this wasn't in the plan |but life is still pretty good

I've been enjoying a pre-Christmas trip to visit my parents.  There's been lots of family, Christmas shopping, and baking.  I was planning on doing a two week link love next weekend, but then realized I had a whole lot of posts to share from just this week!  So here ya go:

The 12 Days of Christmas Day 1 - One Thing that Will Make Next Year's Christmas Much Easier: This was the first year that we saved far in advance for Christmas, though I don't think we'll need to use a whole lot of what we saved, it's wonderful to know it's there.

It's Less Than Two Weeks Before Christmas: Here are some gift ideas that perhaps you hadn't thought of.

Free Printable Gift Tags: They are cute and free, need I say more?

When Christmas Isn't How You Wanted: I never seem to have the "ideal" Christmas that I picture in my head, but that doesn't mean it's any less special or wonderful.

Six Ways to Give: Most of these are ways that really don't require a lot of money.

Cheerful Frugality Adds it Up:  It's always a good idea to make sure all of the things that you buy because they are really great deals really are great deals.

Are Artificial Christmas Trees a Frugal Alternative: Of course, it depends on a lot of factors, but check out Frugal Dad's thoughts.