Interior Design Expert Tips on How to make your Home Cozy for Christmas

Experts reveal five interior design tips on how to make your home cozy this Christmas.

With the holiday season here, Pacific Palisades Realtors collaborated with interior design experts Jaqueline Hamilton and Nicola Rodriguez to reveal tips on how to make your home cozy this Christmas and this Winter.   

Candles & Scents

“Candles can change the atmosphere and ambience of a room instantly” says interior designer Jaqueline Hamilton

“Not only the glow of a beautifully lit candle can cast a lovely feeling of coziness to a room but also the scent can do that too. Choosing a scented candle can create a gorgeous smell in a room and can evoke a feeling of warmth, wellbeing, and bring back memories of past winters.” 

Designer Rodriguez adds: “Adding a fragrant reed diffuser, oil/wax burner or plug-in gives the room a cozy feeling before you’ve even opened your eyes. Fragrances such as pine, cinnamon, spiced apple, clove, mulled wine and woody aromas are a must for this season!”

Garlands & Accessories

“Using Christmas accessories such as bowls of pinecones or winter floral arrangements is a great way to make your room inviting and cozy” says designer Rodriguez. 

“Whether it be faux foliage or fresh that you have gathered from the garden, this is a wonderful way to bring texture and the outside in to your living area,” adds designer Hamilton.

“Having a fireplace is not necessary, as garlands can be placed on a sideboard or in the form of a wreath on a wall. Adding twinkling lights is another idea to create another lovely mood and display.”  

Lighting 

“A room should have at least one or two lamps depending on the size of it. During the holiday season, mood lighting is so important and can soften a room, as using the main pendant light in the room can at times be too strong” explains Jaqueline. 

According to designer Rodriguez, you can make a home cozier by merging mood lighting to the use of candlelight. This can really help create a snug feel and atmosphere. It also helps to cut the cost of electricity, which is a plus in our current financial crisis.  

Rugs, blankets & cushions 

“Rugs are such a focal point in any room” says designer Hamilton.  

“Rugs are not only for wooden or hard floors, but for carpets too. The shaggier and softer the rugs are, the cozier they’ll make a home feel. They also help to keep the heat in during cold winter afternoons.” adds designer Nicola Rodriguez. 

“Adding cushions, throws and blankets on your sofas and lined heavy curtains also add that cozy feel to a room. Not only do the blankets keep you snug and warm but by adding textures such as knit, sheepskin, chenille and velvet also combine the cozy look and feel.”

Paint Colors

According to designer Hamilton, pastel colours can look cold and harsher in the winter months and one way of warming up a room can be using a warm dramatic paint colour. She recommends colours that are taken from nature in the autumn months, such as rich reds, terracotta and warm mustards, which can all bring a depth and coziness to a room.  

Designer Rodriguez adds “If you have areas in your room that look bare, invest in a statement chair or sofa and create a cozy corner by adding a soft lamp on a small side table. This will help maximize your home space and create a welcoming atmosphere.” 

A spokesperson for Pacific Palisades realtors comments:  

“With the holiday seasons around the corner, people tend to spend most of their time indoors enjoying the warmth and comfort of their homes.  

Therefore, we want to create an environment where we can relax and feel cozy, away from the harsh weather.  

Whether it is an old family home or a newly purchased one, decorating your home for the holidays can be a joyful individual or group activity to set the mood for the winter months ahead.” 


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PetsGiving: Celebrate your Pet | Holiday Gifting

- Zoop 6-In-1 Shampoo
-Health + Odor Grooming Towels - 15 Count
- Complete 5-in-1 Between Bath Freshening Spray - 8 oz.
Photographer: Anye Palabon
Zoop 6-In-1 Shampoo
– Zoop Health + Odor Grooming Towels – 15 Count
– Zoop Complete 5-in-1 Between Bath Freshening Spray – 8 oz.

