the purrfect holiday reward for your perfect pet.

You do not have to be a good crafter to be able to make many great Halloween crafts that will make your holiday joyful. Halloween suggests pictures of spooky ghosts, black cats, dark witches, and flying bats. You can recreate some of these images with fun and simple crafts. The best part about making Halloween crafts is that the whole family can make them and it can give you some time to spend together. Lots of Halloween crafts can be done by almost any age child. For instance, your toddler can help out and learn new skills like cutting, drawing, and coloring. Of course, you need some crafting supplies from the store. Here is the basic craft equipment needed: * Several craft paintings: black, white, orange, etc. (pots and spraying cans) * Gold and silver paint (spraying cans) * Colored pipe cleaners * Black, white, silver and gold markers Obviously, most homes already have basic craft supplies like scissors, tape and glue. So, let’s begin: it is going to be fun! Spiders To make these spiders, you need an egg carton. Cut all the egg cups. Paint them black. Paint their eyes with white or orange paint. Make four small holes on each side of the spiders. Insert a black or colored pipe cleaner in each hole and stick or glue them to the spider. Give the shape you want to the pipe cleaners Pumpkin boxes Find as many small pumpkin plastic containers as you want. Fill them with candies. Voila! Treats are ready to be given to kids who will ring on your bell on Halloween Eve. Colored Pumpkins Here is a very special idea that will allow you to renew your Halloween ornaments while saving a lot of money. You probably already have ceramic pumpkins. Rather buying new Halloween ornaments, paint your old ones according to your needs: gold or silver paint for a luxurious decoration, for example. You may also want to paint them in black or white. With a black, white, silver or gold marker, draw some shapes on these new pumpkins such as black cat, white witch, black mansion… Kids love bright colors so you can paint your pumpkins in several different bright colors such as orange, green, blue, red, yellow, etc. Draw Halloween figures on these pumpkins. For teenagers decoration, paint pumpkins with metallic colors, glow-in-the-dark, glitter, and so on. Pumpkin Jar If you already have one or more, fill a glass jar with small plastic or ceramic pumpkins; alternate pumpkins with maple berries and leaves. Do-it-yourself Halloween Lights Here is an almost free Halloween craft! Paint small jars in black, white and orange. Draw some Halloween shapes on them and insert a tea light candle in each jar. For instance, paint a white jar, draw Scream murderer’s eyes and mouth and voila, you have an original ghost light. Place the Halloween candles on a black tray, insert mini pumpkins, maple berries and leaves, etc. If you have larger jars, you may paint them as well and pour in Christmas lights. Halloween Candelabra Paint candelabra with black paint. Add orange candles. Hang cobwebs on the candelabra for a spooky Halloween effect! Halloween Centrepiece You will need to use a bread basket in order to make this item. Fill it with some maple leaves. Add cobweb, mini pumpkins, spiders… You may keep the basket for Thanksgiving: you will only have to replace cobweb and spiders by grapes and pine cones. Halloween Tree Put bare branches in a vase. Paint small Christmas tree balls black, white, and orange. Draw Halloween shapes on them. Hang the balls on the branches. You may also make your own Halloween tree ornaments such as ghosts, black cat, witches, and spiders cut out cardboard. Paint them and hang them on the tree. Tip: make a uncommon Halloween garland with popcorn painted orange. Witch Hat If you still have a pointy black hat from last year, reuse it by sticking Halloween items such as fake hands, spiders, cobwebs or other spooky items and pin it to the front door. Happy Halloween!

You do not have to be a good crafter to be able to make many special Halloween items that will make your holiday joyful. Halloween suggests pictures of spooky ghosts, black cats, dark witches, and flying bats. You can recreate some of these images with fun and easy crafts. The best part about creating Halloween crafts is that it is something that the whole family can do and it can give you some time to spend together. Lots of Halloween crafts can be made by almost any age kid. For instance, your toddler can help out and learn new skills like cutting, drawing, and coloring. Of course, you need some crafting supplies from the store. Here is the basic craft equipment needed:

