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Step 1
Stop sending holiday cards. Simply send e-cards. Not only are you saving money on the greeting cards and postage, you're also reducing environmental waste.
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Step 2
Stop buying gifts for everybody. If you can't be imaginative enough to think of a good gift or if you don't know what they want, don't buy them gifts. If this is impossible, implement a "one gift per person" limit. In fact, push this rule some more. Give gifts only to those people you see often. That ought to trim down your holiday gift list immensely.
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Step 3
Re-gift. Some people think it's sooo uncool to re-gift. But sometimes, let's face it, you get gifts that you don't really have any use for, but you know it would be perfect for someone else. Remember, one person's trash is another person's treasure.
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Step 4
Don't buy a Christmas tree. But if you actually like picking out your tree and decorating it, just buy a fresh tree from a nearby Christmas tree farm.
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Step 5
Reuse previous years' holiday decorations. If necessary, buy decorations from Goodwill, tag sales, flea markets, etc.
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Step 6
Do not host parties. Simply attend parties hosted by other people. Bring a bottle of wine or a nice dish to contribute if you want.
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Step 7
Do not buy new outfits for holiday parties. Mix and match what you currently own.
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Step 8
Send e-vites, if you really want to host a holiday party. Just make sure it's potluck.
Comments
Inkling said
on 11/11/2008 I gave you five stars but it isn't showing up. Maybe it will later.
Inkling said
on 11/11/2008 Re-gifting only if it's perfect for them does make it okay. Thanks.
Vanillatte said
on 11/11/2008 Terrific ideas! I like the one about shopping at Goodwill for decorations! Will have to do that.
Butterfli said
on 11/11/2008 Great ideas! Thanks!
PABechko said
on 11/11/2008 Great advice. A lot of good ideas here.