The Christmas Edition
photo credit: Stuck in Customs
It’s a bit unfortunate that for some, this holiday has turned into a stressful time when the lack of money becomes the main focus. Now is the time to focus not on things, but on the people around you, those who are close to you not just one day, but every day of the year. This is the recurring theme of BeingFrugal’s 50 Frugal Christmas ideas. Reading the Christmas Story together, going around the neighborhood to see the lights, baking cookies, all things that bring the family together, yet cost very little. J.D. at Get Rich Slowly published The Amazing Frugal Christmas Savings Spectacular! back in 2006, with loads of advice on how to have a great holiday without breaking the bank.
Among the common ideas I found; Use a Secret Santa process if you have a large group you’ve always exchanged with, set a budget, pick a name, and now you have one gift to buy. The other recurring theme was that one the kids turn 18, no gift exchanging for adults. This way the adults work at keeping the spirit of the holiday alive, but the kids don’t feel like they’d just lost something.
The next post I’d like to share with you today is 63 Gift Ideas for Under $10 – For Any Occasion of the Year! at Better Budgeting. This is a great list with ideas for low cost thoughtful gifts that work not just for Christmas, but year round. With a list so large, you’d be hard pressed to not find a few good ideas here.
Last, All Things Frugal offers a Saving Money on Christmas articlethat had too many links to count, with ideas on gifts, decorating, organizing, adding to your holiday traditions, and many, many more.
We’re down to the last week, many of us starting some well deserved time off, the kids ready to get out of school for a nice break. And me, still working on a few more posts before the year is over.
Enjoy the weekend.
Joe