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FRUGAL holi-days... - 12/5/2009 11:11:25 AM   
GYPSYMAMBO


Posts: 660
Joined: 9/26/2009
Status: offline 		NO matter what holy-day you may be celebrating( if you are)...it *may* entail loads of extra things like decor..foods..travel..gifts..guests...etc..
 
*ARE you being more frugal this holiday season? HOW?
*Have you always been FRUGAL anyway...? and what tips might you have..?
*Is this year different in frugality than last year?
 
GM

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RE: FRUGAL holi-days... - 12/5/2009 11:20:29 AM   
sirsholly


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Joined: 9/7/2007
From: Quietville
Status: offline 		Great thread!

I am really limiting the gifts to the LoudOne, both for financial reasons and because i am trying to keep the real meaning of Christmas on the front burner.

As for others...we are really not spending less, just being more practical. All the nieces/nephews are getting cash, as opposed to something they do not need or may not like. The adults are getting their usual gift cards.

Hubby and i agreed that we have everything we need/want, so we are not buying for each other this year.


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RE: FRUGAL holi-days... - 12/5/2009 11:26:10 AM   
persephonee


Posts: 5089
Joined: 12/15/2007
Status: offline 		Holly, do us all a favor and keep everything off the front burner....

i am pretty strictly financially controlled and not working right now...soooo, yeah, frugal is the name of the game. Master has provided funds for the lil one's gifts, but i am not sure that we are exchanging them ourselves.



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RE: FRUGAL holi-days... - 12/5/2009 11:38:04 AM   
GreedyTop


Posts: 52100
Joined: 5/2/2007
From: Savannah, GA
Status: offline 		I'm going to visit a friend for Christmas.  I'm getting gift cards for her and her kids. 

Nobody else is getting anything except maybe a card (if I remember to buy them)  lol


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RE: FRUGAL holi-days... - 12/5/2009 11:51:58 AM   
persephonee


Posts: 5089
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Status: offline 		*ahem*....Greedy?......*AHEM*

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RE: FRUGAL holi-days... - 12/5/2009 1:35:57 PM   
pahunkboy


Posts: 33061
Joined: 2/26/2006
From: Central Pennsylvania
Status: offline 		I would love to go to Chicago this year to see family for Christmas.    I went 2 years ago.

I been watching the budget - aside from that family has been in a foul mood.  So it would not be festive.  HOWEVER- we have GREAT Christmas music- on the radio. I mean good stuff.  Not the same 12 songs.  Also- I plan to spend some time with my lovely neighbor- we might even pray together again.   She is a lovely lady and a gracious neighbor and I am blessed.

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RE: FRUGAL holi-days... - 12/5/2009 2:23:52 PM   
sub4hire


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I've always been cheap, at least that is what my mother used to say.  Although I've always been a person to go all out on Christmas too.  Spending up to ten grand a year on gifts.  The last few years since we moved to the midwest I have curtailed that.

The kids get gift cards now and depending on my mood when purchasing them the limit goes up or down.
All decorations are purchased the prior year at the after holiday sales.  We need nothing that we cannot wait for.
Anymore the only thing we go all out on is the holiday dinner and we do have more than one.  For different aspects of the family.
Though even with dinner if you prepare properly you can get it all for a fraction of the cost it would normally cost.

Buy a ham, get a free turkey.  Etc sales. 


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RE: FRUGAL holi-days... - 12/5/2009 5:42:34 PM   
DesFIP


Posts: 25191
Joined: 11/25/2007
From: Apple County NY
Status: offline 		I'm still going to buy our traditional beef roast. I only do this once a year so the $40 balances out. But as the kids are older, we buy less stuff. And more sensible stuff, like wool socks.

I still have to find something for my ex mother in law though. She's tough to buy for.

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RE: FRUGAL holi-days... - 12/5/2009 7:00:47 PM   
Aylee


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Joined: 10/14/2007
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quote:

ORIGINAL: GYPSYMAMBO

NO matter what holy-day you may be celebrating( if you are)...it *may* entail loads of extra things like decor..foods..travel..gifts..guests...etc..
 
