This year more than ever I've been rethinking the money I spend at this time of year. I thought about the Christmas food. Back when I was growing up it was nothing for my Mom to spend $100 on a holiday meal and that can also be true today, but I know it could easily cost more than that.
We normally have Italian Beef for Christmas Eve dinner, but this year I will be rethinking that and buy something on sale to make for the occasion. That will save me money by not having to buy any beef this year.
I've thought and rethought some Christmas presents. I've also been sewing more homemade gifts this year instead of buying store bought. I refuse to go into debt to buy any Christmas presents this year.
Last year one of the gifts my daughter asked for ended up being different from what she thought it was. As a result she wanted to get rid of it in the middle of the year, which surprised me. So, rethinking gifts is something I've thought about this year.
Regarding buying presents for someone. I listen all year long for clues on items people would like to have. I've done this for many years even back when I was married. I bought my husband a Joe Walsh CD one year and he was so surprised when he opened it. Listening to the people you love is a very thoughtful way to let them know how much you care.
Other things we will do this year include...
Spending less. I've already informed other family members that we will not be participating in gift exchanges this year.
We will use Christmas decorations we already have on hand, including our tree.
We will not be shopping on Black Friday or Cyber Monday.
We will be creative this year. When it comes to gift giving, consider giving something from the heart instead of from a store. Something handmade and thoughtful, such as breakfast in bed, washing someone's car, or washing the windows (I would love that!), knocking a chore off their “to do list,” or simply spending time together can be meaningful and less expensive.
Have you been rethinking Christmas this year?
Belinda
~ Living within our Means ~
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I love your ideas for Christmas!
ReplyDeleteIt is going to be different this year, isn't it. I'm not sure what we will do about extended family. Maybe we will have a Christmas in July. Surely things will be better by then?
Oh, that is a great idea to have Christmas in July, Kathy. Hopefully things will be better by then for sure.
DeleteThank you! :)
I have been thinking about Christmas, but not rethinking it. I usually buy something I know they will love at a reduced price. Last year, all presents were destroyed, so I sent a very small check to each of my four grandchildren. I am not sure what I will do this year. If I did not buy one thing, I have food in the house to cook a full Thanksgiving dinner, complete with desserts. However, I will shop sales and loss leaders.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, that's sad about last year's presents. It's great that you already have your Thanksgiving day dinner ready to go!
DeleteI always make the sons and hubby Christmas gifts. They love them and I love making them. Christmas is going to be small this year and I am not too sure that both of our sons will be able to come home.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Oh no, I'm sorry about that, Jackie. I know it won't be the same without both of them there. I do hope that you have a blessed Christmas though.
Deletei THOUGHT I was in the wrong place! I like your new, seasonal wallpaper.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteFor inexpensive Christmas gifts, I have had copies of some pictures made that I had taken years ago when my nieces were little girls.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea, Lana. I did that back when my daughter was little too. They were always well received.
DeleteThere were some good ideas in the comments on my post about the holidays a few days ago. It will just be 6 of us, just immediate family for dinner and gifts. I think we've decided on a white elephant with a $20 limit. We may do a secret Santa too or a second white elephant that is food/drink themed, haven't decided for sure on that yet.
ReplyDeleteThe white elephant is a great idea, Martha. Will help everyone to save a little money.
DeleteWe don't exchange gifts between adults, and just do a sock exchange & a homemade craft. I'm still working on my craft (I cannot knit for the life of me!). For the kids, we haven't come up with any great ideas yet, but we buy so much less mostly because as you mentioned, they sometimes change their minds.
ReplyDeleteWe usually do a book, & then often it's a soccer ball/sports equipment, & something skiing related. I don't think we'll go skiing this year (husband's knee + COVID). More thinking is necessary.
We travel to see family, so that itself is the big gift.
That sounds like a very nice Christmas. I always buy books too since my daughter loves to read. My BIL does the children only gifts and finds that it works well for him.
DeleteI would love it if our kids gifted us a day of help here including washing the windows. But, they all live out of state and out of the country.
ReplyDeleteAwww, that is too bad, Lana. That would make such a nice gift. :)
DeleteYou can never go wrong with Joe Walsh!! Great tunes!
ReplyDeleteYes!!
DeleteYou can't go wrong with Joe Walsh! Great Tunes!
ReplyDeleteI really want to spend less this year, I just think people have gotten way out of control.
ReplyDeleteI think so too, Kim. Even children's birthday parties can be extravagant nowadays.
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