Obviously, most homes already have basic craft supplies like scissors, tape and glue.So, let’s begin: it is going to be fun!Spiders To make these spiders, you need an egg carton. Cut all the egg cups. Paint them black. Paint their eyes with white or orange paint. Make four small holes on each side of the spiders. Insert a black or colored pipe cleaner in each hole and stick or glue them to the spider. Give the shape you want to the pipe cleaners Pumpkin boxes Find as many small pumpkin plastic containers as you want. Fill them with candies. Voila! Treats are ready to be given to children who will ring on your bell on Halloween Eve. Colored Pumpkins Here is a very special idea that will allow you to renew your Halloween decorations without having to spend a lot of money. You probably already have ceramic pumpkins. Instead of buying new Halloween ornaments, paint your old ones according to your needs: gold or silver paint for a luxurious decoration, for instance. You may also want to paint them in black or white. With a black, white, silver or gold marker, draw Halloween shapes on these new pumpkins such as black cat, white witch, black mansion… Children enjoy bright colors so you can paint your pumpkins in several different bright colors such as orange, green, blue, red, yellow, etc. Draw Halloween figures on these pumpkins. For teenagers ornament, paint pumpkins with metallic colors, glow-in-the-dark, glitter, etc. Pumpkin Jar If you already have one or more, fill a glass jar with small plastic or ceramic pumpkins; alternate pumpkins with maple berries and leaves. Homemade Halloween Lights Here is an almost free Halloween craft! Paint small jars in black, white and orange. Draw some Halloween shapes on them and insert a tea light candle in each jar. For instance, paint a white jar, draw Scream murderer’s eyes and mouth and voila, you have an original ghost light. Place the Halloween candles on a black tray, insert mini pumpkins, maple berries and leaves, etc. If you have larger jars, you may paint them as well and pour in Christmas lights. Halloween Candelabra Paint candelabra with black paint. Add orange wax lights. Hang cobwebs on the candelabra for a spooky Halloween effect!Halloween Centrepiece You will need to use a bread basket in order to make this item. Fill it with some maple leaves. Add cobweb, mini pumpkins, spiders… You may keep the basket for Thanksgiving: you will only have to replace cobweb and spiders by grapes and pine cones. Halloween Tree Put bare branches in a vase. Paint small Christmas tree balls black, white, and orange. Draw Halloween figures on them. Hang the balls on the branches. You may also create your own Halloween tree ornaments such as ghosts, black cat, witches, and spiders cut out cardboard. Paint them and hang them on the tree. Tip: make a uncommon Halloween garland with popcorn painted orange.Witch Hat If you still have a pointy black hat from last year, reuse it by sticking Halloween items such as fake hands, spiders, cobwebs or other spooky items and pin it to the front door. Happy Halloween!

Baker’s Clay Ornaments

We all have treasured Christmas ornaments stashed away in boxes labeled “Christmas Decorations.”  These were made over the years by family, friends, and especially dear to all of us are the ones created by our children.  Make more holiday memories this year with the simple, old-fashioned dough called “Baker’s Clay.”  This clay is easy to make and allows the smallest ones and those of us who are totally lacking in creativity to create stunning, durable ornaments for decoration and gift giving. 

Start by making the simple dough consisting of flour, salt and water.

The recipe follows:

4 cups flour

1 cup salt

1 ½ cups water (approximately)

This can be mixed by hand or with a food processor using the bread dough attachment.  Mix the flour and salt and add water until the dough is soft and pliable but not sticky.  Dough must be kneaded until it becomes smooth and satiny.  If you are doing this by hand, it may take up to ten minutes.  If you have not kneaded it long enough, it may fall apart when it is drying.

The dough should be made at the start of the project and used up rather than stored. 

Assemble an assortment of items to create ornaments.  Paper clips make a good hanger and should be firmly pressed into the top back of the ornament. A rolling pin and cookie cutters are handy.  While adults and older children may form intricate Santa Clause figures or angels, smaller children can roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thickness and cut the clay with a snowman or a star cookie cutter.  If making an ornament that consists of different parts put together, water should be used as glue, but it is necessary to use it sparingly as too much will weaken the joint.  Impressions can be made on decorations with an assortment of different items such as forks, pencil erasers, and bottle caps.  A cheese grater makes dough shavings that can be used for creating a snowman’s hat or nose.  A garlic press creates small strands perfect for adding “hair.”

Lay ornaments on a cookie sheet along with a small “test” piece of dough and bake them at 275 degrees for three hours.  You can tell by breaking the “test” piece of material if the drying is complete after three hours.  If additional time is needed, usually ½ hour is sufficient.  Allow cooling time before starting the painting process.

Acrylic paints are easy to apply, inexpensive, and are available in small jars from the craft section of most department stores.  While acrylic spray cans are available, it is not advisable to use them around small children.

Decorate ornaments and allow them to dry completely before applying sealer.  This dough must be sealed well as exposure to moisture will cause mold and disintegration will occur.  Any good, transparent coating can be used as long is it is not penetrating.  Apply a coating in a well ventilated area and let it dry completely before adding another coating.  If you prefer a strong protective coating for your art, up to four coats can be used.

Homemade ornaments are always appreciated and become family treasures for future holidays.  But the greatest benefit is derived from the fun enjoyed by all during the creation of these cherished decorations.

If you like unusual and artsy stuff, you can really have a field day with Sanibel seashells.

Seashells are so beautiful in and of themselves, and their lovely configurations are ideal for creating unique Christmas tree ornaments.

According to one seashell crafts person, Patricia from Massachusetts, the ease of creating seashell X-Mas tree decorations makes for a great project for the whole family.

First, the recipe, what you need to get started.

 Ingredients Needed:

 Sea shells Gold Gilt or silver and gold paint Tiny rosebuds (silk or real) Pearls Glue gun Clear nail polish Gold or silver very thin ribbon or cord

Next, the process, what you need to do to “cook” your trinket:

1. Gilt or paint your shells and let dry. (you can also leave the shells plain and cover with clear nail polish if you prefer).

2. Glue a rosebud or pearl in the well of the shell or decorate it how you want.

3. Glue a loop of the thin ribbon or cord on the top to hang it with . Cover base of ribbon hang with with rosebud , pearl , or a bow.

