Top 10 Holiday Cost Savers
Posted on 04 December 2008 by joy
I am so looking forward to the holiday season, but I’m absolutely dreading the high price that comes along with cooking, decorating and entertaining my friends and family. The current economic downturn is doing nothing for my holiday spirit. Well, I’ve picked myself up by the boot straps, put on my cheapest thinking cap and found some of the best, most wallet friendly ways to enjoy this holiday season, without having to pick up any more extra shifts at work.
Celebrate the holidays with imagination instead of money
Go for a natural centerpiece
Forget the fake birds or fancy crystals, head down to the farmers market and pick up some beautiful, bright tangerines and pomegranates. Arrange them in one of your favorite kitchen bowls with whatever other fruit and veggies you might have on hand. Your center piece becomes something beautiful to look at, and something to munch on long after the holiday guests are gone. Now that’s thinkin’!
Don’t have a fancy table cloth? Reach for the butcher paper!
I love how rustic and casual butcher paper looks on a table. It’s also great fun to throw some holiday colored crayons on the table for people to doodle as they sit around the table after dinner. Combined with the rustic and natural center piece, you’ll have a cozy, themed dinner table without the big price tag.
Head to the thrift store!
Thrift stores are the best and cheapest places to find all sorts of cute cups and knick knacks you might want for around the table or around the house. At 50 cents a cup, you’ll be able to stock up without breaking the bank.
Don’t buy a tree, decorate the tree outside!
My family decorated a tree in our yard year after year. My Mom just hated the idea of cutting down a lovely tree to only enjoy for a month. The tree in your yard doesn’t even have to be Christmas tree shaped. Have fun with it and think outside the box. Decorating a tree in your front yard is great for your finances and great for the world. Just think of it as one less dead tree sitting on the side of the road come mid-January.
Pot luck if you can!
Having each guest bring one of their favorite dishes to your holiday dinner is a great way to share stories about food and family, and it also helps save you from a gigantic grocery bill!
Clip those coupons!
Coupon savings can add up at the grocery store. Make coupon clipping a fun Sunday morning activity for the kids. Sit down for a big breakfast and a browse through the newspaper coupon section with the family. It just might be fun!
Don’t take the kiddies to the grocery store!
Believe it or not, this tip will, without a doubt, save you money. Stores intentionally place the more expensive brand names on the lower shelves, right in reach of the little ones. Save yourself time, money and temper tantrums by avoiding the middle of the aisle Lucky Charm negotiations.
Craft your own gifts!
Who says you have to go drop a bunch of cash on Gap sweaters and scarves? Why not make your own holiday presents this year. Paint a picture, make cute magnets, make mini loaves of banana bread and a homemade chai tea mix, or throw together a mini recipe book. Handmade gifts always feel more thoughtful that the store bought ones.
Forget the store bought gift wrap and make your own!
Remember that butcher paper you’re using for your tablecloth? That same paper can also be used as gift wrap. If you have a few festive rubber stamps, you can stamp your own wrapping paper. If not, just buy a roll or two of beautiful ribbon and your wrapped present will we absolutely gorgeous!
Give back! It feels good and it’s free.
People get in the giving spirit around the holidays, right? Why not give a little of your time. It can be free and fun! How about volunteering to pet cats and your local animal shelter? Maybe volunteer to make cookies for seniors in nursing homes. It feels great to give back during this time of year. Volunteermatch.org can help you find local places to give you time and love.
