Tips on Preparing for 2010

The year 2009 is almost over. People around the world are preparing for the year 2010. If you got laid off this year and getting ready for some job hunting by 2010, then here's some practical tips we'd like you to keep in mind.

Tips in Preparing for Your 2010 Job Search

Almost every job seeker out there – and you have to agree – has been undermined in finding a job due to the current state of the economy this year. Instead of holding off your job hunting this holiday season, you can take a few steps to prepare your 2010 job search strategy. By laying the groundwork now, you will be well-positioned once the job market recovers the following year giving you a valuable edge.

Here are 3 steps to help you get started.

1. Update your resume or CV

According to career experts, hiring managers are cutting off time spent on browsing stacks of resumes. So, update your resume by highlighting your skills, areas of responsibility and accomplishments. If you are applying for sales jobs or jobs retail, then highlight your experiences in these areas and omit career experiences that are not related to the position you are applying for. Keep your resume short and relevant.

2. Keep motivated

Do not hold your job search because it is the holiday season. In fact, Christmas time presents a perfect opportunity for you to stand out from the competition. Most people will prefer to spend time shopping or attending family gatherings. As a result, the volume of job seekers this holiday season is low. Take this time to apply for the job positions you desire. Set a time every day to look for jobs and new career opportunities you may have missed and do not forget to do follow-ups.

Although you cannot control the economy, you always have the choice to be an aggressive job hunter. By acting and preparing your job search now, you will have the competitive edge in getting the job you have always dreamed of having next year.

3. Always keep your best digital foot forward

Expand your job search strategy by going online. Though it is always good to hand in your resume personally, in a competitive job market, you need to cover a lot of ground. It is important to get a sense of your digital footprint or build a strong presence on the Web. You can always opt for searching jobs at online recruitment companies or job boards such as JobsJobsJobs Australia. Although you cannot control the economy, you always have the choice to be an aggressive job hunter. By acting and preparing your job search now, you will have the competitive edge in getting the job you have always dreamed of having next year.

Holiday Gift Wrapping Ideas

Use your choice of these suggested supplies:

1. tissue paper

2. wallpaper or gift wrapping paper

3. newspaper, particularly comic section

4. metallic star stickers, or other seasonal stickers

5. raffia

6. ribbon or yarn

7. doilies and lace

8. fleece, fabric or felt

Gift Wrapping Options:

Mix and match the following ideas, or add variations of your own.

Gifts can be store bought or homemade. Some have sentimental value shared by the giver to the recipient, while others mirror a person's interests, likes and preferences.

A package that is thoughtfully wrapped and presented or placed under a tree will share delight even before it is opened.

Boxes come in all shapes and sizes. Many can now be purchased in a rainbow of colors. If you purchase or have a solid color box, cut out patterns such as snowmen, snowflakes, or other designs and line the box with tissue paper that is in contrast to the color of the box. This way the cut-outs will be shown with the hint of the tissue paper just behind.

Use an X-Acto knife for best results - available at any hardware or craft store. Also remember that if you can't find tissue paper in the exact color you are searching for, layering the paper will increase the depth and magnitude of the shade that you are trying to achieve. Too dark - remove a tissue or two; too light - add more.

To add a special touch to your package or gift tags, choose a design that has features you can outline with a glitter pen. Then the sparkle and shine will add so much to the gift.

Raffia has been a staple accent for packages in the last few years. Cut 6" pieces and bundle in the middle with a twist tie. Make several of these bundles for a more pronounced showing; fluff out; and attach to the package with a glue gun. You can attach a small felt ornament to one of the strands or a jingle bell.

Monochromatic themes, such as gold and yellow tones in the gift shown at left, are classic and elegant. Strong single colors, offset by white, are dramatic and very effective, as shown by the red and white example in the photo at right.

Wallpaper also makes a nice gift-wrapping material if you can find some really interesting designs.

Using those metallic star stickers that we are all familiar with and a plain index card, create a Christmas tree, wreath, or star and use as an attractive gift tag.

Creating your own gift-wrap from plain white paper and embellishing with designs can be an afternoon of fun for the whole family.

Use light-weight felt or fleece and tie with yarn - add cut out snowflakes or other designs.

A light-weight towel (bath or kitchen) adds a special second gift.

Christmas material can also be purchased by the yard to use as wrapping paper.

Drapery tassels can be used to "tie" up a gift and give it a "Victorian" feel; embellished with bows and tassels, even a plain book becomes a thing of beauty.

Paper doilies over solid color gift wrap gives a package a "delicate" feel.

A very large gift in a very large carton - spray paint the box (removing the gift first), and then replace the item. Add some features such as stencils or other effects and no paper is needed. Tie with festive cord and you are ready to go.

Undoubtedly, there is no end to creative gift wrapping possibilities. However, the most important gift is your love and your time, encapsulated in homemade wrappings, cards and tags that give joy before a gift is even opened.

Jewelries as Christmas Gifts

Egyptians used gemstones for making bracelets, brooches, headdresses, pendents, and rings. They believed jewelry had magical powers and believed it would bring them good luck.

Necklaces were the most common kinds of prehistoric ornaments. Gold was and still is a favorite metal for jewelry. Women love jewelries as it denotes solidarity in every relationship.

Click here for more Christmas gifts suggestions.

Christmas Music

Christmas is such a joyful celebration of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. During this time of the year every family prepares various sumptuous foods, sing Christmas carols or listen to music that depicts the merry theme of this celebration. Every family member helps in the decoration of the Christmas tree, preparation of the food, packing of gifts and in making this time of the year the most memorable event in the family. It's a great time to reunite with relatives and learn a new skill or make crafts with the rest of the family. Christmas is such an exciting celebration so get ready by shopping those essentials now!

Overcoming Panic Attacks

Holidays often bring too much excitement to all of us. My friend, Shirley, usually get panic attacks during these times. She gets too much anxiety and often shuts herself from the rest of the world. My only wish this Christmas is for her to overcome her panic anxiety and feel loved by us. She's so special to me and I hope I could assist her in treating her panic attacks.

I want her to feel the spirit of Christmas without the need to worry for about unexpected attacks.

3 Things I'm Excited About Christmas

Tick-tack-tick-tack.

I'm counting! I'm counting down for the remaining days when my family can be together again even just for a day--oh, well, for a night to be exact.

1. Family

It's not just the gifts that I always look forward about Christmas but it's the thought that my family and relatives will be reunited. No matter how far is the distance that my Uncle Rob and his family has to travel, they always appear during the Christmas eve. I would excitedly go to the Christmas tree and we'd open our presents. It's such an exciting time for me to see all my loved ones.

2. Food

Mom is a great cook! But she cooks even better during Christmas. I don't know if Santa managed to help her aside from wrapping our gifts but mom really becomes a better cook during this time of the year. She prepares several desserts, cookies and many other dishes that will literally make your mouth watery in delight!

3. Gifts

Just like any other kids my age, we all love presents! Well that's probably why most concluded that Christmas is mainly just for kids because we get the most presents. Last Christmas, my dad gave me a wonderful necklace with a breathtaking pendant! Guess what? It's a heart! Since I don't have the money yet to give him expensive presents, probably I'll just bake him some special cookies. (Don't tell him, ok? It's a surprise!) So, what do you think?