The commercialization of the season causes many parents to start sweating. Enjoy the spirit of the season as a family without busting your budget.
don't break the bank during the holidays
Remember the real reason for the season
Your kids may love Christmas merely for the pile of gifts they’re anticipating under the tree… but perhaps they need a reminder about the true spirit of the season. Throughout the coming weeks, re-educate your children about the meaning of Christmas.
Have an old-fashioned Christmas>>
Outside of discussing the significance of the season, it’s OK tell your children the truth about needing to cut back this Christmas. This is a great way to introduce the lessons of the value of money and the importance of creating and sticking to a budget. Challenge all of your family members to create homemade gifts or find special, meaningful gifts that don’t have to cost a fortune.
Spearhead creative gift exchanges
Instead of exchanging gifts with everyone in your office, your family, your moms’ group and on your block, why not organize some gift exchanges or food swaps? Better yet, consider scrapping gift giving for doing some good for others.
For example, a white elephant gift exchange is always fun at your work holiday party and it’s fairly easy to organize a gift exchange with your extended family — just make sure everyone participating gives three ideas for what they’d like to receive.
How to host a gift exchange>>
Before the holidays are in full motion, when you meet with your moms’ group, brainstorm how you can all make one another’s holidays easier by doing a food swap . Talk about the “rules” before you meet for the exchange. Each member of the group brings enough of her specialty for everyone in the group. The item should be about equal value . And the food item should be something that can last for a little while such as a dip or a casserole that can be frozen and cooked closer to the holiday.
Talk to your neighbors about joining some funds and donating it to a good cause or get together and volunteer at a food bank this season.
Host a potluck Christmas dinner
Instead of footing the entire bill for your holiday feast this year, ask your guests to pitch in. Ask each guest or family to bring one dish . You can be responsible for the holiday ham, turkey or whatever main dish denotes the Christmas holiday for you and yours.
10 Fabulous frugal holiday party ideas>>
Take advantage of after-Thanksgiving sales to get pumpkin puree, turkey and stuffing mix at a discounted price.
More on budget-friendly holidays
Decorating Diva: Holiday decorating on a budget
Unconventional holiday shopping tips for parents on a budget
How to curb overspending during the holidays