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With the economic situation continuing to make finances harder to deal with for many families, it's hard to find a little cheer for the holidays. Here are some tips for enjoying your holidays without breaking the bank!
1. Search your local newspaper or look online for activities in your area including tree lighting festivals, block parties and other activities that are great for families, kids or just big kids. It's a great way to kick off the holiday with a festive feeling without spending a lot of money. Most community events are free, though some require donations for charity!
2. Don't skimp on the tree or the lights. Everyone makes such a fuss over the presents, but odds are that you have a lot of lights and decorations already. You shouldn't have to spend much (between $40 and $80) to have a nicely decorated little tree. Check out discount stores like Wal-Mart, Big Lots or Target for great deals on decor.
3. Think about how much people actually use the things you buy. Kids are one of our biggest expenses when it comes to the holidays. Have you ever paid attention to how much your kids actually use the toys you buy? For example, my fiance's little girl has tons of toys, but she'd rather paint, draw, read books with us, or play outside with us. Instead of spending tons of cash, choose practical items like art supplies, books and things that you'd normally buy throughout the year anyway. You may spend a little, but it's money you will save throughout the year!
4. Men, contrary to popular belief, diamonds are not the only way to show her you love her. (Honestly, I prefer artificial as there are no corporations artificially valuing them.) If money is tight, do something that's classically romantic like flowers and poetry or something practical like offering to give her a whole weekend of relaxation. You take care of all the housework for the weekend, send her to lunch with her girlfriends, run her a bubble bath and let her have some much valued "her-time"!
As a culture, we've allowed the commercial aspect of the holiday to really push us into a corner. The economy can put things in perspective for many of us. The holidays can be festive and fun without having to break the bank. No one wants a gift that involves the giver paying interest until next Christmas.
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