Get into the Holiday Spirit Without Breaking the Bank! Part II

October 21, 2008 by AJ McCreary

by AJ McCreary, PIC Current Assistant Producer

Courtesy of Robert Scarth

Welcome back to our way too early tips for saving money during the upcoming holiday season. On Friday, we talked about gifts. Today, it’s all ribbons and gravy.

Decorating for the holidays is something most people enjoy. If you do not already own decorations it can be an expensive holiday cost.

Rather than buying wrapping paper use newspaper or a brown paper bag (turned inside out) and get brightly colored ribbon, pine cones, or a piece of holly to dress up your package.
Buy a smaller tree and make your own ornaments.
Cut back on holiday cards, send only to people you are in regular contact with, or send e-cards.
Avoid buying new decorations. Candles, a bowl of pine cones, and poinsettias can drastically change the look of a space, and set a holiday tone. If you enjoy all of the holiday stuff wait until after Christmas and buy it when it’s on sale, then save it for next year.
Make your own decorations, also remember simple can be festive!
Turn on some holiday music, and light some candles for a fun festive atmosphere.

During the holidays people tend to eat out more because they are very busy, old friends and family are in town, or they are just to tired to think of making dinner. Avoid getting sucked in to the rush, plan ahead.

Here are some great holiday dinner ideas:

Invite people over for dinner, make a nice roast and potatoes, and have them bring salad and wine. Delicious quality food in the comfort of your house.
Keep a couple of healthy snacks in the car so when you’re in a time crunch you can snack without guilt.
Make dinner in the crock pot before leaving in the morning, so after a long day you have dinner waiting for you.
Spend a Saturday making a few meals and freezing them for a busy day.
When entertaining, organize a potluck, its cost affective and makes your guest feel involved.
Redefine how you party! Host an open house rather than a sit down meal.