Beyond Folders : holiday traditions

Making the Most of After-Holiday Sales

Community Manager — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:02:00 GMT

If Santa doesn't deliver every wish-list item this holiday season, take matters into your own hands during the January sales. January is one of the best times of year to shop as prices on everything from holiday decorations to winter coats and accessories hit rock bottom.

Take your savings all the way to the bank with our smart shopping strategies for making the most of the January sales.

Clothes: Even as the mercury is still plunging in many parts of the country, cold weather goods hit the bargain rack as stores begin to stock the shelves with spring items. Load up on needed cold weather items at low prices for this year and next. Invest now in new winter coats or snow and ski gear or buy one-size up for the following year for growing children.

Furniture: Did you know retailers typically only restock furniture twice a year and that one of those times is February? Great deals on big ticket items such as sofas, bookcases and dining sets make January a smart time to scoop up existing sales-priced inventory before the newer stuff arrives.

Electronics: Need a new TV or sound system for the big Super Bowl Game? You're not alone which is why electronic retailers offer competitive prices and financing during January to lure sports fan in advance of the big game.

Holiday Goods: Décor, wrapping paper, cards and serving items fall to fire sale prices right after the holidays. Anticipate your 2012 holiday needs now in order to reap big savings. By thinking ahead you can stock up for a fraction of the prices the same items will cost next December.

Do you plan on hitting the January sales? How do you best take advantage of deep January discounts? Share your thoughts here and at the Pendaflex Facebook page.

Creating and Handing Down Traditions

Community Manager — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:49:00 GMT

Looking to create a little family togetherness this holiday season? Nothing brings people together like celebrating beloved traditions, those special rituals that help shape your family and provide a sense of closeness. Your family may already have a rich history of traditions or you may be looking to add some treasured traditions to the mix.

Togetherness, All That's Needed

Traditions don't need to be extravagant or complicated to be special. The holidays offer the perfect opportunity to create simple, cherished memories. Consider picking a signature dish to serve annually: holiday cookies are fun to bake each December or a New Year's Eve fondue dinner is a festive annual tradition. Or choose an enjoyable outdoor activity to do year-in and year-out such as celebrating January 1st with an annual ice skate or ski run. Or enjoy a sunrise walk on the beach to watch the dawning of the New Year.

Keep in mind that family rituals are not just for the holidays. By establishing rituals that you do nightly or weekly, you begin to knit together a cohesive family identity. Rituals also transmit values to your children and provide a framework for learning, growing and establishing a set of values that can be taken into adulthood and used in their own families.

Simple family rituals can include:

Reading a bedtime story each night
Family dinner, either nightly or on set days
Special Sunday morning breakfasts with a signature dish
Family game night
Choosing a signature birthday cake to share for all birthdays

For more ideas, read Family Traditions: 10 Ideas To Get You Started.

How do you nurture family traditions? What favorite holiday tradition always puts a smile on your face? Share your thoughts here and on the Pendaflex Facebook page.