Christmas can be fun, without breaking the bank.
Christmas can be an expensive holiday, especially if you have a large family. If you are planning ahead for a thrifty Christmas, the first step is to set a budget and stick to it. Pick a realistic budget that will cover all of your shopping, decorating and holiday party needs. Does this Spark an idea?
Christmas Shopping
Thrifty moms start Christmas shopping early. First, make a list of everyone you will be getting gifts for this year. Then search online to find the best prices for gifts you think they will want. Also do searches for coupons and clearance sales so you can compare prices and pick up gifts on sale.
Pick Your Menu Ahead of Time
Since the recession, the price of food has risen. For that reason, it may be cheaper to cater your party than to cook yourself. To find out, pick a menu. Find the prices of all of the ingredients you will need for the dishes you will want to cook for your holiday party. If it is cheaper to cater, then do that instead so you will save money. If not, then put your apron on. It also may be more affordable for you to buy from bulk stores such as Costco, or online grocery stores like FreshDirect. Consider alternate Christmas foods from the traditional turkey dinner.
Make Your Gifts This Year
Gifts don't have to be expensive. Choose to make your gifts instead. You could make a personalized photo album. You can buy a plain photo album from the store and hand decorate it with photos of the person, glitter, lace, ribbon and puff paint.
Make Christmas Decorations
Making Christmas decorations is easy and fun. Make Christmas tree ornaments by purchasing plastic balls and either painting them or adding stickers as designs. Popcorn can also be strung up to help decorate your tree. Another idea is to make your own garlands using bows, pinecones, and berries.
Tags: cheaper cater, holiday party, Make Christmas, make your, photo album, will want