*ARE you being more frugal this holiday season? HOW?
*Have you always been FRUGAL anyway...? and what tips might you have..?
*Is this year different in frugality than last year?
 
GM


No, I am not being particularly more frugal this year than other years.  I have always been frugal, actually I use the term, "cheap bitch." 

Tips that I have. . .

Budget for the big holidays throughout the year.  If you set money aside every paycheck, gift buying does not have to be done by credit card. 

Also, use cash.  When the cash is gone, you are done buying. 

THINK about what people would like and use.  Make a list for gift buying with people's names and what gift you will be getting them.  This way you do not buy unappriciated gifts and you are not tempted by so-called "holiday deals." 

Buy quality.  Sneakers can be bought at wal-mart for $11.  However they need to be replaced every four months or so.  If you get them on sale, you can get a pair of name brand sneakers that will last a year, year and a half.  Over all, it is actually cheaper to do this.  The same with suits and nicer work clothes. 

Put off buying something that you see and WANT, for at least a week.  Do you still want it that badly?  Can you afford it?  How many months can you put some money aside into a fund to buy it? 

Foods, parties, guests. . .  breakfast and brunch are less expensive than dinners.  You can also do desserts and/or finger foods.  You can make mulled or spiced wine for an adult beverage with less expensive wine.  Do a pot-luck. 

Family-gift-exchange ~ Have some fun. . . do a "white elephant" exchange.  Set a price limit on gifts.  Exchange games. 

Homemade gifts ~ make chili seasoning for everyone.  Or a meat rub.  Make candied nuts.  Trays of cookies.  Make jam during the summer when the fruit is cheap.

There really are a lot of things that can be done to reduce the expense of the holiday.  Mostly it comes down to really thinking it out and having a plan. 

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RE: FRUGAL holi-days... - 12/6/2009 7:48:31 AM   
GYPSYMAMBO


Posts: 660
Joined: 9/26/2009
Status: offline 		NO COST/Little COST gifts...
 
A Recipe book of Family Favorites..we copied right from grandma's cards so it is in her hand writing..attach a pouch of spice or a wooden spoon and big ribbon
 
HANDPRINTS...Childrens handprints and poem
 
A CALENDER made on comp with family pics..
 
Chocolate spoons..dip plastic sppons in meltede chocolate..roll in crushed peppermint...tie in a bow..or put in a mug...*used to stir coffee or hot chcolate
 
DVD Centre pieces..using olds DVD( as base)....glue on cheap wrapped Chrstimas candies..little bals..garland etc from $1 store..set a small votive in glass in the centre..
 
PHOTO COLLAGE BOX..using copied family photos..cover( *MOD-PODGE) a $1 store gift box with photos...for a keepsake box
 
CERTIFICATES...using recipe cards...make certificates for massages...lawn mowing..a talent..
an outing(picnic)..babysitting...evening off...etc
 
Message in a bottle...a love letter in a bottle
 
MAGNETS..use business cards magnet backs for FOR FUN designer magnets..
bible quotes..themes..family pics..cartoons..your art...more..
 
WINE CORK WREATH...a bag of wine corks can be used to make a 2 "round" wreath of glued top to bottom corks( on cardboard base)..then second round in reverse...add a BOW and...wow
 
Plastic Bag Wreath...cut grocey bags in long strips...tie in knotted strips around a coat hanger formed in a circle..the top is the hook and can be wrapped in ribbon and bow
 
ICE WREATH( must be below 0 outside)...using a circular container..garbage lid?? fill with water and set outside...set another circle(smaller) in center..(pan??)..as ice freezes..add twigs and berries...it freezes into a cool wreath( take out center pan for wreath "hole"
 
* We are car pooling this year to travel the 350 miles
* We are ALL cooking..
*Adults are donating to the COATS for KIDS program
*Emphasis on Family and Light
*we are giving some  ppl grocery certificates this year
 
GM
 

< Message edited by GYPSYMAMBO -- 12/6/2009 7:49:45 AM >

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RE: FRUGAL holi-days... - 12/6/2009 8:08:18 AM   
sirsholly


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Joined: 9/7/2007
From: Quietville
Status: offline
quote:

we are giving some ppl grocery certificates this year
as much as i hate the store...Walmart gift certificates are good for this reason. They can be used for groceries, put toward auto repairs, clothes, pharmaceuticals, etc.