The season of giving is here! It is a time of year where we reflect on our lives and be grateful for all that we have and matters to us. Yes, this includes being grateful for our furry friends who give us unconditional love.

If you have been looking for a special way to treat your furry friend this ‘PetsGiving’, check out the newest pet grooming brand on the market , Zoop that your pet is sure to love!

Zoop 6-In-1 Shampoo,  Zoop Health + Odor Grooming Towels - 15 Count, and Zoop Complete 5-in-1 Between Bath Freshening Spray - 8 oz.  were used to make this adorable so fresh and so clean. Buy your Zoop supplies today.
Photographer: Anye Palabon
Zoop 6-In-1 Shampoo, Zoop Health + Odor Grooming Towels – 15 Count, and Zoop Complete 5-in-1 Between Bath Freshening Spray – 8 oz. were used to make this adorable so fresh and so clean. Buy your Zoop supplies today.

Treat your pet with a variety of grooming products perfect for sensitive skin and preventing skin issues in the first place. If you are looking to give your pet a deep cleaning that will leave them smelling like fresh pomegranate, try out Zoop’s new 6-in-1 Natural Dog Shampoo & Conditioner and follow that up with the 5-in-1 Between Bath Freshening Spray to keep them refreshed and clean for days. 

Quick reset and refresh:

The 5-in-1 Between Bath Freshening Spray is the perfect perfume and cologne spray has a refreshing pomegranate citrus scent. It is made with pet-safe ingredients that help:

  1. Eliminate Odors
  2. Relieve itchy skin
  3. Control shedding
  4. Moisturize the pet coat
  5. Detangle and Shine the pet coat
The Zoop Health + Odor Grooming Towels help support whole-body hygiene. Pets are stinky. That’s why Zoop core products include proprietary ingredients that eradicate smells, whether they’re in the carpet or on your pet.
The Zoop Health + Odor Grooming Towels help support whole-body hygiene. Pets are stinky. That’s why Zoop core products include proprietary ingredients that eradicate smells, whether they are in the carpet or on your pet.

Use the Zoop shampoo and freshening spray during the holidays to ensure your guests do not complain about funky pet odors. Nobody wants to unwrap holiday gifts / Christmas gifts or eat holiday dinner/ Christmas dinner smelling unpleasant pet odors. At Fromgirltogirl, we can’t stand the wet dog smell. This is why the Zoop shampoo and freshening spray is also perfect to gift just in time for the new year. Be sure to use the Health + Odor Grooming Towels to help your dog have stink-free, healthy skin. Use one towel once every six days. Zoop Health + Odor Grooming Wipes eliminates the main cause of bad body odor and many other skin problems.

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Fitness expert shares Top Winter Exercising Outside Safety Tips

Running in the winter. Woman exercising during the winter.

Fitness expert shares top safety tips for exercising outside during winter.

Christmas is soon and many will be focused on getting a head start on their New Year fitness resolutions as snow and ice are guaranteed for many in the United States of America ( USA) throughout December.

It is important to take safety into consideration when exercising outdoors.  Matthew Magnante, an exercise author at FitnessVolt, has compiled a list of his most important safety tips to keep in mind when exercising outdoors during the colder months.

Drink Even If You Don’t Feel Thirsty

When exercising in colder temperatures, we are at an elevated risk of dehydration. Our blood vessels constrict when it is cold to reduce the amount of heat lost through our skin, as a way of maintaining our core body temperature. During this process a hormone called plasma arginine vasopressin(AVP) that normally signals thirst, is secreted at a lower rate than when exercising in hot weather. This explains why you might find yourself craving water less when exercising in winter.

Research has found that exposure to cold weather can reduce our thirst sensation by as much as 40%. To prevent dehydration, continue to drink water as you would during summer and opt for a glass of water before heading out and continue to sip on a drink throughout and after your workout. Also, don’t forget to fuel your body with food before exercising outdoors. You typically burn more calories in cold weather to maintain your core body temperature, so it is important to prioritize nutrition if you want to maintain energy throughout your workout.  

