How to Have an Old Fashioned Christmas and Save Money

Are you looking to save money this Christmas? Try having an old fashioned Christmas. It's a lot of fun and very inexpensive. The main idea behind an old-fashioned Christmas is making things by hand and using items that you already have in your home. You shouldn't have to go buy much of anything. The whole family can be involved too.

Things You'll Need

• Popcorn
• String
• Candy canes
• Apples
• Walnuts
• Lace
• Ribbon
• Plastic beads and string
• Eggnog recipe
• Sugar cookie recipe
• Handmade gifts

Instructions

1. Make popcorn garland. Pop popcorn, then thread a needle with a very long strand of thread. Poke the needle through the middle of each piece of popcorn.

2. Use apples, walnuts, candy canes or other candy as ornaments.

3. Tie bows with lace or ribbon onto Christmas tree branches. A spool of ribbon can be purchased for a dollar or two. This will give your tree a Victorian look.

4. String plastic beads onto thicker thread in short strands. Drape it across the Christmas tree branches.

5. Make your own eggnog. This will save you quite a bit if you tend to go through a lot of eggnog (see Resources below).

6. Bake your own cookies. Buying huge trays of cookies from a grocery store bakery can add up to pretty big price tag. Try baking your own. Sugar cookies are easy for even beginner bakers (see Resources below).

7. Suggest that everyone exchange handmade gifts or used items. Making gifts adds a lot more meaning and love to gift-giving. It will also help your budget.

Tips & Warnings

• Another old fashioned Christmas way to save money is to make your own Christmas cards. If you saved cards from past holidays, use the images on the front to make new cards.

Resources

• Easy Sugar Cookies
• Eggnog Recipe