A simple recipe, an easy meal!

All it takes is to get yourself down to Sanibel, and this Christmas it also should be easier than ever.

Lovely condos are available that normally are booked at this time of year. Airlines are offering good deals, car rentals are below normal in rates. And seashells? Well the shells are already there waiting for you and free for the taking!

 Here are ten good reasons to vacation on Sanibel:

1. You feel your stress depart and  spirits lift  as you come on Island over the Causeway.2. You are awakened at 3 a.m. by the sounds of silence.

3. You have had nothing to drink but you see a flock of big, pink birdsfly over your head.

4. You observe many people stooped over on the beach gathering sea shells.5. People rush past you at sunset heading to the beach with a bottle of wine and wine glasses.6. Your nine year old goes to sleep before 10 p.m. and your fourteen year old wakes up before 10 a.m.7. You have no idea what time it is or even what day it is.8. Your biggest decision is choosing where you will go to dinner.9. You finished that book that had been sitting on your nightstand at home for nearly a year.10. You wonder why you feel so sad and realize it’s your last day on the island.

What are you going to do to make this year’s photo Christmas cards really stand out?  You don’t have to fall back on the same old ideas this holiday.  Here are ten suggestions to help you make this season’s family greeting the best one yet.

1. Try a different spin on a traditional theme.  This fall take a picture of the kids with a pumpkin snowman.  Just stack three pumpkins, graduating in size with the biggest on the bottom and their stems removed.  Paint a face on the top pumpkin, carve a small hole to hold the carrot nose, then put a Santa hat or wool cap on top and add a scarf.  If you live near the beach, you can make a sand snowman instead.

2. Transform an ordinary photo Christmas card into a religious one by adding your favorite Bible verse. Look for a company that will let you create your own personalized message, instead of just sticking with the text shown on the sample.

3. Nothing is cuter than a holiday greeting that contains a photo of an adorable animal in a seasonal setting.  The easiest way to achieve this look yourself is to take a picture of your sleeping dog or cat on top a sheet of wrapping paper or under the tree.  Add the caption, “peace on earth” and wait for the “aaaahs”.

4. Create a four seasons look with a multi photo Christmas card that has space for four photos.  Then choose pictures of your kids from the past year during the winter, spring, summer and fall. Personalize it with the words, “thinking of you at Christmas…and all year, too!”

5. Is your little one a budding artist?  He or she can help you to create a really unique holiday greeting.  Ask him to draw a picture of the family with crayons. Then, it’s your turn to cut out the faces of each family member from snapshots and glue them to the top of the crayon bodies. Take a close up photo of the masterpiece for this year’s card.

6. Are you famous for your holiday baking? If you’re always being asked for the recipe for one of your seasonal goodies, you can turn that into a fun photo Christmas card.  Write out the directions on a pretty recipe card, then clip a family photo onto the card, perhaps of the kids baking cookies. Be careful not to cover any of the instructions with that picture. You might want to add the words, “wishing you a sweet Christmas”.

7. For impact, try black and white with a touch of color.  Your favorite photo with the kids in Santa hats can be changed into an artistic black and white picture with just the Santa hats in red.  Most online photo Christmas card companies will do this for you at no extra charge.

8. Make a statement.  What makes your family tick?  Are you a bunch of beach bums, taking advantage of sun and surf every possible moment in the summer?  Then include photos in your holiday greeting of the kids playing in the waves and building sand castles.  Are you all sports enthusiasts? Then feature action shots of your children playing for their team.  Are you involved in animal rescue, active in politics, big on barbecues, busy selling homemade jewelry at craft shows, passionate about your faith? Find a way to work it into your pictures.  This year, instead of a posed portrait, give people a glimpse into your family dynamics.

9. Send a holiday greeting that takes a trip down memory lane.  For this idea, you will need to select Christmas cards that feature multiple photos.  Choose your current favorite family picture and then add one or more photos of the kids when they were younger for a then and now effect. You might want to ask the card company to change the older photos to black and white or make the current picture larger than the rest. Don’t forget to add captions underneath indicating the year the photographs were taken.

10. If you’re still looking for a fresh idea for this year’s Christmas greeting, then it’s time to browse. Start searching through the huge variety of designs in photo holiday cards online until you find one in particular that inspires you.  Maybe it’s a candy cane motif and you’ll think of posing the kids with comically oversized candy canes.  Or you’ll fall in love with one that has a pale blue background with snowflakes, which might lead you to dress the family in shades of blue.  Many times, it’s easier to pick out the card first, which will set the tone for the pictures you want to include.

This year you can have an amazing photo Christmas card that gets rave reviews from friends and relatives.  All it takes is a little inspiration and thought to make this season’s greeting a one of a kind expression of your family.

