2012 is just around the corner, and people all over the world are making promises to themselves and others that they may not keep. Yep, it’s New Years resolution time. Confession time: I’m not so great at keeping resolutions. And
Using Math to Wrap Gifts
My shopping is done. I’ve got no more baking to do. And save one, all of the great holiday parties are wonderful memories. But I still have this stack of gifts to wrap. I figure there are two kinds of people in the world:
Last-Minute Mathy Gifts for Kids
Looking for a last-minute gift for your budding Eistein? You’ve come to the right place. I’m not about to suggest that kids love “educational toys.” But one thing is for sure — kids learn best when they’re having fun. I’ve
Math at Work Monday: Kim the candle maker
Good grief the winter holidays include a lot of candles! Earlier this month, Christians began lightingAdvent candles; Hanukkah begins tomorrow night at sunset; Thursday is the Winter Solstice; andKwanzaa starts on December 26. That’s a lot of wax! Lately, I’ve been fascinated by how
The 12 Days of Christmath
elebrate Christmas, you’re heading into the home stretch! As of this morning, there are nine days until the fat man comes down the chimney. I hope you’re more ready than I am! (My careful schedule has gone to pot, in
Cookie Exchange Math
Ah, the cookie exchange! What better way to multiply the variety of your holiday goodies. (You can always give the date bars to your great aunt Marge.) The problem with this annual event is the math required to make five or
Shop on! With Percents
Everybody loves a sale, right? The thrill of the hunt, the sense of accomplishment when landing a great deal. But how many times have you reached the register and realized your purchase was more than you expected? Or have you
To Estimate or Not to Estimate: That is the question
Whether you’re buying gifts for under the tree or just taking advantage of holiday sales, December is one of those times when you might need some mental math skills. And while it can seem overwhelming to find out how much that 15%-off
Math at Work Monday: Elana the personal shopper
On the whole, I don’t like shopping. But I do like shopping for Christmas gifts. Still, at around this time of year, I’m about ready to hand over my list to someone else — say a personal shopper? And if
Holiday Organization: Get your elves in a row
I have a love-hate relationship with the winter holidays. I love the hustle and bustle of shopping for the perfect gift, making cookies and candies, decorating the house and going to special events. But every single December, I find myself
The Math of Generosity
No matter what holiday you celebrate in December, the month has traditionally marked a time for charitable giving. The weather is growing colder in some areas, making it much tougher on the homeless. The end of the year is creeping
Black Friday: The real cost of handmade
If you celebrate Christmas and live in America, you may very well be heading out (or coming home) from Black Friday sales. Or perhaps you’re opting for Small Business Saturday, picking up gifts at local specialty stores. Or maybe you’re waiting