Opt for Polyester not Cotton t-shirts 

If you find yourself prone to sweating while exercising, cotton is one of the worst materials you can wear when the temperatures drop. Cotton is highly absorbent which means that as you sweat the material tends to stay wet rather than drying out. Water conducts heat away from the body up to 25 times faster than air, which means you will lose body heat much more quickly in colder temperatures and increase your risk of developing hyperthermia. 

Moisture-wicking materials such as polyester or wool will keep you warmer because their fibres absorb less water, and dry out quickly. Polyester fibres are designed to insulate you even when wet by trapping a layer of air between the fabric and your skin, while the shape of its fibres are designed to remove water. A three-tier layering system works best, comprised of a base layer such as polyester, a main layer such as wool and a waterproof outer layer that repels rain, snow and wind. This way you create multiple layers of insulation while allowing sweat to move through the layers and evaporate into the air rather than clinging to your clothes.   

Cut your sessions in half 
 
Running on snow and ice engages different muscles to running on dry ground, due to the reduced friction and uneven surfaces. Consequently, you are likely to put yourself at risk of injury if you try to complete your regular running distance without first adapting to the new conditions. A good rule of thumb when running on icy routes is to halve your regular running distance until you have adapted to running on slippery or uneven surfaces. Allow yourself 4-6 weeks of regularly running on snow or icy terrain, before you start to build back up to your regular running distance.  

Reducing the distance between each step will also help to keep your feet under your centre of gravity and allow you recover more easily should you lose your balance. As you become more comfortable on these surfaces, you can gradually widen back up to your regular stride.   

Say where you are going  
Even for the most confident among us, it is important to let someone know where you are going before you head out on a walk or run during winter. 

For iPhone users, you can temporarily enable location sharing on the Find My App which will enable family, friends or your partner to track your location should you slip and injure yourself while exercising on ice or snow.

Stretch Before and After Exercise  

Stretching before you exercise is particularly important in winter, as your muscles tend to contract to conserve heat, which makes them more prone to injury.  Try to incorporate dynamic stretches before you head out for a winter run, to increase your muscles’ internal temperature and reduce the risk of injury. Body weight squats, calf raises, and good old-fashioned jumping jacks are effective dynamic stretches that get the blood flowing and increase your core body temperature, before you head outside. Post workout, you want to perform static stretches, which require you to stretch and hold a muscle group for 15-30 seconds. Static stretches also help to reduce injury but should only be used as part of a cool down routine, to help lower your heart rate and relax your muscles. Common static movements include hamstring stretches, quad stretches and calf stretches. 

Cut Your Sessions in Half

Running on snow and ice engages different muscles to running on dry ground, due to the reduced friction and uneven surfaces. You are likely to put yourself at risk of injury if you try to complete your regular running distance without first adapting to the new conditions. A good rule of thumb when running on icy routes is to halve your regular running distance until you have adapted to running on slippery or uneven surfaces. Allow yourself 4-6 weeks of regularly running on snow or icy terrain, before you start to build back up to your regular running distance.  Reducing the distance between each step will also help to keep your feet under your center of gravity and allow you to recover easier should you lose your balance. As you become more comfortable on these surfaces, you can gradually widen back up to your regular stride. 

Tell Where You Are Going  

Even for the most confident among us, it is important to let someone know where you are going before you head out on a walk or run during winter. For iPhone users, you can temporarily enable location sharing on the Find My App which will enable family, friends or your partner to track your location should you slip and injure yourself while exercising on ice or snow. 

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The Grinch themed Christmas sweaters are the most popular sweaters in America this year

Who says ugly sweaters have to be truly ugly?

The Grinch themed Christmas sweaters are the most popular sweaters in America this year.

