Tie back curtains with artificial greenery, rather than Christmas specific ties. If you celebrate Christmas and have more than one tree, make one less 'Christmas' than the other. Then you will only be in a hurry to take down one, instead of two. (Or three, or four...) If you don't celebrate Christmas, but want a tree anyways, use ornaments that pertain to your beliefs, or use natural ornaments. You can also do a 'theme' tree. A 'fairy' tree, 'animals', 'peace', 'snow', let your imagination run wild!

Use ornaments in places besides the tree. Try them on fan pull cords, door knobs, curtains, etc. Use ornaments that are more 'winter' and less 'Christmas', or pick a theme.

Don't be afraid to leave things like your Christmas Village or Nativity out all winter, or even all year. These things are too beautiful and expensive to only leave out for a month! The same for any extensive collections, such as Santa's, snowmen, or globes. .

Cartoon of the Day
compliments of WhitePalm

Online Holiday Shopping Tips

This holiday season, no matter what you're in the market for - the latest high-tech gadget, a rare antique or even the tree you'll put it under - you're likely to find it online. But virtual shopping, like traditional shopping, isn't without risks. Here are some tips from the Federal Trade Commission to help you shop safely online.

Know who you’re dealing with

Protect your privacy.

Guard your passwords

Pay the safest way. A credit card offers the most consumer protections

Order only on a secure server

Check shipping and handling fees.

Track your purchases


This months joke:

Question: Question: What do you call a chicken at the North Pole?

Answer: Lost!

Question: How does a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) Work?

Answer: A HELOC is a revolving line of credit secured by the equity in your home. It offers a low, tax deductible (check with your tax advisor) interest rate. Think of it like a credit card with low monthly payments and higher credit limits.

Find a good loan person. Give Risa Saltman a call at 1-800-699-4901. I'm ready to assist you in your home buying process.

Dec. favorite links:

Click here.To learn about celebrations around the world

Click here for Kid's Exchange - Chanukah

Christmas Trivia

Good holiday link

Risa's home page.

Risa's newest site

A third Risa site with a different newsletter, games and some great information about Orlando and local schools.

Want to be added to Risa's FREE E-newsletter distribution list? Totally different from the web site newsletter, all you need to do is click HERE and click SEND.

Want LOTS of FREE reports on moving, purchasing a home or selling a home? Click here to go to my other site, click FREE reports on the left column and you will have plenty to choose from. AND they will be delivered to your email address immediatley!