The idea is to use the scarf to cover your mouth and nose when around others who may be ill, or to sneeze into it so pathogens will be killed instead of lingering to infect others, the site recommends.

WSJ: Keeping Cold and Flu Germs Out

Use foreign comics as unusual wrapping paper, or use a furoshiki cloth, Japanese-style (try a napkin, scarf or handkerchief).

ECONOMIST: Christmas tips