LIFE IN SHADOWS

Live for Today, Invest for Tomorrow

Enjoy Life

Life Is Short . Christmas Cards

Money Isn't Everything . Give Back

Christmas Letters . Be Healthy Baby Pictures . Don't Obsess.


Save Money with a Homemade Holiday this Christmas
I doubt anyone would contest the idea that Christmas is becoming more commercialized than in the past. Christmas decorations adorn the stores before Halloween has come and gone.

For many people, the rush to start the holiday season did not bring warm feelings of holiday cheer. Instead, the mental cash register starts ringing and the financial obligations of Christmas become a heavy burden. Thus, many people are often depressed throughout the holidays

For many, 2007 has been a difficult year economically. Keeping food on the table has been the priority; forget having anything extra to spend for Christmas. In fact, a family I know, who have 4 small children, says that Santa is not coming to their house this year.

How sad that Christmas has become a time of financial burden. So, I am going to take an idea from a reader’s recent comment, and suggest a homemade holiday.

First, may I suggest reading Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder? Once you read how last century’s families had to live during the holidays; most of us will actually feel wealthy. Next, I want to suggest some good Christmas ideas that will not result in a slew of bills come January:

Cookies: Who doesn’t like to eat? Make a plate of Christmas goodies to give to friends and family this holiday season. It is a thoughtful gift that took you time, because you cared, yet cost very little.

Christmas Cards: Make the cards this year. Especially if you have children, make homemade Christmas cards. As a mom, an Aunt, a daughter, and a friend, I love handmade cards. For every card, the giver has shared his/her heart. It is not a present pulled off the shelf out of a sense of obligation.

IOUs: I mentioned this in a previous post. If my daughter gave me an IOU to cook supper one night, do a chore, or something else, I would be touched, and her wallet would not get thinner.

Crafts: One year, I made Christmas tree ornaments. You can make them from family photos and things you probably already have around the house. If you crochet, you can make snowflakes, bells, angels, and more with a little crochet thread and time. You don’t even have to buy the starch to make them stiff and formed. Boiled equal parts of water and sugar will do the trick. (Sticky at first, the dry ornaments will no longer be sugary to the touch.)

Cocoa: Make batches of homemade cocoa mix, put it in a decorate jar. It can make a yummy gift for months to come.

Okay, now I am passing the baton. We already have great ideas from one reader who wants to bring the Joy of Christmas before the financial burden. What are your ideas? How are you making a homemade holiday this year?