HIS OFFERING of traditional crafts, historical essays, and kitchen-tested seasonal recipes comes to you from the archives of The Old Farmer's Almanac.

January is here,
With eyes that keenly glow --
A frost-mailed warrior striding
A shadowy steed of snow.

-- Edgar Fawcett

E KNOW THE idea of New Year's Resolutions has been done to death, but the custom of making them stands on tradition, as do many of the other customs we've adopted for this time of year.

Haven't tossed out the Christmas tree yet? Prop it up near your bird feeder as a staging area for small birds such as chickadees and finches. Or find 12 more suggestions for what to do with your tree. We solicited these from our readers a while back.

If you're looking upon this season as one of slimming down or keeping warm, you could do worse than cook up a batch of Spinach and Pasta Soup or Bonnie's Winter Stew, a favorite among staffers.

Feeling broke now that the holiday bills have arrived? The Frugal Housekeeper, presents some timely tips for the money-conscious.

When the dark, cold days of January find you sitting around the hearth, try making a Tooth-Fairy Pillow for that toddler in your life who will soon be losing his or her baby teeth. The pillow will keep the tooth safe until the tooth fairy drops in.

Meanwhile, more than 100 years ago, the author of The Old Farmer's Almanac Farmer's Calendar was offering advice on indoor geraniums. We think you'll find that advice to be just as valuable today.