Holiday Savings Tips

Feed The Pig and Save YOUR Money!!!

Why spend money on gifts when majority of Americans barely has a roof over their heads and any food? Instead, just enjoy being in one another’s company, eating, laughing and swapping stories.
My family and I have been doing this for ages and we ALWAYS have a gay-o-time; without going into debt.

Feed the pig!

Try saving the wrapping paper

Try saving the wrapping paper and bows and reusing them next year. Or use the comics as wrapping paper. It doesn't change the quality of the day. It helps save a tree and a landfill and money.

About ten years ago instead of trading names we...my in-laws started holding White Elephants or Pass Along Gifts and drawing numbers. Previously we drew names. It is something you have that is is great condition or new that you no longer want or use and pass it along to someone who will. Or you can purchase a new $20 gift. Each gift can only be traded three times or you will never see the end. When it is over, number 1 can steal..trade with whom ever they want. This is when all of the gifts are opened. We started this because some people were financially able to buy a great gift and some weren't or shouldn't. Very large family. We started a pass along gift without numbers in my family to give one more present without spending more cash. We (my family) tell it is the pass along gift. People really like it. Rules: No junk, no leaving it at the hosts house because someone gave junk, only three steals, non gender specific. The nieces and nephews as of last year stopped trading names and do the White Elephant. It is great fun. Something to do as a group. Merry Christmas!

Holiday Decorating

If you decorate for Christmas, consider using the new LED Christmas Lights. They can use 60% less energy than the regular ones. They also last longer which saves you money because you don't have to buy them as often. They also don't get hot, so there is less chance of starting a fire. Yes, They do tend to cost more to purchase, but you will get what you spend back on the money you save on your electric bill and by not having to buy them as often which actually helps you to save money in 2 ways. They come in all the popular shapes from the miniatures, to the C4 Night Light style bulbs to the C9 large bulbs. They also come in multi color or solid. The come as a string or icicles. They are just as bright and don't break as easy because the bulbs are made of plastic which is good because there is no glass to shatter and cut you. Stop by your favorite Christmas shop and look around.

Holiday Potluck with Friends

In the past my friends and I celebrated the holidays by having an expensive dinner out with lots of wine and then move on to other places to continue the celebration. This year we are each bringing one covered dish with recipe -- must be less than $10 worth of ingredients -- and a bottle of wine -- less than $10 to a friend's house. The dinner hasn't happened yet but we've already had so much fun planning the evening. I'll keep you posted on the evening!

Memory Books, Shop Sales and off-season

Make family memory books from questionnaires sent to relatives (favorite holiday traditions, favorite story about Great Uncle Soandso, Grandma's best cookie recipe, etc). Compile answers and make copies for each family. Many copy centers and office supply stores will even bind the books for you as well as make color copies so you can include photos.

Another idea is to do a lot of your shopping off-season. Keep a spreadsheet or notebook list of what you have purchased, for whom, and where you've stashed it. You can then shop the off-season or even after-season sales to get the best prices.

Have your kids draw the picture for your annual family greeting card and print your own cards at a fraction of the cost of purchased cards.

Send e-cards and links to your blog rather than "tradtional" cards - Green and economical - no paper waste and no postage costs.

Love Checkbook

I bought my wife a "love checkbook" one year for a couple dollars. It's filled with "checks" redeamable for messages, help with chores around the house, a romantic dinner; there are even some blank checks so she can fill in exactly what she wants. The nice thing about this gift is, it lasts a long time, most of the items on the checks only cost you your time and message skills, and the items that do require some coin (Like a night at the movies, or a trip to the bowling alley) will be dished out over time...

Bottom line, she liked it so much, I now throw one in her stocking every Christmas...

For even more savings, you can make your own, and tailor it to the recipient!

Don't spend a lot of money on

Don't spend a lot of money on gift wrapping -- recycle and be creative -- decorate brown paper bags or newspaper.