How to Stop Wasting Money At Christmas

Christmas is that traditional time of year when credit cards begin to smoke and savings accounts die a slow death. Part of the reason Christmas has become so expensive is not so much in the gifting, but rather in the waste. By paying attention to a few details, you can save a great deal of money and breath life back into your wallet. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• a keen eye for unnecessary waste and/or spending
• a little self discipline
• a little creativity

1. Some of the accoutrements of the holidays are a big waste of money. There is a smart balance between avoiding such wastes and being your family's Scrooge. Start by looking at items you re-buy year after year, such as wrapping pap per and bows. If there is a greater waste than those bags of stick-on bows I can't imagine it. Unless you're like my dearly departed grandmother, who saved bows from everyone's gifts, then you're like the majority of households where bows have a shelf life of about 2 weeks, until the day gifts are opened. In one single jerk, they're in the floor or the cat has swatted them underneath furniture where they'll lie dormant until spring cleaning finds them. Instead of bows, consider using raffia or just putting a nice handmade name tag on the gift.
2. Speaking of name tags, this is Waste Item Number Two. Quicker than it took to write the name on it, the tag is off and headed for the trash bag. Use pinking shears or scrapbooking scissors to cut out a piece from wrapping paper or construction paper, put a single hole punch in it and a nice piece of red or green yarn through the hole. You have a personalized name tag that looks beautiful on the package.
3. Almost everyone has an e-mail address, so instead of sending traditional Christmas cards why not send them a beautiful e-greeting card? There are many websites that offer this service free of charge. The cards are beautiful and you've saved an entire evening of writer's cramp and a ton of postage. Of course, many elderly relatives and friends may not have internet access. Do not neglect them for the sake of saving a few dollars. A card to someone living alone is often the best gift you could get them.
4. Christmas joy gets us every time we hear a bell ring, doesn't it? Everyone who has been fortunate should be charitable at least during the holidays. But instead of spontaneous giving, sit down with your family and decide on one charity to support in the spirit of Christmas giving. You'll know exactly how much you're able to afford and exactly where it is going.
5. Instead of assuming all Christmas charity has to be in the form of money, start thinking about giving in other ways. Shelters and animal shelters always need help, especially during the holidays. Community centers for the elderly or that provide food for families in need can always use the help. Very often, it is the gift of time that is most needed.
6. If you have typically send gifts to family or friends that live away, consider gift certificates. There are so many wonderful choices from a variety of stores and services that almost any interest can be covered with a gift certificate. Even better are e-gift certificates. Order them online and have them delivered to the recipient's email, where they can shop from the convenience of their home. Saves on gas, postage, and you won't be tempted to re-gift someone with that awful orange necktie you got last year.
7. Live Christmas trees are beautiful, to be sure. They are also an expense that is incurred year after year, one that usually ends up in a landfill. Do trees and yourself a favor and buy a nice artificial tree that can be used year after year. There are some remarkable artificial trees available that are just as beautiful as the real thing. Additionally, live trees can be a fire hazard when they become dry and they can pose a danger to pets and people with allergies.
8. Christmas can be wonderfully traditional and less wasteful if we just put our minds to it. After all, it is the spirit of the season shared with friends and loved ones that makes Christmas magical, not the balance on our credit card.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not run outside lights all night. Set them on a timer or turn them off before going to bed. It saves electricity and is less hazardous.
• Use you gifts as gifts. In other words, if you have a gift for baking, painting, or crafting then use it to create unique gifts for others
• Thoroughly break down all boxes and containers from Christmas gifts. This will save on trash bags and space.
• Use natural scents to fragrance your home during the holidays, such as cinnamon, pumpkin, oranges or peppermint extract.
• Be generous with yourself as quickly as you are with your money.

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