Don’t Go Broke this Holiday Season

The holiday season not only requires our time but our money, adding more stress to the monthly budget. There are ways to still make the holidays magical but cut back on spending.Don't Go Broke This Holiday Season

I Can Make That.” By all means, browse. Get ideas from the beautiful things in stores, but before you buy, ask yourself, “Can I make that?” You don’t have to be a craft queen to make the holiday décor shining brightly in store displays. That $200 wreath that you’ve had your eye on can be created with a simple wreath, $5 can of fake snow, ornaments in your store room and a little creativity. Trust me.

Shop Early: I get it; people don’t want to be part of the problem. If we shop too early, we’re afraid we’re one of those people who are blamed for glossing over Thanksgiving and heading straight for Santa. Here’s the deal – I spend more when I’m stressed. That’s why I shop early and stash stuff. Not only do I spend less, but I avoid holiday lines and spend the weeks before Christmas doing the stuff that I want to be doing – spending time with family, listening to Frank Sinatra’s Christmas, and watching Clark Griswold and cousin Eddy drink egg nog from a reindeer mug.

Balance Quantity & Quality: Seriously, just don’t buy as much stuff. Limit yourself. And, if they really just want Wii U games, don’t spend money on additional high end items that they don’t want and didn’t ask for. My kids love the Dollar Store and Five & Below for a reason – it’s silly stuff that makes them happy. And, guess what? I have no problem getting them cheap little gifts that are no real loss when they break a week later because they’ll be forgotten by then anyway.

Stay In: This is easier said than done. There are so many live performances, cookie-making extravaganzas,and sparkling light-filled adventures awaiting us this time of year that it’s hard to resist packing it all into a single month’s calendar. Rather than try to do it all, take this as an opportunity to start new traditions at home that don’t cost a thing. One of my favorites – curling up in bed to watch White Christmas with my boys – or maybe dedicate one evening each week to working on the holiday puzzle that’s sat in your closet for years. The time spent together is priceless.

Maximize Store Deals: I heard this one’s true, but I don’t do it myself. I don’t go out on the Friday after Thanksgiving; I’d rather sleep because I’m still in a mashed potato-induced coma. Friends tell me that there are deals to be had, so I believe them. By all means, if you get energized by crowds of people who are running into their stores in the wee hours of morning in their pajamas, more power to you. I’ll be in my pajamas, too, but tucked in bed. Let me know how it goes.

Enough Stuff: No, I’m not suggesting that you decorate your tree and put absolutPerfect Christmasely nothing underneath it. However, just think for a second what life in your house will be like the week after Christmas before putting yet another loud, battery-operated, spinning toy in your shopping cart. Not every gift has to be tangible; with a city events schedule brimming with family shows, theater, and concerts, tickets to a future event will give the added gift of spending time together… without all the stuff.

Homemade Gifts: Again, you don’t have to be a Pinterest expert for this one. Homemade gifts – be it salt scrubs, a plate of holiday goodies, a framed photo – are my favorite to both give and receive. And, when I bite into a cookie made by friends who thought my family special enough to receive such homemade goodness, it’s another little reminder of what this time of year is all about. Friends, family and those quiet moments to appreciate a truly blessed life.

Don’t Worry, Just Ask Santa: Words of wisdom from my children.

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tiffanyk
Tiffany spends her days trying to act like she’s organized. Behind the scenes, she’s usually practicing yoga breathing to curb the panic over throwing too many figurative balls in the air. She’s a lawyer, freelance writer, published author and, most importantly, a mom to two hilarious, creative, and spunky little boys – seven-year-old Max, and five-year-old Finn. Realizing years ago that writing allows her to find the humor in almost any situation, Tiffany writes whenever the opportunity allows and can often be found on the second floor of her favorite coffee shop pounding on her laptop after consuming her weight in vanilla lattes. Tiffany has been a regular contributing writer to local magazines, including M Magazine, 435, and North Magazine, and achieved a lifelong dream of becoming a published author with the 2013 release of her first novel, “Six Weeks in Petrograd.” Tiffany and her husband, Alan, can be found around Parkville trying to corral their two crazy boys and an equally crazy pound puppy named Maddie Lou. You can learn about her current novel (and her second novel in the works) at www.tiffanykilloren.com or drop by her Tiffany W. Killoren, Writer page on Facebook.