Visiting a Christmas tree farm and buying a live tree grown in New Jersey can be a memorable holiday experience for the entire family? The process can be any where from an hour to a good part of the day, depending on what you and your family wants to gain from the experience.
The choices for selecting a New Jersey grown live tree are many. You can choose to cut your own tree, or pick a live tree and have it cut for you, or buy a live tree already cut, or buy a living tree you can plant.
To extend the experience to a family fun event, you can venture off to a Christmas tree farm that offers sleigh rides, hay rides and related winter events and fun.
A fresh-cut Christmas tree not only will bring warmth, beauty and the rich scents of the season to your home, but also will last throughout the holidays if given proper care.
Christmas trees are a renewable resource. They are grown as a crop; planted, sheared, and cultivated to be harvested for your enjoyment! Where each tree is cut, a new seedling will be planted. Christmas tree farms not only provide beautiful greenbelts throughout New Jersey, they also are environmentally sound. They consume huge amounts of carbon dioxide and reintroduce large quantities of oxygen into the atmosphere, thus cleansing the air that we breathe. One acre of Christmas trees produces the daily oxygen requirement for 18 people.
The selection of a live Christmas tree.
When choosing a tree, select one that best suits your needs. Determine where will it be located in the home, and what type of ornaments you have – are they heavy or light? These considerations will help you select the species, the height, shape and density. Amongst the variety of species of Christmas trees grown in New Jersey, the best choices for needle retention are all the pines; Austrian, Scotch, White and Mexican Border. The Douglas-fir, Concolor, and Fraser Fir are also excellent. The Colorado Blue Spruce is very good, and the Norway and White Spruces are fair.
It is difficult to gauge the height of trees in the field. Check with the Christmas tree farm, they usually have measuring sticks available. Even though you cannot cut your tree exactly even with the ground and you will need to cut an additional bit off the bottom of your tree when you get home, your stand will add about four inches and your top piece another four inches to the final height of your tree. Therefore, it is recommended that you choose a tree that is somewhat shorter than the height of your ceiling.
The Care of the live Christmas tree
With a few simple steps, you can enjoy your tree throughout the holiday season!
A fresh cut tree, brought home in advance of bringing it indoors for decorating, should be placed in a container of water, in a cool shaded area, sheltered from the wind. If kept outside, make sure the water supply does not freeze. Before bringing it indoors, cut off an inch from the butt end. This fresh cut will enable the tree to soak up water. Put the tree in a stand, which can hold one to two gallons of water. Since fresh cut trees absorb a pint to a quart of water each day, check water level at least once daily and always keep water level above the cut end. Always keep the butt of the tree in water. If it has been out of water for more than a few hours, the sap will seal the cut trunk and it will no longer absorb water. Keeping a tree stand filled with water will prevent needle drop and prolong the tree’s freshness and color.
Select a location inside your home that is not too close to a fireplace, heat duct or radiator. Place tree in tree stand with plastic netting on. This makes it easier to move and straighten tree. Netting can be removed once the tree is set up.
The tree will take a couple of hours to return to its natural shape once the netting is removed. Fill the stand with water. On the initial fill, warm or hot water is beneficial.
The care and planting of a balled & burlapped tree.
If you have selected a balled & burlapped (dug) Christmas tree, several days prior to being brought indoors, it needs to be placed in an unheated, protected enclosure (utility building, garage, carport, basement) or on the northeast side of the house. This conditioning process adjusts the tree to the effects of rapid temperature and humidity changes that occur indoors. Before bringing the tree indoors, place it in a washtub or similar waterproof container. To help stabilize it, sand or gravel may be filled in around the root ball. Keep root ball moist; approximately a pint to a quart of water, daily, will sustain a 5 to 6 ft. tree. Ideally, it’s best to keep a dug tree in a 65 to 68 degree indoor environment and for no longer than seven days.
After tree is dismantled, do not bring it directly outdoors. If possible, gradually introduce it to the colder temperature by first placing it in a sheltered area, for several days. The hole, where the tree is to be planted, should be dug to an approximate depth of 18 inches, prior to the ground freezing and the soil from within placed where it cannot freeze. Fill the hole with leaves and cover it with plastic. Do not remove the burlap and strapping, before planting. After tree has been positioned (top of root ball should be even with original soil grade), fill hole halfway – with saved soil, cut strapping, roll down burlap and complete filling hole. A plastic covered root ball is handled in the same manner, except that before planting, slits should be cut in the plastic’s bottom half – this facilitates water drainage and root penetration. Water thoroughly and mulch.
