How To Save Money During The Holidays
The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year. It's the time to visit with loved ones, feast on delicious foods and deck the halls with boughs of holly. However, the weeks following the holidays are often less than wonderful, as bank accounts are nearly depleted.
If you have ever seen the Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis movie, Christmas with the Kranks, perhaps you have considered what you could do to save money during the holiday season. In the movie the characters decide to simply "skip" Christmas in order to save money. Rather than skipping the holidays and missing out on all the fun, consider basic ways to save money here and there throughout the holiday season.
First off, think of things you spend money on that are not an absolute necessity and cut them out this year. For example, you can't really skimp out on buying the in-laws a Christmas gift, but you can refrain from sending them a Christmas card. Christmas cards can cost hundreds of dollars, especially when personalized with photos. Instead, send traditional postcards or letters and with pictures included.
In terms of decorating, resist the urge to buy the cute snowflake candle at the store and stick to only using old decorations. Using greenery from outside is traditional and inexpensive was to decorate your home. When it comes to holiday activities, save the money you would spend on tickets to the Nutcracker and instead go caroling with the kids and end the night drinking hot chocolate and watching It's a Wonderful Life.
Just because you're saving money, doesn't mean you can't make wonderful holiday memories and start a few new, budget-friendly Christmas traditions!
