"You know what would be great?" said my husband last summer. "One of those heavy grill press things that keeps meat and bacon from curling up when you're cooking it." You know what he's getting for Christmas? A heavy grill press thing that keeps bacon from curling up when you cook it. He never bothered to put it on his wish list, I just made a mental note and bought one, and I plan to pat myself on the back every time he uses it.

This, I like to think, exemplifies a crucial aspect of skillful gift-giving: listening. Another crucial aspect: remembering. Also crucial: time, money, and feeling some affection for the person you're buying for.

But what if it's December 22 and none of those aspects are in place, and suddenly you need to pick up a little something for the person in your office who invited you to cocktails Friday night? Or your husband's step-sister who suddenly decided to fly in from Norway? Or the sitter who's coming. over. right. now?

It's so hard for me to commit to one style of Christmas decor because I know the next year, there will be something new that catches my eye. That's probably why our ornament collection is a random mix, from traditional to eclectic. Instead of fully investing in one style, I like the idea of buying inexpensive clear glass bulbs and customizing them to your mood.

Feeling glam? Try these pretty gold ones made by Jennie by using washi tape and tinsel. See four more perfectly festive ideas below.

One of my favorite holiday gifts to put together each year is a photo book that includes a selection of my favorite family images from the year. I give one to both sets of grandparents, we keep one for ourselves, and it always ends up being an amazing keepsake.

Unfortunately, it always ends up being an amazing expense, too. I can never force myself to limit the number of photos I include, so each book is a sprawling, gorgeous expanse of multiple glossy full-page color pages that are priceless in the long term—but budget-busting in the short term.

Still, an annual photo book is such a wonderful memento, it's worth figuring out some options for making it happen. Here are a few tips for putting together your own book without spending your last dime in the process:

When it comes to Thanksgiving, you want to save your cash for gas, tolls, heirloom turkey, and Klonopin (or maybe that’s just my family). The so-simple Pilgrims wouldn’t approve of overspending on décor. Of course, they probably wouldn’t be too pleased with marshmallows in the sweet potatoes, either, but let’s not split hairs.
 
If you’ve done all you can with the stuff in your backyard and you’re hoping for a little autumn cheer (without endangering the Christmas budget), here are some not-too-spendy options for Thanksgiving decorations on the cheap.

For a long time after I had tipped to the whole Claus Conspiracy, my mom continued to put gifts out on Christmas morning addressed to me from Santa.

I always enjoyed that pleasant fiction, the raised hands and smiling protestations when I thanked her ("Thank Santa!"). The "veil covering the unseen world" mentioned in the famous Yes, Virginia letter that was on each and every tag that said "Santa"—written in my mother's handwriting.

I think about that happy ritual now whenever my own children give me a card or gift, something clearly assisted by an adult's hand. "You made this," I breathe in pure wonder, and they grin and shuffle their feet.

November is only a week away, which means hibernation mode is near and a whole lot of kids will be saying, "I'm bored." While I have a moment before the whirlwind of the holidays starts, I'm saving project ideas to fill those days of being cooped up inside. Here are some of my favorites to make from a good old cardboard box, something we all have lying around or will after opening all those Christmas packages! 

It's pumpkin time. From flavored lattes to delicious desserts, pumpkin is in the air. The best ones, however, are those plucked from the fields and waiting to be carved.

Pumpkin carving is one of my favorite activities of the season. But let's face it, it can be tricky. For years, I gravitated toward paint and other accessories to deck out our pumpkins, because carving intimidated me a bit. Then I discovered the plethora of printable pumpkin carving patterns out there, and our pumpkins have never been more phenomenal. The patterns are easy to use and let you get really creative. From those designed to make you laugh to those that will make you scream and everything in between, here are seven of the best sites to find the most fabulous printable pumpkin carving templates out there. Get your knives ready ...

I just found out that a frenemy of mine has bought a fog machine for her yearly Halloween décor-gy. Well, good for her. Meanwhile I’m replacing the zipper in my daughter’s hand-me-down Minnie Mouse hoodie and juggling bills, but who’s counting?
 
Anyway, not to be a BPP*. I’m still planning on dressing up our house for Halloween -- but doing it in a way that doesn’t stick its fangs into our bank account to drain it dry. Are you also looking for Halloween décor that doesn’t make you shriek with sticker shock?
 
The great thing about Halloween is that things can look sloppy. I mean, did you ever see a neat, pristine haunted mansion or abandoned graveyard? Cobwebs and decay rule the day. So just by virtue of being neglectful homeowners, you could have a fabulous haunted house! Hardy har. Here are some actual ideas for low-cost Halloween embellishments.

*bitter poor person