Disposal and recycling your Christmas tree.
The disposal and recycling of Christmas trees can be coordinated with your local Municipal Government, who usually offer recycling programs. The trees are chipped into mulch and made available free of charge to homeowners. These trees may also be placed in your yard, where birds can make use of them either as a winter shelter or as a feeding station, if food is hung from the branches.
A Christmas tree is biodegradable, it’s branches may be removed and used as mulch in the garden. For proper Christmas tree disposal, check with your local municipality.
Listing of New Jersey Christmas tree farms
Provided below is a listing of popular Christmas tree farms in New Jersey. While this listing is reasonably up to date as of this writing, last minute weather and business conditions at a tree farm may change and it is strongly recommended that you call the farm in advance to confirm their supply, their hours of operation, and whether they are continuing to allow choose-and-cut or just precut trees. Do not drive out there if you can’t reach them by phone!
Augusta
Holiday Tree Farm, Augusta
973-948-7488… 44 Augusta Hill Rd…Route 80 West to Exit 34B. Rte. 15 North to intersection with Rte. 206 at Ross’ Corner/Skyland Park. Straight on Rte. 206N to first left onto Augusta Hill Road. Farm is ½ mi. on left.
Species…2,500 trees; Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, Douglas-fir, Canaan Fir
Belvidere
Wyckoff’s Tree Farm, Belvidere
908-475-4508…249 County Route 519…I-80, exit 12 to Rte 521S to 519S (10 miles from Rte 80), I-78, exit 17 to Rte 31N to Rte 46W to Rte 519S (mile marker 39).Species…600 trees; Douglas-fir
Open…8:30-4 (daily), Nov. 24 – To be determined
Blairstown
Glenview Farm, Blairstown
908-362-6904…2 Glenview Lane…I-80 Exit 12 N. – Rte. 521 – 4 mi. to Blairstown, left on Rte. 94 – 1 mi. to Mohican Rd.; From Newton – Rte. 94 S. 12 mi. to Mohican Rd. 4 mi. – rt. on Gaisler Rd. – farm 1 mi.
Species…500 trees; Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, Douglas-fir, Concolor Fir, Fraser Fir, Canaan Fir Open…9-5 (daily), Nov. 24 – Dec. 17
Jolly Holly Christmas Tree Farm, Blairstown
908-362-6327… 56 Maple Lane…Exit 12 on Rte. 80 W to Blairstown. At traffic light, take Millbrook Rd up hill to Maple Lane. Left on Maple Lane. Farm is on left.
Species…200 trees; Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, Douglas-fir, Concolor Fir
Open…12-4 (Sat & Sun), Nov. 25 – Dec. 17
Califon
Alger Tree Farm, Califon
908-832-2298… 7 Beacon Light Rd…From Rte. 78 exit 24 (Oldwick) 7 mi. N or Rte. 517. Turn left on Beacon Light Rd. to first house on left.
Species…400 trees; Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, Douglas-fir, Concolor Fir
Open…8:30-5 (Sat & Sun), Dec. 2 – 24
Chesterfield (near Bordentown)
Spruce Goose Christmas Tree Farm, Chesterfield
609-298-2498…194 Bordentown-Georgetown Rd.(Rte. 545 S)…NJ Tpk. Exit 7 or I-295N Exit 57A, take Rte. 206 N. or Rte. 130 N towards Bordentown, 1st right onto Rte. 545 S. Proceed 4 mi. Farm on right. Or from intersection of Rtes. 537 & 545, take Rte. 545 N 3.5 mi. Farm on left. From McGuire AFB, take Rte. 680 W.
Species…1,000 trees; Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, White Pine, Douglas-fir, Canaan Fir, Serbian Spruce, all Fraser Fir are pre-cut.
Open…9-5 (daily), Nov. 24 – Dec. 24
Cranbury
Barclay’s Tree Farm
35 Orchardside Drive, Cranbury, NJ 08512
609-799-1855; Hours: Weekends 9am-5pm, Nov 27 – Dec 19
Directions: NJTpke Exit 8A, Rt 32 W to Rt 130, So on Rt 130 for 1.5 mi to light at Dey Rd. Right on Dey Rd. 1.5 mi to 1st right – Orchardside Dr. From Rt 1 , East on Scudders Mill Rd 2 mi to left at 5th light onto Dey Rd. 2.3 mi to left onto Orchardside Dr.
Choose & Harvest: Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, Canaan Fir, Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce
Features: One low price. Saws, netting, rope and assistance provided free.
Simonson Farms
Dey Road and George Davison Road, Cranbury, 609-799-0140
Hours: M-F 12-7, Sat & Sun 9-6.
Directions: From NJ Tpk to Exit 8A. Bear right out of the tolls toward Rte. 535. At traffic light, turn left onto Rte. 535 S. Follow to third traffic light, and turn right onto Rte. 614 ( Dey Rd.) west. Straight on 614W 1.9 mi. to U-cut field or 3 miles to retail lot.
Species: 3,000 trees; Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, White Spruce, White Pine, Douglas-fir, Concolor Fir, Fraser Fir, Canaan Fir
They currently have harvestable Douglas-fir, blue spruce, Norway spruce, white pine, Concolor fir, and Canaan fir. We have two farms where you can cut your own tree. One is located on George Davison road in Cranbury and the other on Dey Road in Cranbury. Trees in these fields are U-cut… that means you have the pleasure of cutting down your own tree. Saws are available if needed. They supply twine and trees can be wrapped for ease of transport.
Cream Ridge
Bullock Farms, Cream Ridge
609-758-8726… 83 Emleys Hill Rd…From I-195, Exit 16, take Rte. 537 W past Great Adventure. Make 2nd right onto Emleys Hill Rd. Approx. 1 ½ mi., farm on right.
Species…250 trees; Norway Spruce, White Pine, Douglas-fir
Open…9-5 (Wed – Sun), Nov. 24 – Dec. 23
East Brunswick
Giamarese Farms, East Brunswick
