How will you be frugal this Christmas?

[BusyBee68]

I of course shop all year round for December 25 so by this time of the year I really don't have much to purchase. The kids and I are making homemade cards along with other goodies to help cut costs this season.

What will you be doing to save money?

[snowytree]

Not blow the budget we have for gifts and get the kids involved in baking cookies, etc for people in the family. My whole lifestyle is pretty much frugal.

[scottish*mama*claus]

me too snowytree (about always being frugal). My budget is limited to one paycheck (the last one just before Christmas). The only time I spend anything else is for christmas cards, a gift for the kids' teachers and the food needed to make dinner, cookies etc.
There's only three more paycheck between now and Christmas (the fourth is what I'll use for gifts). So with that limited budget it pretty much forces me to find deals, reduce the kids' lists. I'm lucky in that I only have to shop for my children and dh.

[Sunshine73]

This year won't really be that different for us. We'll be sticking to our budget and shopping the sales, etc. like we usually do. :)

[Maddy]

Online shopping to save on sales tax, most estores are offering free shipping.

:rudolph:


Maddy Christmas!

[One Spoiled Brat]

Shop all year, it works.....:tree:

[bumblee]

we just buy and buy spend tons print more in the basement the american dream

[HollyJells]

LOL what is frugal? OH that frugal, well I tend to just shop for hubby, his mom , and his kids and grandbabies. We do however do an exchange the day after Christmas where we put a gift in a pile for each person present and then we draw numbers and well most people know how that game goes. It is fun and inexpensive, and mostly everyone gets something they like- if not there is always trading. That way NO ONE gets their feelings hurt if their gift is not liked by one person.

[whychristmas]

We've got Tesco value Christmas pudds. £1 each!!!

[Santa's Helper]

I haven't set a dollar amount but I did set a limit of 5 gifts each for my mom and brother. For my co-workers I'll get something inexpensive from the little outlet store by me and bake some cookies or pumpkin rolls for them.

[LogicsHere]

I dabble in digital art. To save some money, I plan on printing some of my artwork and find nice, but budget-priced frames to give away as gifts.

Betty

[Christmasstar]

shop all year,
with extended family we give baskets of homemade goodies,
Set a limit that we may each spend and stick to it (with me and my growen kids)

[Sabine]

Every Year we are trying to make a Limit.. Well just trying.. :-D

[Gig Harbor Elf]

Now you ask when my Christmas list just grew exponentially LOL Shop all year, be cautious... Do comparisons and listen closely to what's really wanted. Some maybe be made... But with new parameters, this might not be what one considers a "frugal" year.

[Solice]

The best tips is to buy christmas presents all year! Make a Christmas gift list early.
I wrote my list down in my filofax (in January) - and always have it in my purse.
So when I go shopping and find something I like, I always check my list.
And when I have bought something for someone I just mark them - finished.

And food you can put in the freezer. So you can buy food long before christmas.

Also, next year you can buy Christmas stuff and Christmas gifts on sale for next Christmas.

[One Spoiled Brat]

Gig Harbor Elf.....You can be frugal....Just make sure you being frugal makes people SMILE....Oh, and stay away from QVC and Lakeside....:merry:
PS......Make sure you have my Happy before you start being frugal....Giggles....

[Jeniferdwn]

I am trying to cut down on who is on my list to buy for. I really want to stop exchanging with my coworkers or either limit it to like a $5 gift. Last year I spent almost $150 on work. Between the $25 gift for each person, $25 for Secret Santa and the others I exchangedwith, I spent almost $150. I don't even like my coworkers. I sure don't want to spend that much on them!! I am also making some of those gifts in a jar. That's the kind of gift I want to give them.

[whitney37354]

Same as all the other years, though our budget has gone higher over the years.

Our first Christmas together, we had only been married one week---something from the $ store for everyone and no bows on the gifts.

The next few years the budget went from $1/person to $10/person & we used layaway, JCPenney's credit card.

From then until now, $25/person and mostly done with cash throughout the year. I know my sister & brother spend more than that on DD, but I can't afford to keep up with them. My SIL can't afford to spend anything, so we stopped exchanging gifts a couple of years ago. This year, my sister & SIL decided to stop even drawing names for adults. We're just spoiling the children and drawing names for adults for stocking stuffers.

Christmas is not about the gifts, but I think it's nice to give gifts to those you care about. It's the thought put into the gift, not the cost of the gift that counts, IMO.

[Minta]

I am trying to cut down on who is on my list to buy for. I really want to stop exchanging with my coworkers or either limit it to like a $5 gift. Last year I spent almost $150 on work. Between the $25 gift for each person, $25 for Secret Santa and the others I exchangedwith, I spent almost $150. I don't even like my coworkers. I sure don't want to spend that much on them!! I am also making some of those gifts in a jar. That's the kind of gift I want to give them.


Just tell them you wish to opt of this years exchange and let them exchange between themselves if they wish.

