Holiday Treasures

It's that time of year again! Time to fight the crowds at the malls and stores; trying to decorate our homes inside and out before it "gets too cold"; attempting to get all of the toys and goodies for the kids. Not to mention squeezing in some holiday baking and cooking!  Let the Stress Begin!!

~* But on second thought.....Why do we let ourselves get so stressed out over this holiday season? *~

I can personally relate to all of the "Holiday Worries" of most families today. However, my husband and I have decided to take a different approach this year and are determined to focus more on what we consider to be "Holiday Treasures".

Many of us have been affected by today's economy.  My husband works 2 jobs to try and get us through our monthly bills and to provide what little food we can for ourselves and our young son. I'm sure many of you are in the same boat. So this leads me to ask you:  "What are you doing this year to stay within your budget but still enjoy the Holiday Treasures?"

Here are some things my husband and I are doing. Maybe these little tips can help you. If you have any of your own to share, please feel free to leave a comment below! :)

~ Find ways to make old, new again! -- My mom was going to get rid of her artficial tree. My husband and I are now using it! Trust me, a real tree would be lovely to enjoy! But by using the old artificial tree this year, we saved about $25! Also, we are using ornaments that we already own to decorate the tree. And as you can see by the picture, it still turned out just as nice :)

~ Give a home-made gift!  -- Usually every year we spend a lot of money buying presents for our friends and family.  Unfortunately this year our budget just isn't going to allow us to do that this year. We found a wonderful solution though! We have decided to make a home-made gift, one for each family.  Not only will it be something they can enjoy each year (It's a special Christmas decoration), it can be considered more special and thoughtful because we made it ourselves. Better than trying to find a store-bought gift that you hope "will work" or that "will just have to do". Not crafty? Try a platter of homemade cookies or goodies!!

~ Stick to your list and make one trip! -- I know many people who go "out shopping" sooo many times during the holiday season, each time only bringing home a few things here and there. This year, make a list of everyone you're planning on buying a gift for (if you're not going the home-made gift route), and write down something next to their name that you think or know they would want. Then pick 1 or 2 days to get all of your shopping done -- WHILE sticking to your LIST!! Many of us get caught up in looking at everything in all of the stores and coming home with things we really weren't planning on getting due to impulse buying. Stick to your list and once it's done -- stop shopping :)  You'll save time, money, and gas for the car!

~ And above all -- give the gift of LOVE!! :)    This won't be the first Christmas my husband and I have decided not to give each other presents. Now to some, that might just sound silly, but for us -- putting those couple extra dollars towards buying some presents for our son is even more meaningful!!

These are just a few things that my husband and I are doing this year! Helps us to avoid using credit cards and purchasing more than we can handle financially. I hope that you enjoy your Christmas and Holiday season!!  Let me know how you're "making things work" this year! We'd love to hear from you!!