732-821-9494… 155 Fresh Pond Rd…From the New Brunswick Area – take Rte. 1 S to 2nd Milltown exit, which will be Main St. Exit will loop over Rte. 1. Once on Main St., Milltown, count 3 traffic lights from Rte. 1. Make right onto Khulthau Ave, which is 3rd light. Go ¼ mi to split in road. Bear rt. onto Fresh Pond Rd. Go about 2 mi. Farm on right on top of hill at #155. Large sign in front.
Species…300 trees; Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, White Spruce, Douglas-fir, Concolor Fir, Fraser Fir, Canaan Fir
Open…10-5:00 (Tue – Sun), Nov. 24 – Dec. 24 (closed Mondays
Farmingdale
Meadowview Farm, Farmingdale
732-938-7181… 60 Birdsall Rd…½ mi. south of Farmingdale on Rte. 524. Left on Birdsall Road. First farm on left.
Species…200 trees; Norway Spruce, White Pine, Douglas-fir
Open…9-4:00 (Sat & Sun), Nov. 25 – Dec. 24
Flemington
Cherryville Farms
14 Joe Ent Road , Flemington, NJ 08822 , 908-806-4580
Hours: Open 9:00 AM until dark, Saturdays & Sundays – starting Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Directions: Located one mile east of Quakertown on Route 616 ( Quakertown Road) Franklin Township, Hunterdon County.
Species: Canaan Fir, Concolor Fir, Douglas Fir, Blue Spruce & Norway Spruce
Features: Tagging, saws & treewheelers available. Wreaths, Crafts & Refreshments Cut your own, or they’ll cut it for you. —–Tagging, saws & treewheelers available Wreaths, Crafts & Refreshments.
Hillsdale
Demarest Farms
244 Werimus Road , Hillsdale 201-666-0472
Christmas trees, wreaths, all Christmas related items, featuring Santa’s Enchanted Woods as featured on Good Day New York
Lebanon
The Evergreen Farm, Lebanon
908-236-9550… 4 Bass Lane…Rte. 78 W to Exit 20A ( Lebanon). Turn right at first light onto Rte. 22 W. Turn left (jughandle) at first light ( Round Valley). Go 3.3 mi. on Rte. 629 to Bass Lane OR Rte. 31 N from Flemington to Molasses Hill Rd. Take to end. Turn right onto Rte. 629 to Bass Lane.
Species…500 trees; Blue Spruce, Douglas-fir, Concolor Fir, Fraser Fir, Canaan Fir
Open…10-5 (Fri, Sat, Sun), Nov. 18 – Dec. 17. Closed Thanksgiving, but open for tagging by appt. Nov 1
Manalapan
Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm, Manalapan Twp.
732-786-9277… 114 Daum Rd. Manalapan…Garden State Pkwy Exit 123, Rte. 9 S. to Gordon Corner Rd. exit. Right on Tennent (5.4 mi.) to Daum Rd. NJ Tpk Exit 8, Rte. 33 E (7.9 mi.) left on Woodward Rd. (.4 mi.). First left onto Daum Rd.
Species…3,000 trees; Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, White Pine, Douglas-fir, Fraser Fir. Open…9-8 (daily), Nov. 20 – Dec. 23
Robbinsville
McLaughlin Tree Farm, Robbinsville
609-259-8122… 1312 Old York Road…Located on Rte. 539, 2.1 mi. north of Route I-195 (Exit 8). Across from Herbert Road. 3.5 mi north of Allentown and 4 mi. south of Hightstown. Easily accessible from Rtes. 195, 130 & NJ Turnpike via Exit 8.
Species…1,000 trees; Douglas-fir, Canaan Fir, Scotch Pine
Open…8-5 (Sat & Sun & by appt.) Nov. 25 – Dec. 24
Rosemont
Rosemont Tree Farm, Rosemont
609-397-1809…Route 519…From Flemington – Rte. 12 W to Rte. 523 right onto Rte. 604 to Rte. 519. Turn right onto Rte. 519. Farm 300 yards. From Trenton – Rte. 29N thru Lambertville and Stockton. Right onto Rte. 519 1.5 mi. to farm.
Species…1,000 trees; Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, White Pine, Canaan Fir, Scotch Pine Open…9-4:30 (Thu – Sun), Nov. 24 – Dec. 23
Sussex
Shale Hills Farm
98 Pond School Road, Sussex , 973-875-4231
Directions: At intersection of Rtes. 23 or 94 N.-take Rte. 23 N. – 1 1/2 mi. to Double S Diner on left – turn behind Diner on Pond School Rd. – 1.2 mi. to farm – sign.
Species: 700 trees; Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, Scotch Pine, Douglas-fir
Hours: Open Weekends after Thanksgiving from 9:30 am until dark.
Trenton
Willard Christmas Tree Farms, Trenton
609-587-1776… 300 Basin Rd…Rte. 1 to Bakers Basin Rd. (.5 mi. South of I-295 overpass), 1 mi. to Basin Rd. on right. Farm 1 mi. on left.
Species…1,000 trees; Blue Spruce, Douglas-fir, Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir
Open…12-5 (Mon – Fri), 8-6 (Sat & Sun) Nov. 24 – Dec. 23 Enjoy a Hay wagon ride as you select your tree from our fields and cut it down yourself. We have available pre-cut trees that have been freshly cut from our fields. Christmas Trees we have available are Scotch Pine, White Pine, Douglas Fir, Norway, Colorado Blue and White Spruce. Also available are fresh dug balled and burlapped trees from our fields. You can enjoy indoors during the Holiday season and then plant outdoors to enjoy for a lifetime. All farms carry roping, wreaths and greens for all your Holiday Decorating needs.
Whitehouse Station
Holly Bough Plantation, Whitehouse Station
908-534-2622… 88 Cole Rd…I-78 or Rte. 22 to Rte. 523, two miles south to Rte. 620 (Dreahook Rd.), ¼ mi. to Holland Brook Rd. – Turn right, continue 1.5 mi. to split in road, turn right onto Cole Rd.
Species…200 trees; Blue Spruce, Canaan Fir, Black Hills Spruce
Open…9:30-5 (Sat & Sun), Nov. 24 – Dec. 23.
Wrightstown
Edwards Christmas Tree Farm, Wrightstown
609-758-7729… 338 Jacobstown-Cookstown Rd…From Mt. Holly, take Rte. 537 E. to right at light at Jacobstown-Cookstown Rd. Farm is one mile on right. From Freehold, take Rte. 537 W. to left at light at Jacobstown-Cookstown Rd. Farm is one mile on right. Species…200 trees; White Pine, Douglas-fir, Scotch Pine
Open…9-4:30 (daily), Dec. 1 – Dec. 24

