Raina Kelley

Every year you see those signs in opticians' windows offering to help you spend the leftover money in your health-care flex-spending account. You know you have to use it by Dec. 31 or lose it, but what if you don't want another pair of sunglasses?

It's the night before Christmas. The children are all nestled snug in their beds, but you still have to wrap a golf club and three clown fish. Don't panic--call the Gift Wrapping Tips Hotline at 866-HOW-2WRAP.

Sometimes the marching band can be better than the football. Here's TIP SHEET's prebowl viewers' guide:Florida A&M: Ever seen an entire sousaphone section do splits on cue?

Freezing weather doesn't have to mean unfashionable fingers. Gloves or mittens should be chosen not only for their abil-ity to keep you warm but also because they're a chance to do something that's usually impossible during the winter months--show a little flair.

In his new book "Holiday Lights," David Seidman defends Americans' inalienable right to go completely bonkers decorating their homes for the season and even offers a little advice.

Trina Roberts, 37, plans to look fantastic this holiday season, thanks to a gift she got last month from her husband: a breast augmentation and liposuction. "I'm the happiest woman in the world," she says.

Ghosts aren't guaranteed, but book one of these rooms, turn out the lights and hope for a creep show.Hay-Adams Hotelhayadams.comFrom $495 per nightWashington: "Haunted" by Clover Adams, wife of the original owner.

Fall is the new spring: horticulturists say it's the perfect time to plant most trees, shrubs and perennials. So put down that rake.White Flower Farm Perfect for filling in your perennial bed.

It's hip to be scared: Americans spend $2 billion on Halloween decorations. We've unearthed the creepiest.