How to Enjoy Cheap Christmas Holidays

Enjoy cheap Christmas holidays with your family this year, putting love, faith and joy ahead of material goods and expensive purchases. Sometimes it takes a return to simplicity to remind us what this season is about, and that it started in the poorest of surroundings, a manger in a stable. Whether a realization that less is more, the economy or your budget are spurring a desire for cheap Christmas holidays, these tips will help.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 
    
   Christmas decor

   Make simple decorations from natural materials which you can often get for free, picking boughs from the woods or Christmas tree trimmings from a tree stand. Use pine cones and berries to complement green fir boughs on wreaths, centerpieces and candle holders.

2. 
    
   Ornaments

   Find cheap or free ornaments at Christmas bazaars, in family attics or at flea markets. Your own creations are another option--homemade ornaments can be created from almost any medium.

3. 
    
   Gifts

   Give gifts from the heart and not the wallet. A handwritten love poem to your spouse, warm hand-knit scarves for friends, homemade candles for the grandparents and classic books for the children bring an old-fashioned feel to your Christmas celebrations.

4. 
    
   Cheer

   Prepare meals, desserts and snacks from scratch with quality ingredients. Food can be expensive, but making it yourself means a healthier holiday and less spent on eating. Buy wine and spirits in your price range and just enjoy!

5. 
    
   Giving

   Remember the importance of charity, especially during the Christmas season. Give of your time whether or not money is tight. Serve food in a soup kitchen, hand out blankets to homeless, visit the nursing home or volunteer at a women's shelter. You'll find you get more than you give, bringing joy to your soul and appreciation for all the blessings in your life.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring everybody on board with your frugal plans. Have a family discussion to plan the holidays so everyone is on the same page.
• Most often, less is more.

Resources

• Seriously Simple Holidays: Recipes and Ideas to Celebrate the Season
• Grace: A Novel
• The Christmas Collection

[Limowreck]

on 11/9/2008 Great tips for saving money at Christmas time. I think many of us need them right now. *****

[iamageniuster]

on 11/7/2008 Nice article. I'll be sure to enjoy a great Christmas spending the least money that I can.

[slphilbrick]

on 11/4/2008 You might be surprised how popular this frugal theme might be by getting everyone involved. Making it a fun thing, instead of a sacrifice can make all the difference ! 5*

[pianistic]

on 11/4/2008 Great!

[kluke82]

on 11/4/2008 I agree it is really important to volunteer especially at Christmas time. 5 stars!