Christmas Frugality

If you're new here and would like to be notified the next time I write something, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for Reading!


If you want to be notified the next time I write something, sign up for email alerts or subscribe to the RSS feed. Thanks for reading.

Christmas like birthdays comes but once a year, but unlike birthdays that are spread out, this holiday is a concentrated event, which can be very costly. Many people get themselves in to debt over Christmas and spend the rest of the year trying to pay it off. Is it worth it?

You Will Need:

Paper to write a list.
Wrapping paper and tape.
Presents.
Imagination.
Internet access.
Old Christmas cards.
Stiff card.
Suitable sized envelopes.

Step 1

Christmas cards. Make a list of all those to who you send Christmas cards. Instead of buying and mailing cards send all those with Internet access a free e-Christmas card.

Step 2

Older relatives and others often do not have computer access. Instead make cards. You can use last year’s ones, so be sure to save them. Cut out the picture and stick it onto appropriate folded card. Buy suitably sized envelopes from a stationery store and then send. To save on postage costs you can hand deliver if the individuals live locally.

Step 3

Christmas dinner is the event that brings the family together on December 25th. Instead of catering it all yourself which can be very stressful arrange for each guest to bring a dish or portion of the meal. This can be their Christmas present to you.

Step 4

Your gift to them is the meal itself. After all you are hosting it and providing the celebratory space. As an added enticement you could arrange to provide the wine. People need to know of these arrangements well in advance, so be sure to phone or e-mail the guests several weeks before Christmas so they know and approve of the arrangement. Don’t worry, most will think it is a very good idea.

Step 5

The above works well for adults bit not for kids. Younger children will still expect a visit from Santa. Use a sock or stocking and fill with items you can buy in a dime store. A box of crayons is quite bulky and takes up lots of space, as do pieces of fruit like apples and oranges.

Step 6

Santa’s gift is a stopgap; the younger kids will also expect bigger gifts. If you pre-plan these can be bought at the sales that occur immediately after Christmas unsold stock goes on sale at knockdown prices. You could buy a year ahead, but storage might be a problem. Conversely as we enter recession stores will have many promotions during the year to move stock and generate income. You can use these occasions to track down real bargains.

Step 7

Enjoy the day and above all have fun.

Tip:

Christmas is supposed to be a day when the family comes together to celebrate together. Too often it is a stressful occasion where everyone gets irritable. Hopefully these catering arrangements will offset the stress factor and make the day more enjoyable for everyone.

StumbleUpon It!

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Related Posts

Filed Under Frugal Living, Lifestyle, Shopping 

Comments

Got something to say?