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Celebrating an Economical Christmas

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For many of us, money is tight right now. Christmas time can cause undue stress on our hearts and our wallets if we are trying to keep up with the Joneses. You might surprise yourself with how much more you can enjoy a simpler version of Christmas this year. If you have decided to make your celebration a little more economical, here are some ideas of how to go about it.ts

Photo by modish, sxc.hu
This is, of course, the largest expense of them all. The gift-giving aspect of Christmas can become the biggest of your holiday headaches, when it should be just the opposite. By paring down the spending, you can reconnect with the joy of giving.

One idea to pursue is limiting yourself to one gift per person. Generally speaking, one higher-priced gift will cost you less money than many middle-to-lower-priced ones. It might be more expensive than any one of the few you would normally give, but that allows you make it really special, to make it count. You are also free to look for sales, since you have fewer total items to get.

Hand-made gifts are another excellent idea. These can be more personal and more catered to the specific individuals for whom you made them. Here are a few choices:
  • If you are a good cook, share the wealth! Make someone's favorite baked goods for them.
  • Crafty? Think about making a collage. You can include images of the recipient's favorite places, people, and things. Throw in some phrases that make you think of the person. Frame it nicely and write a personal note to go with it.
  • Put together a family recipe book and give one to everyone.
  • Take some nice photographs, or use ones you already have, and frame them.
  • Make a mix CD with the individual's "greatest hits," songs that make you think of the person, or ones that you think he or she would like. You could even do a little write-up for each track, explaining why you chose to put it on there.
  • Buy some blank cards and envelopes and design stationary for the person.
  • Websites like DIY Network have instructions on how to make soap, paper, candles, and many other fun items.

One last consideration: A gift does not necessarily have to be tangible. If someone needs his or her car washed, house cleaned, or yard raked, you could provide that service. Think about what the people you know have need of, and see if there isn't a way for you to help out.ecorating

First off, if you have any decorations around from last year, use those. Items like candy canes and candles are inexpensive and festive; you could use the former to decorate your tree, as well. Dried cranberries and popcorn on some string are another way to make your tree pop that doesn't cost much. Make paper chains or snowflakes, and involve a youngster in the process. You could have a lot of fun.Food

Food is an essential component of any celebration. It's probably not even a celebration without it. So, no one is asking you not to eat. Just eat smarter:

  • Plan on cooking meals at home. Get help from your family and friends.
  • If you are hosting dinner, ask your guests to cook a few dishes themselves.
  • Guests can also bring cutlery, glasses, or plates with them.
  • Buy cheaper wine or beer than you would normally get.
  • If you usually have a big Christmas Eve and a big Christmas Day dinner, just stick to one.
  • Look up economical recipes online.
Photo by arsbrazil, sxc.hu
tead of going to the movies or out to dinner, you could see what your community has to offer in the way of free entertainment. This extends to concerts and theater as well as the beauty of the neighborhoods. Take a night where you and your family drive around and look at the decorations on houses. Go caroling. Make a whole day of picking, purchasing, and decorating the Christmas tree. And, of course, you can always watch a movie at home. These are ways to have fun, get closer with everyone, and get the quality time you want out of your holiday.

Patrick Hanan  Posted by Patrick Hanan on December 8, 2009

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