Blog Posts by Jackie MacDougall, Family.com

We spend weeks shopping, decorating, cooking, baking and wrapping. Americans drop hundreds (even thousands) of dollars each year gifting friends, relatives, teachers and mail carriers... bosses, neighbors, hair stylists and garbage men. And let's not forget the cash it takes to make the house look festive and the gifts feel merry. Or how you can buy a small country for the same amount it costs just to feed your guests -- it's no wonder holiday depression hits so many this time of year.

But funny enough, if you ask revelers which holiday traditions they're most fond of, you're most likely going to hear tales that have nothing to do with presents. Whether it's family crafts like these holiday ornaments, playing games like Jack Frost's Not Lost over egg nog, or even finding 8 ways to get your twinkle on (great ideas for holiday lights), it is more than possible to create lasting memories that cost no more than the price of a cup of hot chocolate. And, if you're willing to look a little

My friends and family get a bad wrap -- literally. When it comes to gifts, I am the world's worst wrapper. Maybe it's my aversion to all that creasing and folding. Or the fact that I get bored halfway through. It might be because I'm intimidated by all those other well-dressed gifts under the tree. Or maybe it's just too similar to making a bed - another task I like to avoid.

But, as usual, I have officially been saved with Disney's "All Things Merry" Holiday Guide (the same guide that I got great gift ideas from and recipes to die for). Not only did I learn how to make a triple bow, I also was able to follow their how-to video and made these adorable, festive gift bags with the kiddos. (Psst: I suggest the reindeer bag -- super easy!)

Cute, right?

OK, over the past few weeks, we've talked shopping, decorating, holiday cards and wrapping gifts... are you as exhausted as I am? Next week, we're sharing traditions and confessing about some holidays gone...well, let's just say I've

Black Friday... Cyber Monday... it seems everywhere we turn, we're getting tips on how to save money shopping for holiday gifts. But for every penny we save on electronics, toys and self-care products, there's another we spend on decorations and holiday cards. In fact, Americans spend $8 billion a year on holiday decorations alone -- a number great for the economy but not so good on the family budget. Take it from me, I'm the daughter of a woman who decorated so much and for almost every holiday, I'm surprised she didn't find herself Groundhog Day lawn ornaments to celebrate his shadow sighting.

But before you either spend way too much time and money, or throw in the towel because it's all too much, I've joined forces with my Twitter and Facebook mom friends to present...

5 Ways to Save on Holiday Decorations and Cards

1. Get crafty -- Of all the deals and finds I've discovered this year, I'm most excited about my new, budding love of crafting. Miranda Becker, Family.com's adorable

Like millions of other people, I've spent most of 2010 trying to avoid shopping in order to stay within my budget. Now, it seems we're practically being shoved through the mall doors with the onslaught of holiday scare tactics.

"Limited Supply!"

"Today Only!"

Retailers will do anything to get us shopping early and often -- talk about pressure! But before you hand a week's pay over to the mall gods, I've got some tips to save you money, time and a whole lot of headache.

Find the Perfect Gift -- We all like to think we know what our sister-in-law likes or what our 7-year-old nephew really wants. But unless they've given you specific instructions, why risk it? I'm all about Family.com's Holiday Gifts Shopping Guide. Cool finds for everyone in the family? Yes, please!

Stay in the Black -- Pulling a Black Friday all-nighter can save you cash, but would you really be freezing your tush off at 4 a.m. if you knew you could get the same deals from the comfort of your own cozy bed? This

If you could only celebrate one holiday each year, what would it be? For me, the answer is definitely Thanksgiving. I love the whole vibe of giving thanks and appreciating life's blessings and the opportunity to eat until I can't breathe. It's actually the perfect holiday for personal (and physical) growth for the whole family but only if you prepare in advance. Check it out...

• Food -- I have to start here, of course, because the food is top of mind for most people when they think of Thanksgiving. I love to use the holidays to bring some new foods into the mix and tempt the kiddos with a variety of choices. But let's face it, they're not always on board. I spend year after year trying to cook up dishes that will appeal to the kids, my husband and the in-laws (pretty daunting task, I must say.) But this year, I'm calling in some reinforcements. Disney's Family.com is jam-packed with kid-friendly, quick and easy (can you say make-ahead mashed potatoes?), healthy and gourmet recipes.

Don't tell anyone but I have a love/hate relationship with crafts. While I absolutely love walking around craft fairs and hang every handmade item the kids bring home from school, for some reason, the idea of cutting out tiny felt trees or wrapping pipe cleaner around styrofoam to concoct the perfect holiday ornament stresses me out! I think it's all those past holidays where I was left stringing cranberries all night while my hubby and kids snuggled in bed that's kept me from taking the crafting plunge.

Until now...

Family.com recognizes that we're not all Martha Stewart in the making (thank you!). That's why they've created how-to holiday craft videos that are so easy, even craft-challenged moms like me can create works of holiday art! With easy step-by-step instructions, you'll be on your way to creating adorable holiday decorations for the front door, table, Christmas tree and more.

Plus getting crafty with the kids has three important benefits that can make even the biggest