(Donna Erickson)

It's time to vacuum away pine needles, scrape hardened puddles of candle wax off the mantel, box up ornaments for storage in the attic and tuck away "fa la la" CDs at the bottom of the pile. But not so fast. Everything isn't going away.

When I moved to Minnesota umpteen years ago, it took only one long sub-zero winter to understand why people leave their white holiday minilights sparkling along eaves and portals long after the holidays are over; they brighten the landscape and our spirits during the dark, cold months that follow. So, the lights stay up. And then I think of all the possibilities for repurposing some of the visual leftovers before they land in the garbage can or recycle bin.

Here are two simple ideas:

HOLIDAY FLORAL BOUQUETS

Balsam pine and berry branches last long after the flowers in the arrangement have wilted. Pull the greens out of the bouquet before you toss it and trim their stems for a new look.

For example, if your teen is celebrating a birthday this week, bunch them in a tiny arrangement with an added fresh rose in the center and tuck it in her shined-up baby cup. Set the eye-catching little bouquet on a tray for a memorable breakfast-in-bed surprise.

Or let your child help you make a similar arrangement in a small pot or vase for a charming hostess gift.

CANDLE STUBS, OLD CRAYONS AND PINECONES

Make firestarters to use in your fireplace. Ask your child to collect the candle stubs from holiday candle holders. Add a few

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old crayons with paper peeled off to the collection, too, if you wish. An adult should melt the wax inside a can set in a pan of water, which is heated until the wax melts. Remove wicks.

Let your child place muffin papers in muffin tins. Pour wax 1/2-inch deep into the cups. Set new 3-inch wicks, available at craft stores, in the wax in each cup so wick hangs out the side. Set a medium-size pinecone in each cup. Let wax harden.

To use, place a firestarter under kindling in fireplace and light wick. The burning pinecone will make the kindling ignite quickly.

Donna Erickson is the executive producer and host of public television's award-winning family lifestyle series "Donna's Day." Her latest book is "Donna Erickson's Fabulous Funstuff for Families." For more ideas, visit MinnMoms.com/donna, sign up for Donna's e-newsletter at donnasday.com, like the Donna's Day Facebook page or follow Donna at twitter.com/Donna_Erickson.