[Minta]

We shop all year starting the day aftewr christmas. I look for sales and will try to match the item with a coupon/rebate when possible. I only a gift if I already have a giftee in mind for the gift.

Instead of buying the kids teachers/bus drivers gifts, we help the kids make ornaments and either we will also dip pretzel rods in various chocolates or make fudge to be handed out. The ornament can also doubles as a name tag if we are able to write the giftee's name, the givers name and date on thhe back of the ornament.

The kids will do the same thing for the grandparants, aunts, uncles and god parents. The kids feel good about being able to make something nice to give as a gift and we feel good about not going over budget.

We also give out platters or baskets filled home made goodies to several people on our list. They look forward to these especially the ones who really do not bake.

[One Spoiled Brat]

Minta...Wonderful things you are teaching the kids about giving from the heart.....:tree:

[MsChristmas]

I agree Minta..you always have such wonderful thoughtful ideas!

Well one thing that I am doing is making photo calendars. I usually buy one for my Mom from snapfish.com but with shipping they usually run about $30 a piece. The 1st year my oldest Son was born I had them made for us, my parents and in laws but it was quite pricey. Last year I only ordered one for my Mom because that is her favorite gift and we dont exchange with our in laws anymore. This year I found a scrapbook/photo calendar at Michaels for $1 a piece..so I will make them for our in laws, my parents and our family again this year. By the time I get some scrapbooking cute stickers (I use my 40% Micheals coupon each week to buy different stickers) and get the pics developed I will probably spend about $15 total which is much better then $90 and also more appreciated I think since they will be homemade! Plus I will get to get one and give us to our inlaws again also!

[starandstable]

Started earlier this year and will be sticking as close as we can to the list that we've made.

[joyful]

I found the key to a gift that is received with great joy is not the amount spent on it. It is that special gift that might not be expensive at all but it's what I have heard the receiver say they like and I remember and I get it.
We have 8 grandchildren and 3 adult kids and their spouses, so we have to be very frugal. I shop very early and always look for the bargains. Enlarge family photos put in pretty frames, make excellent gifts from the heart to be treasured always.
A few years ago I gave 3 grandsons and copy of a picture that I have of my dad and his 3 brothers taken dressed for deer hunting with the woods as a background. This was well received by my grandsons. 3 gifts that were very special with little cost.

[trackrebel]

just as every year...I never spend more money that what I am able to and everybodey is happy...:D

[Christmas-A-Holic]

I found the key to a gift that is received with great joy is not the amount spent on it. It is that special gift that might not be expensive at all but it's what I have heard the receiver say they like and I remember and I get it.

That is so true!

One year my daughter and son-in-law fell on hard times. They are trying to raise a family and his moving job was not doing so well at the time. My daughter seemed so sad that Christmas will be "ruined" because they are low on money. She knows better and I didn't raise her to be materialistic! I told her Christmas is FREE! It has nothing to do with how much money you have and how much you spend. Christmas is about being together, eating together, music, movies and more. I told her everyone only needs the basic necessities in life, shelter, food and clothing. (which we all know that). If you don't have an extra penny for gifts you can still have the best Christmas ever! She wanted to give me something. I told her if she felt that she had to give me something that all I wanted is for my grandkids to draw me a picture. It made the kids feel good to give me something made instead of store bought. I told her that between us all that the kids will have a great Christmas and will get plenty of gifts from the rest of the family and for her not to stress on trying to buy them anything. My daughter, son-in-law and grandkids had a very nice Christmas that year!

I can speak from experience. I did fall on hard times one Christmas and we made due with what we had and I don't recall that Christmas being bad at all. We had a fantastic Christmas being together with the family. cheesy

I see some fantastic ideas you all posted here about being frugal for Christmas. Thanks for the great ideas! I refuse to let money stress me out at this joyous time of year.

[caninemom3]

That is so true!

One year my daughter and son-in-law fell on hard times. They are trying to raise a family and his moving job was not doing so well at the time. My daughter seemed so sad that Christmas will be "ruined" because they are low on money. She knows better and I didn't raise her to be materialistic! I told her Christmas is FREE! It has nothing to do with how much money you have and how much you spend. Christmas is about being together, eating together, music, movies and more. I told her everyone only needs the basic necessities in life, shelter, food and clothing. (which we all know that). If you don't have an extra penny for gifts you can still have the best Christmas ever! She wanted to give me something. I told her if she felt that she had to give me something that all I wanted is for my grandkids to draw me a picture. It made the kids feel good to give me something made instead of store bought. I told her that between us all that the kids will have a great Christmas and will get plenty of gifts from the rest of the family and for her not to stress on trying to buy them anything. My daughter, son-in-law and grandkids had a very nice Christmas that year!