Americans love Christmas sweaters inspired by Christmas movies. Die Hard themed sweaters are the second most popular this Christmas. Home Alone and Gremlins are the third and fourth most popular Christmas movie sweaters.   

Sweaters themed from Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch are consistently the most popular.    

The research conducted by Boohoo analyzed the monthly US search volume for the Christmas movie-themed clothing to establish which Christmas sweater is the most sought-after this holiday season.  Searches for the term ‘Grinch Christmas Sweater’ averaged at 4,000 times per month in the United States, proving how much fans are willing to be seen wearing a green Grinch-style sweater.     

About The Grinch

The Grinch first hit screens as a TV special on CBS in December 1966, which featured the green cartoon storybook character causing mayhem in the world of Whoville. In the year 2000, Jim Carrey took on the role of the Grinch and brought Whoville to the big screens in How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The most recent film within the Grinch franchise, The Grinch, was released in 2018 as an animated adaptation of the Christmas classic. 

Grinch Christmas Pajamas Pants. Use coupon code: BRIANABOOKER for 15% off Alelly.
Grinch Christmas Pajamas Pants. Use coupon code: BRIANABOOKER for 15% off Alelly.

About Die Hard 

Die Hard , the second most popular Christmas movie sweater is worn by Karl Vreski, portrayed by Alexander Godunov, in Die Hard. Karl is the main antagonist’s right-hand man and the only character not killed by John McClane (Bruce Willis) in the movie. The Christmas sweater in question is a grey knitted number with ‘Now I Have a Machine Gun – HO HO HO’ written on the front, paired with a Santa hat.     

Searches for ‘Die Hard Christmas sweater’ receive 3,200 searches per month, on average in the USA. Many speculate whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie due to its action/thriller genre, which caused the writer to note that the film is set at a Christmas party during the holidays and features many Christmas songs, meaning it is a Christmas film.   

 Home Alone

The 1990 classic Home Alone places third in the rankings, which features a young Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) who is accidentally left alone at Christmas time and faced with scaring off two burglars from breaking into his house. During the film, Kevin looks cozy in a few different winter knits, but the most iconic is the heathered red knit that surprisingly can hold his entire weight when he is hung on a coat hook. Despite the red knit not being the craziest of prints, it hasn’t stopped film fans from wanting to get their hands on a Home-Alone themed sweater for themselves.  Searches for ‘Home Alone Christmas sweater’ average 2,000 searches per month in the US.         

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Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animal Snowflake Reindeer Sweatshirt. 
Use coupon code: BRIANABOOKER for 15% off Alelly.
Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animal Snowflake Reindeer Sweatshirt.
Use coupon code: BRIANABOOKER for 15% off Alelly.

The Gremlins

Fourth place in the rankings goes to Gremlins, released in 1984 and follows the shenanigans and destruction forced upon the small town of Kingston Falls, by a horde of mischievous monsters. The comedy-horror, written by Home Alone director Chris Columbus, is an unusual tale for a Christmas movie but presents some of the most valued messages common in holiday movies, such as the importance of loyalty and kindness.   Searches for ‘Gremlins Christmas Sweater’ average 1,250 searches per month in the US, proving just how popular the miniature furry beasts are and how much fans want to rock a green Gremlin-themed sweater this holiday season. 

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

 The 1989 slapstick comedy National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation places fifth in the rankings and is the third instalment in the National Lampoon Magazine’s Vacation film series. Searches for ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Sweater’ average around 800 searches per month in the USA. The film follows Father, Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase), wanting to give the perfect Christmas holiday to his family which turns out to become quite the task. The film’s budget is estimated to have been $28 million (£22 million) and ended up seeing $74 million (£62 million) worldwide gross.    

   A spokesperson from Boohoo commented on the findings:

“Christmas movies are the ultimate way to get into the Christmas spirit. With office parties, family photos and Christmas sweater competitions taking place over this time of year, it is exciting to see just how many of our most iconic and beloved movies influence our Christmas wardrobes and how many people want to get their hands on a festive-themed sweater.”   