Do you want to give some unique Christmas gifts this year, but don’t want to spend a lot of money?  You can find gifts that are both cheap and thoughtful.  Here are ten easy ideas for inexpensive holiday gifts that are sure to please.

1. Fun, trendy watch.  You can buy watches in all shapes and colors from around $8 to $20 at discount department stores and flea markets.  Include a note in the box that says something like, “I always enjoy our time together”.  If giving this to a teacher, you could thank them for all the “time” they’ve spent teaching your child.

2. Mini recipe book of your favorite recipes.  Buy a small, inexpensive photo album that holds one 4 x 6 photo per page (usually just a dollar or two at craft stores).  Print, type or write your recipes onto 4 x 6 recipe cards and insert in the sleeves meant for photos. After you’ve made the first set, make multiple photocopies of all the recipe cards.  That way you can easily make more personal recipe books for other people this year or anytime.

3. Gourmet chocolate pretzels.  These sell in specialty stores for $20 for around a dozen large pretzel rods.  But you can make your own homemade version for a fraction of the cost.  All you need is the pretzels, chocolate melts (most craft stores have these for under $2 a bag), and optional things like chopped nuts, mini chips or sprinkles.  Simply melt the chocolate, dip the pretzels rods until about half of the pretzel is covered, then roll in the toppings and let them set upside down in a cup.

4. Handmade framed name print.  Research the meaning of the person’s name from a baby naming website. Use your computer graphics or word processing program to type his or her name in large letters in a nice font.  Put the meaning of their name in smaller letters under the name. Print it on pretty background paper, such as 8 1/2 x 11 scrapbook paper from a craft store.  Trim to fit a small frame purchased from a discount department store or dollar store.

5. Night at the movies. You can make this inexpensive by just picking up a $5 gift card for a movie rental and a box of microwave popcorn.  Or you can make it a bigger gift by adding a large bowl for the popcorn, a gift card for multiple rentals, and perhaps some DVDs. 

6. Flashlight that doesn’t need batteries.  This is a very practical gift that almost anyone can use.  Depending on the model, you either shake the flashlight or wind it up.  They really work and you never have to worry about dead batteries. The price range is between $10 and $20.

7. Photo ornament.  You can find these in all kinds of stores, some are quite inexpensive and look like little holiday photo frames.  Just insert a photo of your friend, their pet or children and you’ve got a very personalized gift.

8. Custom gift card from you.  If you’re short on cash, but not on sentiment, you can print a gift card that promises babysitting, a car wash, running errands, lessons, etc.  If you love to bake, but don’t have time around the holidays, give a gift card redeemable for your specialty in January.

9. Personalized giant candy bar.  This one is so easy.  Buy a big Hershey bar and replace the outer wrapper with your custom wrapper.  You can print one of the many free Christmas chocolate bar wrappers found on the internet.  Some of them even have places for you to put a photo and your own words.  Or make it yourself by tracing the original wrapper and cutting it out from nice holiday paper.  Then just tape or glue in place.

10. Personalized magnet, button, key ring or pocket mirror. For just a couple of dollars, this one of a kind little gift can’t be beat.  There are companies on the internet that will put any funny or inspiration quote or your own message on one of their products.  Whatever the person’s hobby, interest, or job, there is a saying or quotation out there that would be perfect for them.

A thoughtful Christmas gift doesn’t have to cost a lot of money or require hours of searching through crowded malls.  All that is needed is your big heart and imagination.

