In the spirit of the Twelve Days of Christmas, here are twelve ways to have a frugal holiday!
- Secret Santa- We instituted a secret santa exchange in our family to keep the cost down and actually get what we want. We’ve lowered the limit down to $30 from a crazy $75.00.
- Donating- Instead of receiving an iTunes gift card, video games, or clothes, receive the gift of giving. There are a of charitable organization that needs help this and next year due to the economy.
- Volunteering- A step up from donating money on behalf of someone would be volunteering with that person. I’m down with working on vonlunteer projects. You meet new people. You do something good for your community. You’ll feel good too.
- Gift Something Useful- Being frugal is much better than being cheap. I once got a gift that was cheap and not practical. Cheap became expensive because I didn’t use it. I ended up sending the clothes to Goodwill so someone can appreciate it.
- Celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas- The Twelve Days of Christmas are the days between Christmas and Three Kings Day. Buy your gifts after Christmas and save! Jesus got is stuff a few days later and so can you! Honestly, this is the hardest one to get everyone to agree on.
- Spending Limit With Your Circle- This keeps you and your loved ones within budget.
- Synthetic Tree- My parents has owned our Christmas tree for over 25 years. They have saved SO much money over the years. Think of this purchase as a financial and environmental investment.
- Make Something- This is a hit or miss affair. I like well made gifts. They’re low cost and memorable.
- Get Something Fun and Memorable- I feel bad when I receive a gift that I don’t use or enjoy. My Aunt Cynthia used to buy us fun and memorable little nicknacks with our names on it. I love setting them out for Christmas because I think of her and she appreciates that my brothers and I still have them.
- Credit Card Offers- This has been a horrible season for retailers and they have already marked down prices. Increase your savings by taking advantage of special holiday offers that your credit card is offering you. Discover Card is giving $20.00 gift cards for every $200.00 spent at certain malls. Not only do you get your cash back rewards, you get more money. Sales+credit card rebate+gift cards=mad savings!
- Discounted Gift Cards- Some people like gift cards. Others don’t. If you know what and and where your family likes to go and do, finding discounted gift cards are the way to go. Costco is selling five $20 gift cards for $89.99 and AMC 2 movie tickets with a coupon for a free large Coke for $15.99. That’s 20% off the Starbucks card! Well, Nikki, if you’re reading this, know you know.
- Get an Employee Discount- Find a seasonal job to get your employee discounts. My job gives me a 30% discount on regular price items and 10% discount on sale stuff. This is something to consider for next year because most retailers do their hiring before Thanksgiving.
I saw A Charlie Brown Christmas on TV on Tuesday and Lucy van Pelt tells Charlie Brown, “Look, Charlie, let’s face it. We all know that Christmas is a big commercial racket.” It’s interesting to hear that commentary 43 years ago being echoed by many of us today. Let’s be like Linus and make it less commerical for Good Ol’ Charlie Brown by being more frugal this Christmas and getting to the true meaning of Christmas!
Do you have any other great ideas? Let me know!
–mark–
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