Rank Movie Search Term Monthly Searches in USA     

1   Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch / Grinch Christmas Sweater   4,000    

 2   Die Hard / Die Hard Christmas Sweater   3,200     

3   Home Alone /  Home Alone Christmas Sweater   2,000     

4   Gremlins  / Gremlins Christmas Sweater   1,250     

5  National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Sweater   800

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Fitness experts reveal five crucial tips to prepare for working out after a Christmas break

Getting back into your routine in the new year can be quite the challenge, specifically when it comes to working out. Research shows that December is the quietest calendar month at the gym, so it is vital to start the preparation early.

Reveal Five Tips to Get Back into Fitness After a Christmas Break  

Experts at Fitness Volt have highlighted five tips to ease yourself back into a workout routine after the festivities. Getting back into the right frame of mind after the Christmas buzz is just one of the ways you will have to readjust, and it can certainly take its toll on you.

Don’t overexert yourself

Whether it’s weightlifting or cardio, doing too much exercise can lead to overuse injuries including muscle strains and tendon injuries.

Overdoing it can lead to a burnout in the early stages and make you dread a workout as opposed to enjoy it. If you feel yourself giving up, try to commit to five minutes and finish your workout if you don’t feel capable of doing anymore; but with this five-minute rule, it will likely motivate you to do more.  

Personalize your workout

Fitness lovers aren’t necessarily all gym-goers. If you are a nature enthusiast and wish to do more cardio exercises, go for a run – or even a walk – at your local beach, local park, or even around the block. Alternatively, if you are into strength training but don’t enjoy the gym atmosphere, invest in equipment such as dumbbells and kettlebells to work out from the comfort of your own home.   

Partner up

Finding a friend with similar fitness goals is beneficial for many reasons, one being that it acts as motivation after some time away. For the days that you don’t feel like exercising, a fitness partner can motivate you to get it done.

During a workout, your partner can even push you to take it to the next level, such as lifting a slightly heavier weight or increasing the incline setting on the treadmill. Having a partner can also keep you accountable to stay on track of your fitness plan, and recognize any goals that are yet to be met.

Set short term goals too

It’s always important to think of the long-term result; doing so allows you to plan your workout and figure out which exercises are best suited to your needs.

Having only a long-term goal can become frustrating when you are not seeing progress straight away, which is especially easy to do when you are trying to get back into your routine. It is vital to set goals over shorter time frames that are manageable, as well as not just focusing on your appearance.

For example, you may wish to become stronger, so a short-term goal for the end of a month could be to increase your squat load by 45 lbs.  

A spokesperson from Fitness Volt has commented:

“When it comes to Christmas, the last thing that needs to be on our minds is working out – it’s a time that we wish to be spending with family and friends, and it’s important to make the most of that. However, it can be difficult to find our motivation to get back into it from some time off.   Thankfully, there are simple steps that can increase your ambition again as well as make your workout more enjoyable to ensure that you can stick to your fitness routine in the new year and, as a result, enjoy the Christmas festivities without feeling guilty.” 

 The research was conducted by Fitness Volt which is a comprehensive online resource dedicated to Strength Sports, from healthy eating to exercise and everything in between.  
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Revealed: The European Country that Americans want to spend Christmas

Iceland sign. Iceland is the most popular Christmas destination that Americans want to visit.

Iceland is the most popular Christmas destination that Americans want to visit. Germany is the second most popular European country to spend Christmas.

 New research reveals that Iceland is the most popular European country Americans want to spend Christmas in.  The study by Iceland.org, the leading travel and tour management company in Iceland, examined Google Ads data to discover which European country each state wants to visit this Christmas.

The average monthly search volume for vacation-related search terms across each state for the top 25 coldest destinations in Europe, based on their average temperature in December.  The research revealed that Iceland takes the crown as the most popular European country that Americans want to visit for Christmas.

