Tips to Save Money During the Holidays
The festive season is the season not only of joy and goodwill to all mankind but also the season of spending. Decorations, parties, gifts and a myriad other reasons to empty our pockets; however this year, with the recession ominously but unequivocally upon us, it may be time to tighten our belts. So I combed the internet looking for the best ways to save money these holidays.
There were some great ideas contributed by the readers of the site themselves. One suggestion was to exchange gifts in January instead of at the actual holiday so that one can take advantage of post holiday sales and also you are not so stressed getting gifts just ahead of Christmas. Another reader suggested giving the New Year party a miss in favor or calling some friends over for a contributory meal where everyone listens to music, plays games and has a better time than if they had gone on to a big public place and spent a bunch of money. And if someone is on a really tight budget, you can get books for $1 or $2 at local friends-of-the-library book sales to give as gifts.
Then here I found some rather drastic tips, including don’t send any Christmas cards or cut your list in half. Holiday cards are a lovely tradition and it would be a shame to simply email greetings, a physical card is a joy to get no matter what I have said earlier. After all greetings are part of the decorations. However you can design and print your own cards at home, which is a cheaper option. Also use the funnies section of the newspaper to wrap gifts. A gift and a laugh rolled into one; neat idea. The writer also suggests that you should not decorate or at least decorate inexpensively. Now that I agree with: using pine cones, acorns, and other natural green stuff looks good too!
There were some useful tips here as well, such as making or personalizing your own gifts. And if fact it is lovely to receive a handmade gift that the person has taken the time and the trouble to make themselves.
So here’s wishing you call a, merry, frugal, and altogether wonderful Christmas! Happy Holidays all!
I think that saving or being frugal is one thing, foregoing tradition is another
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[...] Daily Reads Check out some tips to save money during the holidays, courtesy of Nicole [...]
Great tips. I am struggling this year with the credit cruch and all that but your ideas and tips have been very helpful. Thanks
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