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RE: FRUGAL holi-days... - 12/6/2009 8:36:11 AM   
LaTigresse


Posts: 26123
Joined: 1/15/2006
Status: offline 		Some unexpected financial issues popped up last year that has extensively limited the available spending money for us. This has led me to severely cut back last Christmas and this. It bothered me last year, but this year no.

I am a good cook, this I know. I've always given a bit of cooked goods in addition to purchased ones. I never realized how much people loved the cooked part until last year. Now, I do a little more cooking and less buying. I am also a fantastic photographer and artist. I never realized how much others love my work until this last year. So now I use my artistic gifts and create unique gifts that are more appreciated that purchased ones. It is a win win situation.

I will estimate that my total expenditures for my kids, grandkids, and the guys that work for me will be less than $300.00, including grocery costs. In years past, it was easily over $2,000.00

I used to try and purchase gifts for everyone. Now, our holidays are more family oriented, more intimate, more relaxed and more enjoyable for all.

< Message edited by LaTigresse -- 12/6/2009 8:39:16 AM >

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RE: FRUGAL holi-days... - 12/6/2009 8:38:48 AM   
kiwisub12


Posts: 4742
Joined: 1/11/2006
Status: offline 		One of my favourite gifts to give is something from the kitchen - like a really nice grater - and with it a recipe for mac and cheese, or when they first came out - the Oxo peelers with the big handles and nice sharp blades -and a recipe for apple crumble and warm custard.

Overall, they are cheap gifts that show some forethought and are useful.

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RE: FRUGAL holi-days... - 12/6/2009 8:56:59 AM   
sunshinemiss


Posts: 17673
Joined: 11/26/2007
Status: offline 		I am always frugal.  I buy gifts all year round during sales - you buy for basically the same people every year after all... soooooooo why not treat your budget nicely, you don't have to stress in December, too.  Also, I wrap gifts during the year, as soon as I buy them, so that on Christmas, I am as surprised as others when they open their gift cause I have forgotten what I bought! 

Buying myself little pressies throughout the year makes me feel special, too.  Little things - cute shoelaces, a notepad with a pretty picture, a cameo that I saw in a thrift store.  I have all these gifts that I love.

I almost always make holiday gifts.  I'm quite the photographer, and I like to go to second hand stores and find old fashioned picture frames and match photos with frames.  Everyone seems to enjoy the gifts.  I'll do things like a collage of someone's pet(s)... something they wouldn't think of or the outside of their house, their garden, their favorite coffee shop, etc. 

The one thing I splurge on but after this year I believe I will be cutting back is holiday cards.  I sent out 60 and have gotten 3     (so far).  Last year I was really hurt by the lack of cards I received.  Now, I don't really believe that love keeps track, but I do believe that people will show in their own action whether I matter to them by whether or not I get a card // call // ecard from them.  Anyone who knows me knows I absolutely adore real cards.  I save them, put them in a book, take the book with me when I travel.  That is important to me.  I have decided that if it isn't important to others, well.... then I can save my money, and get a nice new quill pen!  *And GT don't worry - you won my heart when you sent me a postcard of the "Sunshine Bridge"... First CM letter I ever received!

Also, we have decided this year to exchange things we already have.  They are things we don't need anymore but the other person could use.  My uncle has a camera he doesn't use, and mine is acting whacky.  He is giving me his used camera as a gift!  I love that!  Something I need, he doesn't need, all good.  And I love to give and receive homemade gifts.  They are great.

I think that love is best given without the spending of cash whenever possible. 


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RE: FRUGAL holi-days... - 12/6/2009 9:22:47 AM   
CallaFirestormBW


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Status: offline 		Our festival at this time of the year is called "The Festival of Gathering", and typically is spent in the company of people we enjoy, celebrating one another's company and the joys of community, so it isn't really focused on gift-giving in any case, but because our family includes members from many traditions, we do still end up doing some gift-giving at this time of the year.

