With the economy being the way it is, many families are taking a closer look at their holiday budgets this year. Most are discovering there are ways to save money without being labeled a Scrooge.
The first rule of thumb: don't set unrealistic expectations. Even in the best of circumstances, no one's Christmas can live up to the harmonious idyll presented in the pages of glossy magazines. Realize that everything doesn't have to be picture-perfect. Plan a holiday season that you can relax and enjoy without the stress of overspending.
It's more important than ever to set a realistic holiday budget for gifts and entertaining. Start with the total amount you want to spend and divvy things up from there. Identify your priorities. This is the year to be creative. Rather than thinking of it as a chore, think of it as a challenge to get the most Christmas for your dollar.
Here are some practical ideas to help get you started on the road to a fun-yetfrugal holiday season.
Gift giving
Make a gift list and have it in hand when you go to the stores. If it's not on the list, don't buy it. No impulse purchases!
Trim your list. If you have a large extended family, buying gifts for everyone can be a budget-buster. Consider drawing names or holding a Secret Santa. Another idea is to buy gifts only for the children or only for your immediate family. Let others know your plans so there will no hard feelings.
Instead of buying gifts, make them. Let your children get creative with some inexpensive craft supplies. Bake some goodies to give neighbors, teachers and friends.
Consider re-gifting. Just be careful that you don't re-gift to your original giver!
Scour the internet for bargains. Shopping online lets you research products, compare prices, avoid crowds and save gas. Many retailers offer free shipping at this time of year, just be certain to allow enough time for holiday delivery.
Entertaining
If you're hosting a large crowd, go pot-luck and ask everyone to bring a dish.
Borrow what you don't have. If you don't have enough wine glasses, ask a neighbor if you can borrow a few of hers.
Having a sit-down dinner party can be expensive. Opt for a buffet instead or invite the guests for dessert and hot cocoa.
It's easier to order your pies from the bakery but cheaper to make them yourself. Enlist the help of family members to give you a hand or invite some friends over for an afternoon of baking.
Look for inexpensive ways to have fun. Pile the kids in the car and drive around looking at holiday light displays. Have a decorating party and involve every member of the family. Have a family movie night featuring a Christmas classic like It's A Wonderful Life.
Decorating
Take stock. Do you really need another snowman statute or reindeer candle? Can you untangle those strands of lights and use them again instead of buying new ones?
Use what you have. Look around the house and find new decorative uses for common objects. A holiday bowl filled with red apples and pinecones makes a lovely centerpiece. Put some pretty tree ornaments in a glass bowl to add a festive touch. Use extra twinkle lights to decorate the mantle.
Make what you can. A simple grapevine wreath looks festive when tied with a pretty ribbon. Have your kids make paper snowflakes for the windows. Buy a roll of brown craft paper and make your own wrapping paper. With some thought and a little creativity, you can create a holiday season that results in plenty of good times and warm memories for the whole family. And you can give yourself the gift of less stress and a renewed recognition of those things in life that are truly most important.
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