Everyday for the past year or more we’ve heard or read bad news.  Unfortunately, we’ve all seen this recession hit our own families and/or those that we love.  I’ve seen friends lose their jobs, lose their homes and what’s most sad to me is when I’ve seen the effects of the recession steal their spirits.  It’s made everyone in this country take a step back and think about what’s really important in life and what we want to teach our kids. 

I, myself, like to indulge.  I like to do most things in a big way, over the top, the skies the limit, and I still do.  However, I’m coming from a new angle these days.  I’m doing all the things that I’ve been told: cut coupons, eat out less, brown bag it, turn off the lights, switch out the light bulbs, recycle, carpool, rent movies rather than see them in the theater, check books out of the library rather than buy them, set budgets, make more of our gifts…  Yes, I do them all.  But I still want to have fun.  I still want my children to look at life as being exciting, full of joy, laughter, lots of friends and family, parties and whatever it is that they may want.  Let’s face it, spending significantly less money can put a damper on these things, BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE TO.

Here’s my battle – Christmas!  Of course I want to give my children lots of the items on their list.  What parent doesn’t?  I want my kids to reflect on this Christmas as one where they received everything they wanted.  Here’s the thing – I want to cut back but I don’t want to feel like I’ve cut back.  I really do think it’s possible if I get creative.  I’ve given this a lot of thought and here’s my plan.

1.  Make up big adventures for my Elfing Around elves.  I’ve already got a few tricks up my sleeve, like filling the boys’ bed with wrapped candy, having the elves sitting on cookie sheets while sliding down the steps covered in extra batting, and having the elves bring the boys their Christmas pj’s (which I bought on clearance last year).  The elves make Christmas so magical that I really don’t have to do much more.  They were the #1 best investments in my journey to make Christmas special without spending a fortune.  Honestly, every family should have one or two of these elves!!!

2.  Decorate a tree with gift cards, dollar bills and coupons for my teenager.  This is going to be a huge hit.  I’m wrapping each item in a small box and hanging them from this never before seen tree.  It’s going to take him quite awhile to unwrap his $10 itunes cards, movie tickets, dollar bills, etc.  Let’s face it – teenagers are hard to buy for.  All they want is money or big ticket items.  This tree will be unique, appreciated and unexpected.  Those are three adjectives I always look for in a gift.  There’s nothing worse than spending the day at the mall shopping for the perfect gift and having to exchange it the day after Christmas.

3.  I love to make things for my children and this year it will be big faux fur blankets.  I’ve seen these blankets sold in boutique stores for $300.  Are they crazy?  I can make the same exact blanket (I’m not kidding – the same exact blanket) for a fraction of the cost.  I’m going to wrap them in a big box, then wrap their favorite DVD to go on top of the big box and then adhere some movie sized boxes of candy on top.  I’m going to hot glue popcorn all over the top of the big box just for fun.  Very creative if I do say so myself!

4.  I’m a member of Snapfish and quite frequently they send me e-coupons to make free photo books.  I’ve never done it before, but I’m going to try it!  I think they make amazing keepsakes, especially because they’re created with love.  Let’s not forget the operative word – FREE!

5.  I’m also orchestrating a different type of gift exchange with my extended family.  Instead of cutting back on each person’s gift, we’re going to have everyone bring several gifts valued at $10 each.  Everyone will spend a total of $30.  We’re going to play a fast paced dice game that will end up getting everyone involved, engaged, excited and wishing we could play again.  Last year my kids won $10 in ice cream coupons, itunes cards, special lotions, Starbuck’s gift cards, a Rubik’s cube, and movie tickets in a plastic popcorn tub.  Everyone spent less money, had more fun and went home with gifts they could really use.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/holidays-articles/how-to-outsmart-the-recession-for-christmas-1211026.html

Tags: budget, christmas, elf, elves, magical elf, recession, santas elf, stuffed elf, thrifty, tradition, visiting elf

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