Safely store and preserve your holiday decorations

(ARA) - As seasons change, so do the holidays being celebrated. Pumpkins and gourds make way for twinkling lights and snowmen, and the big question is: What is the best way to store this year's decorations so I am more organized next year? There is nothing more upsetting than pulling out Grandma's vintage tree-topper to find that it has succumb to dust and mold.

Often, the only place to store holiday decorations is in the garage or attic, according to organizing expert, Barry Izsak, author of "Organize Your Garage in No Time." "The problem is that these storage locations leave your precious holiday decorations and family heirlooms vulnerable to excessive heat and moisture, as well as a cavalry of insects and rodents," he says.

Here are some easy ways to properly store your holiday items:

Great, affordable Christmas gifts for kids

(ARA) - Sure they love the cookies and candy, visits to Santa, and drop-ins from family and friends, but let's face it - for kids, gifts are the real highlight of the holiday season. But if you, like many parents, hope to keep the holidays affordable this year, you may be worried about finding gifts that will thrill your child, but not break your budget.

Some creative and expert advice can help ensure the holidays stay bright for your children - and affordable for you. The gift experts at Montgomery Ward offer some guidance on choosing gifts for kids:

Great gifts for the holiday season

(ARA) - It's that time of year again when you wonder what to give those impossible-to-buy-for loved ones on your gift list. You know; the ones who are so noncommittal it's hard to know what they want, but who secretly hope you'll figure it out.

But fear not, holiday shoppers. The following gift ideas are sure to make those hard-to-buy-for folks think you dreamed up the ideal present all by yourself.

Read on to read their minds:

Celebrate favorite memories with keepsake gifts this holiday

(ARA) - As the holiday season approaches, you're starting to think of gift ideas for everyone on your list - from family and friends, to those people who've touched you or your family's lives in a special way.

You would like to give each one on your list a truly personal gift that will be remembered and cherished long past the holiday season.

One way to do this is to create custom photo gifts online using your own digital photos or artwork. Think of a special photograph that captures a fun memory or important milestone and use that image to create an affordable gift that they will use and treasure every day. Whether you choose a puzzle, a deck of cards, keepsake box, or coffee mug, you're creating a one-of-a-kind gift that celebrates a unique memory that you share. You don't need to have special design talents to be creative; you can use online tools like www.jostens.com and click on photo gifts to quickly and easily add your treasured artwork or photos to a great keepsake gift.

Turn your holiday decorating into a fun event

(ARA) - The holidays seem to come around earlier every year - and with the economy still in a funk, everything about this season takes careful planning and budgeting. If shopping early makes the holidays less stressful, then planning early for decorating your home brightens the family's mood and makes this time of year more fun.

When you're decking the halls, you should remember what the holidays mean - spending time with family and friends and those you love.

"Family is the most important thing in my life - and I think most people feel that way," says Jaclyn Smith, whose Kmart home collection includes fun and inexpensive holiday decor. "So taking time to have family gatherings in comfortable, inviting and beautiful surroundings is very important. It's during these gatherings that new memories are made and old ones are remembered."

Smith has some pointers for helping to make this time of year as joyous - and stress-free - as possible.