Iceland is the most searched-for destination in every U.S. state, apart from West Virginia, where Germany takes the top spot. Across the country, Americans search for words associated with Iceland vacations a total average of 69,420 times per month, placing the Nordic Island firmly as the top destination. Additionally, Americans search for the phrase ‘Iceland flights’ an average of 24,460 times a month and ‘Iceland vacation’ 7,660 times.  

Iceland is the most popular Christmas destination that Americans want to visit. Germany is the second most popular European country to spend Christmas.

Germany is known as the nation that first introduced Christmas markets.  The study placed Switzerland as the third most popular European winter destination. With its snow-capped Alps and picture-perfect towns, Switzerland is a fantastic choice to spend Christmas. It is no surprise that searches related to vacationing in Switzerland receive a combined total of 32,160 average searches per month.  

Ranking in fourth place is Norway. The Scandinavian country ranked highly due to Americans searching for Norwegian vacations a combined average total of 20,480 times per month, for example, ‘Norway Winter vacation’ and ‘Norway Christmas flights.’

The study revealed that Croatia follows closely behind Norway as the fifth most popular European destination Americans want to spend Christmas in. Each month, Americans search for vacation-related terms to Croatia an average of 20,470 times, such as ‘Croatia flights’, ‘Croatia vacation’, and ‘Croatia Christmas vacation’.  

A spokesperson from Iceland.org commented on the findings:

“Whether you are interested in festive Christmas markets, European cultural traditions, or snow-covered landscapes, Europe is the ultimate destination to visit around Christmas time.  This study offers an interesting insight into the countries that Americans want to travel to this Christmas. Iceland unsurprisingly takes the crown, as tourists are spoiled for choice with the country’s picturesque landscapes and scenery, with landmarks such as the Blue Lagoon and the Northern Lights.” 

This data was conducted by Iceland.org, the leading travel company, tour operator and destination management company in Iceland. 

Sources: Google Ads  

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Break Up Season: New study reveals when most relationships end in the U.S.

A new dating and relationships study has revealed the key dates that couples are most likely to call it quits with their relationship partner.

Using Google Trends data from 2021 and 2022, experts analysed the precise time period that searches for terms such as ‘how to break up’ were at their highest.

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To learn which states are calling relationship quits before Christmas and who is having a spring clean before summer.

Which states are couples most likely to breakup in this Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season?

See the full data for each U.S. state on Substack.

A spokesperson from HerNorm.com commented on the findings: 

“With Thanksgiving and Christmas on the way it’s interesting to uncover which states see the most couples searching for ways to end their relationship. And, while break-ups can be challenging, if you’re on the receiving end, you definitely aren’t alone. Surround yourself with loved ones and use this time to rebuild your confidence. This is perfect time to look after yourself and make yourself a priority.” 

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Gift-Giving Etiquette: How to Give Gifts in the Workplace

The holidays are right around the corner. And while this year has thrown various curveballs, you may be wondering how to navigate this gift-giving season — especially in the workplace. You may be shopping online, in-store, or both to check off your holiday shopping list. Yet, getting stuck on what to get your coworkers, your employees, or your boss may be a common roadblock. Should you get your coworkers gifts? If so, what do you get them? And, how do you give it to them in a remote world?

Well, we’ve got the answers for you. Mint brainstormed different gifts you could get for your team, commonly workplace gift-giving etiquette, and how to celebrate a holiday party via the video screen (and without going into debt). Check out the infographic below to see how you and your team can celebrate the holiday season despite this COVID-19 world. 

How to Give Gifts in the Office

Mint’s social media: Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Twitter

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Office holiday party do’s and don’ts: 5 tips to avoid the legal blues

The holiday season is here and that means planning office holiday parties. It’s time to pull the champagne and celebrate the season.  When it comes to holiday office planning, do not neglect the potential legal liabilities of hosting a party and proper conduct for employees at the holiday party. In the event these do transpire, business owners could receive a lawsuit for Christmas and employees run the risk of ringing in the New Year unemployed.

