by Kimberly Chitwood

Created on: December 12, 2008

After Christmas is over, a lot of us are faced with doom and gloom at sight of our credit card bills after the Christmas holidays. If you can pay it, that's great. But, charge, charge, charge, and...oops! It looks like you forgot the true meaning of Christmas! It's not what you buy or even how much you spend on the gift. It's the thought that's behind the gift. So, with that in mind, let's look at a few ways you can save money at Christmas.

SIMPLE DECORATIONS

This only has to include, but is not limited to, a Christmas tree (size is up to you), stockings, Christmas ornaments, a few Christmas lights (depending on how big your tree is), and a small decoration on your door. You don't HAVE to buy the expensive outdoor inflatables, the outdoor Christmas lights, the garland, all the little figurines of Christmas scenes, the wreaths, etc. You should still be able to function in your living room (or wherever you put the tree and decorations) when you're through decorating. If you have children visiting, you shouldn't put undue stress on yourself that something will be torn up and/or broken. Your sanity does need to remain intact. But, if you must decorate extravagantly, do it using Christmas decorations/items that have been passed down. You can enjoy Christmas without going out to buy everything. The rule in my house is that we buy one new Christmas ornament every year.

MAKE YOUR OWN DECORATIONS

They can be simple crafts or more extravagant. But, remember, you're trying to save, so choose crafts that will take the least money to make. Usually, most crafts can be made with materials you already have at home. Take advantage of that because that will be that much more you don't have to buy, thereby lessening your costs even more.

GO TO A LOCAL CLOTHES CLOSET/SALVATION ARMY/THRIFT STORE

Some places take donations and don't charge for the items. The Salvation Army charges, but they're usually pretty reasonable on all their pricing. Thrift stores are nice because they usually have a hodge-podge of Christmas items for really cheap. This is a great way to save money because if you don't have a lot of money (and even if you do), you can find some pretty neat and nice Christmas decorations/items for almost nothing.

MAKE YOUR OWN GIFTS FOR OTHERS

You get ideas online or you can make up your own. It's the thought that counts, not how much of a hole you put in your pocketbook buying gifts.

AFTER-CHRISTMAS SALE

While this probably won't help you for the current season, it will help you out for next year. All the Christmas merchandise, including trees, lights, ornaments, stockings, wrapping paper, ribbons and bows, and toys are marked 1/2 off. You can use this as a great time to stock on presents for next year. Then, you'll be saving money a year ahead. Now, who doesn't want to do THAT?

You're gonna survive the holidays, I promise. Just remember to do it with a little forethought and common "cents". Good luck!

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