americanmama

’tis the season, almost… and that means dollar signs everywhere!  I must say, in the past I’ve been a regular Overgifter, sometimes a bit too generous.  This year, my outlook is quite different and I’m already planning ahead on the budget. 

 Surf the net for a few minutes and you’ll find LOTS of frugal Christmas ideas.  Here are a few of my favorites:

 * Skip the Christmas cards.  The cost of stamps alone will add up fast!  Send an email blast with photo attachments, or use Facebook or another social network to reach out. 

* Pick a favorite item (like a 4″ pizza cutter for under $10) and gift it to everyone on your list. 

* Start a family tradition… Write a piece of history from your favorite family memories.  Assign something different to each family member, and compile the various stories. 

* Give experiences / services rather than things:  Give a coupon for a home-made dinner for relatives at your house, or for an evening of babysitting services.  I would LOVE for someone to give me a few hours of housecleaning! 

* Bake cookies!  I love Biscotti, so I’ll take a day off from work and bake, bake, bake… then buy a few festive plates (try the dollar store or find them on sale during the holidays), and decorate.  Always a huge hit (but not on the budget!)

 It’s so easy to go hog-wild and spend hundreds or thousands of dollars over the holidays.  A big credit card bill in January can sure be a buzz kill… Happy Holidays!!

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