A recent survey from G&A Partners found that 3 out of 10 employees don’t monitor their alcohol consumption at such events.  Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to inappropriate behaviors such as unprofessional chatting (or hookups) and drunken driving. These mishaps are embarrassing at best, and at worst, can have legal and physical implications for both employees and the company. To kick-off the season, Rocket Lawyer has provided an early holiday gift by highlighting Holiday Party Do’s and Donts, encouraging all companies and their employees to stay on the nice list. See examples below for full list of tips. 

Holiday Party Do’s and Donts

  • Make Your List and Check it Twice: According to Rocket Lawyer, one of the biggest mistakes small businesses make is not getting an agreement in writing – so make sure the appropriate documents for your catering company, venue, entertainment (photo booths, palm readers), etc., all are signed, sealed and delivered in advance of the event.
  • Avoid Driving the Sleigh Drunk: If you are serving alcohol, encourage employees to take cabs or ride sharing services home to avoid drunk driving. A nice gift for employees would be cab vouchers at the end of the night.
  • Don‘t Get Caught Underneath the Mistletoe. According to a 2013 national survey conducted by Public Policy Polling, while only 6 admit to a holiday hook up, take care not to be too boisterous or flirty at social work functions, or you might find you gave yourself the gift of a sexual harassment lawsuit.
  • Get All Your Stockings in a Row. A 2014 study from Challenger and Gray found that less than 30 percent (29.4) of companies planned to hold their holiday party on-site. This is all well and good, but often event spaces will need you to release them from liability at a holiday party. If an unforeseen event occurs, such as someone slipping while dancing around the Christmas tree, you need to have liability insurance to cover it. 
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Best places to find Christmas trees for sale

Best places to order Christmas trees online: Hilltop Christmas Tree Farms
You can have some of the most beautiful Christmas trees in the nation delivered right to your front door from Hilltop Christmas Tree Farms

It’s nearly summer, but it’s never too early to think ahead to the winter holiday season. By Christmas planning in the summer, you can reap the benefits of great savings and sales. All it takes is getting a little organized for the Christmas holiday season  to prevent your family from over spending and scheduling this winter.

Here is how organizing for the winter holidays will save you time and cut your stress:

  1. Set a gift budget for items that are often over priced during the winter.
  2. Start making travel plans for the family. The earlier, the cheaper the travel.
  3. Spend less and get more for your money by relying less on credit cards and relying more on cold hard cash. When you use cash and not credit, you have more negotiating power when it comes to gift exchanges and give you the power to scale back for friends and family that get emotional and disappointed during the holiday seasons when they have over spent and you have scaled back. Summer is a great time to let those you appreciate most know how your holiday budget is looking.
  4. Enjoy the holidays by being attentive to  your family traditions. One tradition you should not exclude from the Christmas holiday is decorating a christmas tree. It’s a wonderful family project that creates holiday memories. By starting early on your holiday decorating preparations, it won’t feel like a seasonal task or a stressful project. Hilltop Christmas Tree Farms can help you have a stress free holiday by offering nationwide free delivery of real Christmas trees directly to your doors.

I like Hilltop Christmas Tree Farms because of their dedication to delivering fresh farm grown Christmas trees and the trees for sale are cut later than shop sold trees. That means your Christmas tree will arrive at your door fresher and longer lasting than your neighbor’s shop sold trees. You can expect your Christmas tree from Hilltop Christmas Tree Farms within 5 days after placing your order.

The company has locations in Granville, MI and Valley Cottage, NY. You can order online or call them. Visit www.hilltop-tree-delivery.com for more information on fair prices, loyalty rewards and referral discounts.

You’ll appreciate the preparation when your holiday is full of joy and laughter.

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