by Deanne Puckett

Created on: December 18, 2006   Last Updated: April 13, 2007

Ever notice that the older we get, the less we are concerned about having the best of everything each Christmas?

Yes, we all love the huge Christmas tree that reaches the top of the ceiling, the enormous amount of lights on the outside of the house, looking like you live at an airport? Don't get me wrong, I loved all of those things growing up as kid and still do. The difference now is, that I have found ways to cut back on spending so much money every year on decorations, and I have also found ways to spend more quality time with the kids. How did I do it you ask? It's as simple as 1, 2, 3.

First, who says that you have to buy the biggest, the tallest, and the freshest tree to have the best Christmas ever? I used to think that, especially because my house has high ceilings in the living room, but spending $85-$115 every year is a stretch for us and that in return just means less I am able to buy for everyone else. How fair is that? This year I took the elegant but simple approach. I went to Target and bought a 6-foot Christmas tree (no lights) that only cost $16.99. I then picked out 6 boxes of light strands, all white. Those you can usually buy anywhere from .99-1.99 each. Yea, OK, so it takes a little time to put the lights on, but well worth it and most importantly, you can get the kids involved. Have them stand around the tree and pass the cords to each other as you put them on the tree branches evenly. Then, get a box that is wider than the tree stand and cover the box in wrapping paper to make it look like the tree is sitting on a huge present. Then I bought some simple red material that costs 1.00 a yard, to drape it around the tree stand like a tree skirt.
*Hint, by putting a few bags of sugar or flour on top of the tree stand, it will help hold the tree in place and prevent it from tipping over. Then cover the bags and the tree stand with the material of your choice.

Second, when it comes to decorating the Christmas tree, buy simple items. There is no need to go and get the fancy ornaments that come in boxes of 4 for $4.99. Can you imagine what that would add up to be if you decorated the entire tree in those fancy bling bling ornaments? Can you say, "college fund"? Buy the boxes of solid colors like red, green and blue. Then to make every year special with the kids, take them out and let them help pick out a family ornament that everyone hangs on the tree together. By doing this every year, the tree will get fuller and fuller and you have started a new family tradition. I also buy a few packages of fake snow and let the kids take handfuls and throw them on the tree. They love that part!

Last, for the lights outside. You know it is not much fun for Mom or Dad to have to climb on the roof alone and spend hours of the day trying to get those fancy icicle lights on the house so they hang just right. Again, get the kids involved. Buy the inexpensive, simple strands and have them help you wrap them around bushes or plants and even windows and doorways. They will have so much fun and it makes them feel so special when you turn those lights on every night, them knowing that they helped put the lights on this year.

So there you have it, a simple, elegant and very inexpensive Family Christmas package that you will remember year after year. Not to mention your checkbook will thank you too.

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