Cutting Costs for Christmas
Black Friday! Cyber Monday! You have to do your homework by gathering lists, scouring ads and comparing every chance you get until the designated days. Figure out which stores you'll hit first and what's needed in each one. If you have time and you live nearby, do a walk-through so you know where the items are likely to be located. Don't take pokey stragglers on your missions. You'll only get frustrated and miss out on blow-your-mind sales. Either go by yourself or choose your team carefully and keep in contact by checking in via phone or for lunch.
Forego new purchases of holiday themed plates and centerpieces. The decor and serving ware you have in your cupboards are just fine. Your house will be filled with family and good friends and it's the memories made that will matter, not the wallet-busting ornamental place settings. The company will be the focal point of the day, so save your money. Wow your guests with embellished place cards crafted from your activities drawer. Some thin cording and sparkles go a long way in brightening up the table. Go online and learn how to fold paper napkins for an unexpected flair.
Fill your biggest vase with a birch top and hang a couple of mini bulbs from the branches using silvery thread. Surround the base with pine greenery and cones and tie a colorful sash around the center of the vase for a fragrant centerpiece. Carry on the theme by stringing bulbs from the ceiling.
Don't neglect the outside. Stage a package of candy canes on any trees by the entry or alternate between the lights on the railings.
Leave the store-bought wrapping paper to the rookies of the season and have the young ones make your collection of original designs. Start off with paper bags and set out sponges, potato halves with carved designs, string and brushes to use with an array of paints, glitter glue and confetti.
If you're already buying someone a gift, it's not necessary to include a card if you'll be seeing each other face to face. They'll remember who gave the present to them and the card will go in the trash at the end of the year.
Instead of one family busting a gut putting on the whole spread, opt for a potluck approach. The host family provides the meat and drinks and everyone else brings a side dish and dessert. Less prepping from the overworked hostess and everyone can bring their special recipes.
Since everyone is probably struggling to pay bills just like your family, choose to draw names and cap costs at what you would have spent per person anyway, $20? It's the atmosphere that's going to matter so make sure there will be some fun games to give the evening the commotion due to such a gathering.
Give the adults in your group a break and designate your party as the dice game Bonanza for the little ones.
If all the adults participate and get one or two gifts at a total of $20, all the kids will get a couple to take home. Let's not forget this probably isn't the only opportunity they'll get to receive gifts.
Mix it up a bit and choose a theme that encompasses as many age groups as possible or color code the outside of the wrapped packages. If you get one item for a toddler, your other gift could be for a teen. Decide on games, books, videos, crafts or CDs.
If you play until all wrapped gifts are chosen, then unwrap all of them and set the timer for 15 more minutes of play time, this will give the kids who didn't get much, a chance to pick from a cousin who made the mother load.
Not only will each of the children playing get a couple of presents, the adults saved at least $50-$100.
If the youngest aren't old enough to comprehend the game, have each of the adults chip in $5 and have someone pick up a gift ahead of time.
Implement some of these techniques into your season for a cheerier outcome to your pocket book when it's all over.