I tend to be very frugal for holidays in any case -- this year, my daughter and her fiance, who are moving into their new apartment next week, are getting a hand-crocheted afghan to help them reduce their fuel costs... my son and his wife got a countertop infrared convection oven (less than $100) to help them eat at home and not depend on fast food for a healthy, quick meal... my companion is getting two homeopathic textbooks to help her complete her board certification in homeopathy... my youngest child is getting a year of insurance for his car so that he can take a new job he was just offered that will require him to drive (and which he didn't think he'd be able to take because of the increased insurance), and the folks at work are getting holiday baskets of homemade venison and boar jerky, and selections of dried persimmon, banana, fig, acorn squash, butternut squash, and dried apple, jars of apple butter, peach-chipotle butter, and agave-hazelnut flour-dark cherry brownies.

Dame Calla

< Message edited by CallaFirestormBW -- 12/6/2009 9:32:52 AM >

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RE: FRUGAL holi-days... - 12/6/2009 5:47:01 PM   
QuirkyAnne


Posts: 268
Joined: 9/17/2008
Status: offline 		This year I'm only sending out holiday cards to my absolutely closest friends and family instead of everyone in my address book.  We also didn't put lights up all over the house this year in order to save on the electricity and just opted for a couple of illuminated deer in the front lawn.

Anne

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RE: FRUGAL holi-days... - 12/6/2009 8:39:51 PM   
Termyn8or


Posts: 18681
Joined: 11/12/2005
Status: offline 		FR

My family has this all beat. To death in fact. My present to them is the money in their pocket that they would have spent on me for something I didn't ask for, and might not need nor want. 

A Thankgiving I am thankful that I don't need anything but what I need. I say I am not Christian, so I live like it. I get an unpaid day off work. That's what I get, and really that's all I want. Time, family, all that is way more important than money.

With all the perks I make more per hour than most college grads with ten years experience. Even so, I value my time more. They get really pissed if I don't come in, and they just about can't fire me, so when I get such a reprieve, that is all I need.

Actually I am so firm about my beliefs that when I go see Mom on Christmas, I will not take anything except a plate of food. I will not bring anything except my own beer.

That is my belief and my way. The rest are welcome to trample one another to death on black Friday at Wally smuck's.

T

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RE: FRUGAL holi-days... - 12/6/2009 9:15:43 PM   
WyldHrt


Posts: 6412
Joined: 6/5/2008
Status: offline 		Being crafty comes in handy this time of year, although I waited way too long to start my projects. Kinky friends usually get handmade toys, other friends and family get crocheted or knitted warm things like hat/ scarf sets, slippers, or blankies. I've also taken artsy greeting cards and matted/ framed them  (costs about $10 instead of the $25- $30 to buy them already framed), made screensavers with photos and music, and all other manner of crafty stuff like etched candle holders and such. IME, folks tend to really appreciate something that you took the time to make yourself.




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RE: FRUGAL holi-days... - 12/7/2009 9:25:20 AM   
CallaFirestormBW


Posts: 3651
Joined: 6/29/2008
Status: offline 		Wyld, if you crochet, I have a blanket pattern that I completed in about 36 hours. It is a BEAUTIFUL pattern, is unusual in that it is round, and you can vary the size from a crib-sized baby blanket to a queen-sized afghan through simple changes in worsted weight and hook gauge. I'm making a queen-sized version for my daughter's "Marriage Blanket" (a mother-to-daughter family tradition, in which the matriarch provides a new blanket for the marriage bed -- or, in this case, the daughter's new home bed -- for each daughter and daughter-in-law as they move on to make their own homes).

Let me know if you're interested. It's been a family favorite blanket for years.

Calla


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RE: FRUGAL holi-days... - 12/7/2009 10:02:47 AM   
SDFemDom4cuck


Posts: 2809
Joined: 5/23/2005
From: P'burgh PA
Status: offline 		I make the same gifts every year and friends have come to expect them from me. I'm always rather frugal though.

I've made infused herb/spice oils and toffee for well over a decade. This year I'm also going to do small crocks of honey butter along with the directions. It was a big hit over Thanksgiving. I just buy muslin and make little sacks stamped with an initial for the toffee and hang around the neck of the bottle with ribbon. No wrapping, no outrageous cost and something I love to do anyway.


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