Dirt Cheap Christmas

There are so many ways to save money aroundperson on the list, so you have an idea of your
the holidays, but it is hard because some peoplebudget per person. So lets say you have a $500
associate the amount of money they spend withbudget with 20 people on your list, that does not
the holiday cheer they have.mean you will be spending $25 per person. In fact
The first step to saving money around Christmasthere are probably 2 people, your kids that you
time is to look at your holiday card list and funnelwill spend about $150 or more each on. Even $150
it down. Start with the list of people you areper kid is not usually enough to cover their
sending holiday cards to, if you can buy cardsChristmas want list, but you can stretch that
after Christmas when they are 75% off, alongmoney by buying items from bargain stores,
with wrapping paper, gift bags are a busy momsbookstores, some of the larger chain stores have
best friend especially when they are $.10 each or$1 sections that are great for stockings and
less and even tape. Otherwise buy nice plain andsome small local stores offer great discounts for
simple cards, that do not have the year imprintedthe holidays. Starting the holiday shopping early
on them. Forgo the expensive foil names, you canand looking for discounts on electronics is the best
write your own name on the envelope and cards.way to go. Also letting your extended family
Holiday cards cost a lot of money and take a lotknow what your child wants for Christmas, and
of time to fill out. Closely examine your list to seefinding out if someone is willing to buy it can
who you really need and want to send a card to.alleviate strain on your budget and ensure that
The second thing to consider for the holidays isyour child gets what they want.
the food, are you having a family dinner whichThe next step is to identify the people that you
could be made into a pot luck style. Are youwill be spending less then $10 on. The traditional
serving alcohol and can you have family membersmethod is to bake something, its inexpensive and
bring their own drinks or some wine to share andshows thought. Chocolates work well too. Other
try. Make a holiday tradition so that each coupleoptions are a $10 gift card to their favorite
brings a new bottle of wine. Or instead of a lavishcoffee shop or small lunch restaurant. In this day
expensive Christmas dinner a nice brunch can beand age gas cards are quite appreciated. Another
substituted without the larger costs. Omelets,option is to purchase inexpensive picture frames
pancakes and fresh fruit are all nice to eat at aand frame pictures that are relevant to the
much lower price tag. Still include the can't liveintended recipient. If you know the person well,
without side dishes.there is always the option to think creatively to
The third and most costly items are, of coursefind a present that is relevant to their hobbies,
the gifts. The first piece of the gifts is to look atwine glasses, a new book, gardening gloves,
your list, the have to buy and the want to buycooking utensils, spices, there is no limit to the
for. Technically all people fall under the categorythings you can find good prices on, especially if
of want to buy for. The second thing to do isyou use the internet.
look at how much money you have actually setJust keep in mind that holidays are a time to
aside for buying holiday gifts. Then take your listenjoy your friends and family, there is no reason
and shift that money amount around person byto go over board buying things.