I can speak from experience. I did fall on hard times one Christmas and we made due with what we had and I don't recall that Christmas being bad at all. We had a fantastic Christmas being together with the family. cheesy

I see some fantastic ideas you all posted here about being frugal for Christmas. Thanks for the great ideas! I refuse to let money stress me out at this joyous time of year.


Very well put, Christmas-A-Holic. Wonderful post !! Thank you !cheesy

[frostyman]

just as every year...I never spend more money that what I am able to and everybodey is happy...:D
That's how we do it, it's more about time with family and friends than a lot of gifts

[Mumof2]

Like always,we've set a limit to spend.In recent years the number of people we've had to buy for has gone down.We now buy only for our kids, 2 nieces 2 nephews, PIL,my mum and her BF,sis and hubby,and my sis who is single,and a few friends.
I crochet,make candles,lotions,lip balms,soaps & bake.

[TamaraQT]

That is so true!

One year my daughter and son-in-law fell on hard times. They are trying to raise a family and his moving job was not doing so well at the time. My daughter seemed so sad that Christmas will be "ruined" because they are low on money. She knows better and I didn't raise her to be materialistic! I told her Christmas is FREE! It has nothing to do with how much money you have and how much you spend. Christmas is about being together, eating together, music, movies and more. I told her everyone only needs the basic necessities in life, shelter, food and clothing. (which we all know that). If you don't have an extra penny for gifts you can still have the best Christmas ever! She wanted to give me something. I told her if she felt that she had to give me something that all I wanted is for my grandkids to draw me a picture. It made the kids feel good to give me something made instead of store bought. I told her that between us all that the kids will have a great Christmas and will get plenty of gifts from the rest of the family and for her not to stress on trying to buy them anything. My daughter, son-in-law and grandkids had a very nice Christmas that year!

I can speak from experience. I did fall on hard times one Christmas and we made due with what we had and I don't recall that Christmas being bad at all. We had a fantastic Christmas being together with the family. cheesy

I see some fantastic ideas you all posted here about being frugal for Christmas. Thanks for the great ideas! I refuse to let money stress me out at this joyous time of year.

You couldn't have said it any better. Thanks for sharing your story. Sometimes we all can use a little reminder every now and then.

[sgrenoble]

This year I think will be a lot of fellowship for Christmas. Being on half salary and the arrival of our first child this November has put the crunch on the spending, but afterall what better way to spend Christmas than with family, friends a new baby!

[tracyann]

Like everyone else, I buy all year long. I watch the sales/clearance sales and think of those on my list and if it's something they would want or use, I buy it. I also take $100.00 a month and set it aside for Christmas. That way when Christmas is here and I start doing the rest of my shopping, I have money already saved up. It takes the strain off of all those Christmas bills at the end of the year. :)

[Artistree1]

This year I put up lots of sweet, dill and bread and butter pickles, three kinds of picante, tomato juice and sweet relish I am going to be giving with home baked goods(cookies). yummm

[mommytotwo]

Btt

[ballcoach]

We do plan on cutting back this year in our gift giving, but only for each other...we tend to go overboard sometimes, so this year we are cutting our budget for each other in half.

I think I'm going to use that for Christmas lights.

[merrymistletoe]

Not quite sure what/how I'm gonna do Christmas this year. Yes it will be frugal for sure, but I'm concerned as to how to do it. I don't buy for alot of people. My kids(15,19,&21) are our biggest expense & I guess my parents, but the others are small gifts. I have 2 godchildren 1 & 2 & their living close by now so I'll def be gifting to them, & little kids, or babies, don't do baked stuff. I'm def gonna keep my eyes out for some real deals. anybody got any suggestions?

[GingerMel]

Three months ago I enrolled in a checking account that gives me cash back. I have been saving up all the cash and stockpiling it for Christmas!

Also, I am taking money out of each paycheck for it. I will still be shopping sales and planning things out a bit early but not as early as a bunch of you guys.

In addition, I always bake pumpkin bread and cookies for people to help "bulk up" their gifts. People usually end up liking that a lot more than the other parts of the gift...or at least appreciating it a lot.

I really enjoy baking for people for Christmas. It is a really good feeling to put on some cheery Christmas music and happily bake for friends and family in the kitchen.

[MerryBells]

Once again we will not be exchanging gifts within my family. We get together and have a lovely Christmas dinner, and have a lot of fun, but.....no gifts. This is to offset the fact that my husband's family has more kids in it every year, that we are expected to buy presents for. We have found the most frugal thing to do is to buy gift cards and give them to the parents; that way they can choose something that the child actually wants or needs, and we don't have to run from store to store looking for certain popular (and sold out) toys.

[CJ498]

This year has been the roughest year financially for me in a long time, I have had to watch my spending all year not since I been in college have I been on such a tight budget. I figure that for the month of December I am going to try not to be so frugal, that is what the other 11 months of year are for. I'm not going to go crazy and run myself deep in debt.. but I am not going to pinch pennies as much as I have the rest of the year. :tree: