The holiday season officially got kicked off this weekend for Mrs. PT and I. We put up the tree and decorated the house with the help of some family. I think it finally hit me (after we had the tree up and decorated with Christmas music playing in the background) that the season is upon us. Then, today, I went for a bike ride in 70 degree weather. Thanks for the holiday weather, Texas. I’m not complaining though.

Network Features and Contests

Other financial blogging networks have been busy with projects this holiday season: The M-Network created their own Twelve Days of Christmas – Personal Finance Style. Also, you could win some nice prizes at the The College Money Network Frugal Holiday Giveaway. The deadline is Dec. 16th!

Speaking of giveaways, Lynnae from Being Frugal is giving away a $500 WalMart gift card (thanks to Nickelodeon), to one lucky person who leaves a comment sharing their best holiday money-saving tip. My best tip is to convince the family to draw names to decide one person in your extended family to give a gift to. This way, you only have to get one, nice gift and the focus can be on the kids and spending time together.

QuickHits

Prepare for a Baby Using Freezer Meals
50 Frugal Gifts You Can Give This Christmas
Is It the Right Time to Buy a House?
Just How Bad is This Market Slump? Bad Enough to Make You Rich
10 Ways to Look and Feel Good on a Dime
Thoughts on Secret Millionaire
Your Home as an Investment? Let’s Re-Think This?
Flexible Spending Account Reminders
What to Do if You Can’t Afford Your Credit Card Payments

Carnivals

My writing was featured in several carnivals last week. A big thanks to the hosts for putting them together.

182nd Carnival of Personal Finance
42nd Money Hacks Carnival
169th Carnival of Debt Reduction
155th Festival of Frugality
88th Carnival of Money Stories

Related posts:

1. Primetime Christmastime Quickhits
2. November 2008 Wrap-Up and PrimeTime QuickHits
3. Always Read the Return Policy & Primetime Quickhits
4. QuickHits: Disney World and a Last Minute Christmas Gift Idea
5. NFL Football Edition: PrimeTime QuickHits