Christmas Comes Early - When you're Frugal

Over at the All You Challenge Blog we're alternating between good-natured grousing about the delay in announcing the winner and chatting about Christmas presents. I started a big long entry about it and decided I'd post it here instead.

I know some people who are cost-conscious and generally frugal - until the red and green wrapping paper shows up. Then they'll drop thousands of dollars without blinking an eye.

I don't get it.

Some years my kids had presents piled three feet high. Some years they got a big gift and several small ones. But my average cost per kid over the years is under $100.

So here are a few ideas for keeping the Spirit of Christmas while keeping the reality of a budget.

1) DO keep the Spirit of Christmas.
It is only in the last couple generations that having a tree surrounded by gifts seems to be the point of the celebration. Whether you practice a particular faith or not, the Christmas Season is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our love for one another. It doesn't cost a thing to tell someone you care.

2) DO be honest.
Tell your family and friends (early and often!) that you have a budget for the Holidays. This is especially important if you have family or friends that exchange costly gifts. By speaking up and being clear about your decision, you can prevent some hurt feelings later. Considering the current economy, don't be surprised if some people jump on board with you.

3)DON'T be pressured to change your plans.
If friends or family are critical of your decision, respectfully 'agree to disagree'. If they push you, kindly but firmly refuse to discuss it further.

4) DON'T be a Scrooge.
Give generously of your time, your good cheer, your friendship and your love. Volunteer at a women's shelter, food bank or animal shelter. Let someone else have the closest parking space. Smile and look your cashier in the eye at the grocery store. Offer to babysit for your friend so she can do some errands. Write your husband a love letter.

5) DO be realistic. If you don't knit, don't plan to make sweaters for your entire family this Christmas. Keep material costs in mind when making homemade gifts. Purchasing fruit to make jam, for instance, may not be a wise financial move if you also have to buy all the otehr supplies neccesary for canning.

6) DO think outside the box. Shop yard sales, thrift stores, back-to-school sales and clearance sections. Keep your eyes open for good deals all year long.

7) DON'T lose your Christmas stockpile! I only mention this because every year I find a bag of goodies that I bought in May - two days AFTER Christmas.

8) DO give yourself a gift. The gift of patience with yourself. You can't do it all and you aren't supposed to. There is no such thing as the 'perfect' Christmas. Unless maybe it's the one where you enjoyed the company of your loved ones and still had an available balance in your checking account on the 26th of December...

Happy Holidays!