We may not have finished our holiday shopping in September, but we're still committed to being proactive this holiday season. There is nothing worse than having a trunk's worth of gifts and Figgy pudding, and no trunk to put them in. First things first, reserve your holiday Zipcars now to make sure you get the car you want, at the location you want. Whether you need a coupe to impress the potential in-laws, an SUV for hauling gifts, or just a little something safe for the long drive, now is the time to prepare to arrive in style. Get out the calendar and visit the reservation page to get started.

As the New Year dawns (and no, we can't believe it either), we've got a resolution for you: reduce or eliminate the potential out-of-pocket costs associated with accidents. No, it's not dropping ten pounds or kicking a bad habit, but it only takes a few seconds and it could make a big difference. If you're not familiar with the accident policy, it goes a little something like this: should you ever get in an accident, you could be responsible for a damage fee of up to $500. It's not chump change, but buying a $50 damage fee waiver could dramatically reduce that cost. For $75, your damage fee goes to $0. All waivers are good for one year from the date of purchase. Learn more here.

December isn't all about giving to others. Occasionally doing good can turn right around and pat you on the back. When you refer a friend during the month of December, you can earn up $75 in driving credit. You can keep the credit all for yourself, give it all away (you little merry maker), or split it even-steven up the middle. All credits are good for six months, but your buddy must sign up before January 1, 2009. There is no better way to ring in the New Year than with a little drive time. Visit zipcar.com/referafriend to start cashing in.

Mooches may deserve coal, but there's no better way to teach them a lesson than by giving them their own Zipcard. Guess who's catching a ride to the outlets now? You.  For all the folks on your list—mother, father, sister, brother, co-workers—the best gift this season is the gift that keeps on driving. No matter the amount, everyone on your list will appreciate a little Zip this season. Visit zipcar.com/gift to start checking people off your list.

here comes the...

... website! It's finally here. Well, almost. We're unveiling the new zipcar.com very soon, but we're giving our loyal members a sneak preview right here. Don't worry, everything (i.e. making a reservation, checking your invoice, etc.) will still work exactly the same way. We're just doing this to create a more consistent experience across the site as a whole. We're really excited about the new site, mostly because we think it reflects the community that Zipcar has become. It's also an ongoing project that we hope you'll take part in. We're always looking for real stories about members and their Zipcar experiences— especially when you have a photo or two to share. If we use your story or picture on the site (or anywhere else) we'll give you a little driving credit as a thank you. Send your stories, thoughts and pictures to share@zipcar.com.

Besides providing you with the ability to get wherever you need, want or have to go, a Zipcar membership also gets you some pretty sweet deals.  Case in point: As a part of our continuing partnership with City Theater, we are happy to offer all Zipcar members $5 off tickets for subscription performances Sundays through Thursdays (subject to availability). To purchase tickets, please call the City Theatre Box Office at 412.431.CITY(2489) and mention Zipcar. For complete information on upcoming productions, please visit www.citytheatrecompany.org.

* Not valid for Sister's Christmas Catechism and may not be combined with other offers.

we're keen on keen

We know a really Keen way to save some money on a gift for your favorite footwear fan. Keen Footwear is offering Zipsters $10 off their next purchase of footwear, bags, and socks at keenfootwear.com. Check out the site and enter promo code ZIPCAR08 at checkout to receive your discount. Offer expires December 31, 2008.