Saving money at Christmas is on a lot of people’s minds by early fall.  How do we make this time of celebration memorable without breaking the budget?With imagination, creativity, and thinking outside the box.  You don’t have to go into debt to make the holidays fun !  Making it a homemade Christmas is one such way to spur new ideas in gift giving and decorating. With a bit of time, creativity in finding resources, and minimum to advanced skill levels, you can design homemade Christmas gift ideas and decor that will have friends and family in awe of your talents and all while saving money!  Here’s a few ideas to get you going.Frugal Christmas decor ideas:-Use color. Look in discount stores (such as all-for-a-dollar) for red and green placemats, table runners and dish or hand towels. For minimal expense you can add holiday color to brighten your home.-If you live in an area where balsam and fir can be obtained; bring in a few sprigs and add to a colorful container. Add a couple inexpensive craft picks with artificial poinsettias, pine cones or other holiday decoration.  Voila ! You have a table centerpiece.-Check out thrift stores such as Goodwill, the Salvation Army, or your local church thrift store for baskets, Christmas decorations, and other items that can be purchased for a fraction of what you’d pay new. Homemade Christmas gift ideas:-Think about the person you’re giving a gift to. What do they like?  Is there something that you can make that’s related to their interest?  For instance, many women love to pamper themselves.  How about creating scented bath sea salts and adding them to a pretty jar ?  Or, for the guys: think food. A dinner or dessert a month gift certificate would be well received. – Gifts of time are always a wonderful Christmas present. Think pet, house, or babysitting services. -Can you knit, sew, or woodwork? How can you incorporate those talents into gift giving this year?Other money saving Christmas tips:-Forego sending lots of holiday greeting cards and the postage costs that come with it. E-greetings sent online are cheap, can be personalized, and most people have a computer to receive them !-Make luminaries with candles, or spotlight a single outdoor Christmas tree or wreath, instead of taxing your city’s electrical grid (and adding to your light bill.) -Think of how much holiday food goes to waste in your home each year and taper back on all the goodies. Instead of baking 20 different types of Christmas cookies, limit yourself to 5. They will be enjoyed equally as well and you’ll have less work and expense !-As the host or hostess, have potluck gatherings instead of supplying all the food and beverages at parties. Most people have a favorite holiday recipe they love to share. Why not let them this year?There are so many more ways to stretch your Christmas dollars. It takes some creativity, but often the most simple of holidays is also the most memorable.

As the holiday season draws near, you’re sure to be busy making your list and checking it twice.  Between balancing your budget with your children’s wish lists, battling the shopping malls for the best bargains, planning family gatherings, decking the halls, preparing holiday meals, gift wrapping, and more, it’s easy to see how Christmas can come and go without the time to slow down, take a breath, and enjoy the holiday season with your family.  

If you’re looking for ways to stop and smell the gingerbread this year while creating some precious memories that can last a lifetime, here are a few simple and fun holiday activities that will ensure your entire family has a holly jolly Christmas!

“Remember that Carol” is a simple game that both kids and adults will enjoy as they go from person to person each taking turns announcing a Christmas carol that they remember and singing a verse from it.  A great game to entertain your children at home or to pass time on the road while traveling for the holidays, it will have your family making beautiful music together in no time! 

Christmas Charades is fun for the whole family!  Just have everyone write out 2 or 3 common holiday-themed items, characters, or decorations, etc. on small pieces of paper.  Fold them all up and place them in a bowl, and then take turns drawing out one at a time and acting them out for all to guess.

Holiday bedtime stories.  Dedicate 5 minutes each night throughout the month of December to read your child a bedtime Christmas story book.  Let your little ones take turns picking out which book you will read each night.  You can let your children choose one or two new Christmas books each year to add to their collection. 

Christmas Gift Hunt.  If you like to open a gift early on Christmas Eve, or hunt for presents on Christmas day, you can create a memorable fun way for your children to receive their gifts by making a simple Christmas holiday hunt.  You’ll need to prepare ahead and hide a trail of simple holiday clues that when solved will lead your child from one clue to the next until they ultimately reach and uncover where their “treasured” Christmas gift has been stashed away.  If you don’t have time to make your own clues, inexpensive pre-made print ‘n’ play Christmas hunts are available online for both children and adults at Treasure-Adventure.com.  Simply download, print, and play instantly! 

Deck the halls!  Make holiday decorating a group effort.  Take time to work with your children to make a few simple personalized holiday projects that can be displayed in your home or be given as memorable and unique gifts to friends and family such as painting ceramic angels or holiday candles, making ornaments or homemade candy canes, coloring and cutting out Christmas designs and applying them to windows, stockings, sleds, and other traditional holiday decor, or making a wreath together with everyone contributing.  There is an endless array of Christmas craft kits you might take advantage of or just grab your construction paper, glue, scissors, glitter, garland, and crayons, and make your own holiday decorations. Your kids will love this family craft time and beam with pride as they get to show off their special creations to holiday visitors.

Finally, make Christmas eve all about family time.  Turn off the TV and video games, turn on the Christmas tree lights, and play an old-fashioned family game or just come together as a family to talk and enjoy each other’s company. 

It takes only a little time and creativity to bring your loved ones together around a few special holiday activities and make your own Christmas traditions and lasting family memories of the joyous holiday season together.