Money Management

A Frugal Holiday Season?
How to Have a Happy and Frugal Holiday Season

Frugal Holiday. In today's economic climate, are you worrying about the holiday season?

Frugal Holiday Do you look forward each year to the holiday season, but dread opening those credit card bills after it? The holiday season doesn't have to be one of excess and splurging.

The number one thing to remember is to make a plan and a budget and stick to it. Good intentions sometimes end up being expensive intentions - so make sure you plan!

Remember that the holiday season is about being with loved ones and creating memories. Keep that in mind and you can still have an amazing holiday season without breaking the bank.

For check out more Frugal Food Ideas.
Add Your own holiday tips here

Thanksgiving Ideas

Thanksgiving, or harvest time can also be frugal holiday time.

Decorate your home with things from nature - it is the harvest time of year after all. Go for a walk and pick up leaves, branches, pine cones to decorate your table and home.
Use harvest colored table clothes and napkins from the dollar store instead of "Thanksgiving" table clothes and napkins from the party store.
Have a potluck Thanksgiving dinner. Have everyone bring one dish to share on the costs.
Buy a larger turkey and use the leftovers for meals for the next week or so. Make turkey stew or freeze it for future meals.
Use Apples and other seasonal fruit and vegetables as decorations - then eat them as part of your meal planning throughout the week

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Ideas for a Frugal Holiday Season

These ideas work for any holiday season - i.e. Hanukah, Christmas, or whatever holiday you celebrate with decorations and gifts. For ideas on frugal gift shopping click here.

Frugal Holiday Gifts

Create gift giving as a game - Do Secret Santa and pick names out of a hat and only buy one gift each
Give a coupon for a homemade dinner to a bachelor in your life
Give a night of babysitting for a friend or relative
Magazine subscription - a gift that gives all year
Make jewelry for the people on your list
Make cookies and decorate the packaging you put them in
Look in second hand book stores for the avid reader in your life - choose some oldies but goodies and wrap them decoratively
Take photos of your loved one throughout the year and then give them in photo album or picture frame
Plan early - Always be Christmas shopping - look for sales and put it away until Christmas
Shop around and ask others for ideas on where to buy specific items - sometimes other will know where to get it cheaper
Look for outlet sales and temporary sales in your area and the local paper
Make homemade Christmas gifts

Holiday Cards

Skip this year or send half as many as you would normally
Send out a heartfelt letter detailing what you have done this year and what you wish for your friends and family - add a photograph
Make your own cards - have a card making party with the kids in your life
Send postcards - less postage
Buy your cards after Christmas for the next year
Make a phone call instead of sending cards - people will appreciate hearing from you

Holiday Wrapping Paper

Use magazines for smaller gifts
Recycle used wrapping paper
Make your own gift tags
Cut up old Christmas cards for gift tags
Use inexpensive tissue paper from the dollar store or discount store
Buy wrapping paper after the holidays for next year

Holiday Decorations

Use what you have but in new ways - i.e. use old ornaments in glass vases as centerpieces
Search out items in the dollar store
Purchase decorations after Christmas for next year - up to 75% off sometimes
String Popcorn around the tree.
Avoid using Christmas lights - save on electricity costs
Use natures gifts - i.e. pinecones or pine needles
Buy an artificial tree when on clearance
Buy ornaments for special occasions - don't decorate the tree all at once - provides a beautiful history for you to enjoy each year

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Please Share With us your Frugal Holiday Ideas

Share your ideas on how to save money during any holiday season. You may see them in our next Moneyzine Issue.

Share Your Frugal Holiday Ideas Here:

What are your less expensive or frugal Holiday ideas?

How do you save money over the holidays?

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