Christmas On A Budget
By Allison Roberts on Wednesday, November 21st, 2007 :: 10:50 amCategory: Watching Out 4 You
Thanksgiving will soon be behind us, and we will have no more excuses to avoid thinking about shopping for the Christmas season. However, buying gifts is not your only holiday responsibility; you also have to think of wrapping presents, mailing presents, Christmas cards, decorating your home and perhaps housing out of town guests.
This is a long list of worries for those of us who are on a budget this holiday season. Here are a few tips that can keep you sane and your account in the black through the holiday season:
Wrapping Presents
Get creative with your wrapping this year. You can use magazine pages from the recipient’s favorite magazine, art work from your children and comic strips from the newspaper in lieu of expensive wrapping paper this season. It will save you money and give your presents a personal touch.
Mailing Presents
There isn’t much of a way around the price of shipping. So, if you must ship your presents the trick is to send them early to ensure they arrive on time. A present that arrives before the holiday shows respect and love.
Christmas Cards
Holiday cards traditionally go on sale the further you get into December. So, if you can hold out just a bit, it is likely that you’ll get a discount on them. Also, if you’re penny-pinching this season, cut your list in half and consider sending free e-cards to those who are cut from your list.
Decorating Your Home
Decorating does not have to drain your wallet. Most stores have sales on their holiday decorations at some point during the season. Also, consider using old fashion decorations such as popcorn strings with cranberries, pine cones and put up some of your kids’ artwork from school to decorate. It will give your home the holiday cheer it needs for almost nothing.
Housing Out-Of-Town Guests
This can be tricky. Not only because you have to feed many more people than you normally would, but because you have to find something for everyone to do while they’re in town. Consider checking out holiday themed videos and books from the library. A simple drive through the neighborhood to look at Christmas lights is also an enjoyable outing – pack some hot chocolate, too!
Many churches and community groups have holiday concerts around Christmas. Look at your city’s website to see if there is a free concert that you and your out-of-town guests can attend.
With these few simple tips, you can trim the fat from your holiday budget and enjoy the holiday season.
Author Bio: Allison Roberts is a graduate of the University of North Texas Department of Journalism. She has experience in agency and in freelance public relations. Allison currently writes for Credit Solutions and she is completing an unfinished work of her late grandfather. For more articles by Allison on bankruptcy and visit Credit Solutions.
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