by Raiscara Avalon

Created on: April 16, 2009

With the holidays just around the corner, now more then ever I'm looking for ways to cut costs, yet still have an enjoyable holiday season. The rising costs of everything is really making me want to dig in my heels and bury my head under my pillows.

Cut Costs Tip #1 - Make Your Own Decorations

There are literally hundreds of sites out there on ways to make your own holiday decorations, from simple crafts to far more complicated methods. Many of them also show you ways of using what you already have around the house so that you don't have to spend any additional money. This is also a good way of getting the children involved in something constructive, as well as teaching them valuable lessons about what the holidays mean to your family.

Cut Costs Tip #2 - Make Your Own Gifts

Who said that everything had to come from a store? Those with a crafty touch can make their own gifts, often times at a fraction of the cost that a store-bought gift would run. Handmade gifts also have a more intimate touch, and can be passed down throughout generations. Some ideas include baby blankets, scarves, mittens, curtains, memory books, scrapbooks, the list goes on and on. Another idea for the less crafty is food. Who doesn't like homemade cookies, cakes and other decadent treats? Put them in a decorative tin and voila, instant gift. Great for hostess gifts as well. The best part about homemade treats is that you can tailor them for family or friends' diets. Diabetic uncle with a sweet tooth? Sugar free cookies or fudge might just do the trick. Investigate ways that you can really hit the spot for a loved one.

Cut Costs Tip #3 - Plan Ahead With A Holiday Planner

This is the one thing that seems to get tossed onto the back burner. But its one of the easiest ways to save money around. Create a Holiday Planner, and plan out your holiday season. Over time this can really save you money. By planning ahead you can get gifts at low sale prices, if you know what family members want. Write down all those little things that family members show interest in, then watch for the item to go on sale. No more rushing around at the last minute and ending up with not well thought out gifts. You can also use the planner to ensure you have everything you need for your holiday feasts. This can also work year round.

Cut Costs Tip #4 - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

I'm not talking bottles and cans here. I'm talking about all the stuff an average household has. The same story plays out time and time again, "I bought stuff

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