At joleisa.com (Penny Pinchers’ Paradise) we love Christmas (and we want your frugal thoughts). We figure it has something to do with our birthday being around that time too! And isn’t it frugal to just combine the two? Not that we were happy with that arrangement as kids! Imagine not getting a birthday gift just because it’s 3 days too close to Christmas!
Anyway, it’s not all about us. This year, to celebrate our birthday, we are going to do a post about 50 frugal things to do at Christmas time and the New Year.
So how do you come in? Just send us a money-saving idea that will come in handy for Christmas and or the New Year and we will compile them into one post.
Even if you think your ideas isn’t much, send it in, and I am sure that it will benefit some of our readers, if not this year, then next. Let’s spread the glad tidings to all, far and wide.
When you look below at how many posts I have about Christmas, you will appreciate that this is my absolute favourite time of the year.
Why I start preparing for Christmas in July
How to prepare the Christmas pudding/cake
Ultimate Family Christmas Gift Guide
Preparing for Christmas the Frugal Way
How to Create Amazing Christmas Memories
Ps To contribute to my list (see it as a birthday gift to us) send us an email at joleisacreed@yahoo.com or you can drop your ideas in the comment box below.
Can’t wait to see what you come up with and thanks in advance. Merry Christmas, deck the halls, ho ho ho, and all that.
I am in Melbourne Australia…so a hot Christmas probably coming up! We have just celebrated St Nicholas day for my husband’s side of the family..but Christmas itself will be a small affair. We all contribute food to the meal…and do a Kris Kringle…as there are only adults coming this year. We will put a cap on the amount to spend…as it really is the thought and we don’t want to buy into the retail madness.
Even though it may be warm..we still do a hot roast dinner… roast lamb this year…but meat is cheaper I think in Australia. Sides and a cold dessert. We are blessed for even being able to do this.
That’s the spirit Karen! It’s so great to hear from someone else far across the world about what your Christmas tradition is like. Keep it simple, yes. But make the thoughts and time spent with family really count. I will definitely share with my readers. Thanks again.
xoxo
We have a fake tree bought on clearance years ago so that’s double points for us. We (lol, I) used to reuse my wrapping paper. Husband cut me off of this. We have made gifts in the past. We use what’s on sale and compare the stores to get the best deal for meals. Go out the day after to get deals and spend gift cards received Christmas day on the clearance deals.
I’e never bought a real tree! why would I? And lots of my gifts are hand made by me. I now look out for the sales to do the wrapping paper, card etc for the next year Christmas. Yay! You’re like me. Thanks so much for sharing.
My parents have gotten into giving my kids stock for Christmas and birthdays, it’s not necessary frugal but I love that it means less stuff/toys for us to manage in the ever-growing toy box. I really appreciate it!
That’s an awesome idea Kelly. Your children may not understand it now but some day they will and will appreciate the gesture. Ofcourse that is frugal! The money could have been spent on stuffed toys and breakable stuff then after gathering dust for a while, be thrown out or passed on. Show me the money I say! Thanks for sharing that. I am sure my readers will get some good ideas from this.
Saving money this time of year is always helpful! My birthday is in January so I hated when people combined my birthday with Christmas when I was a kid. Now it makes good financial sense. I also like the idea of drawing names so you only have to get one gift for your Christmas gathering. I have two siblings, four cousins, and seven nieces & nephews. Drawing one name is so helpful!
One thing that really helps me save money at Christmas is to get my Christmas shopping done before Thanksgiving. It may seem crazy, but this is why… I’m more peaceful, less stressed, and I have time to thoughtfully think about what to get, where the best place is to get them, and time to look for the best price and value.
PLUS, it leaves me all of December to enjoy without still having to get the shopping done. Only sometimes do I find that waiting until Black Friday/Cyber Monday will I find a cheaper price on things I’m looking for, so on those few things, I’ll wait to get them then. But otherwise, I really do find great prices beforehand. AND the feeling of being DONE sooner is priceless!
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You have absolutely got this spot on! It should really all be peaceful at this time.
I like to recycle paper as I wrap my Christmas presents. Packing with newspaper, brown paper, kids pictures, old plans, unused butcher paper. I then use ribbon and drawings or stickers to decorate.
I love those creative and frugal ideas, Angie. Thanks so much for sharing them with us.