by Renee Rotto

Created on: November 17, 2009   Last Updated: December 30, 2009

Does Christmas 2009 seem like, the best of times and the worst of times? Sure most folks don't have much money for Christmas this year, but there are still ways to enjoy the holidays and save money.

Christmas only comes around once a year, so make the most of it. Starting with the decorations, you don't need to spend a lot. Turn decorations into a family affair. Hunting for pinecones and autumn leaves is a fun activity for all. Try making wreaths with them, or paint or simply string them on the Christmas tree. Popcorn strung around the Christmas tree is also inexpensive.

Cut the cost of Christmas gift wrap and cards by wrapping presents with the Sunday funnies. With a glue gun you can attach leaves, pinecones or small segments of Christmas tree brancheson top of presents for seasonal appeal. Mail postcards instead of Christmas cards. The postage is less and the postcards can express the same message as a card.

Christmas presents can be inexpensive also. Try joining a book club, where you can purchase many books at a substantially reduced price. Magazines subscriptions are also reduced around this time of year.

Another Christmas giving choice might be giving software. There are an assortment of games, trivia and hobby software available. Or you can make you own CD gifts of articles or pictures and burn them to disk.

Plants are also a great gift. If you have plants that can be cut and rooted, the cost is nearly non-existent. Plants like aloe have babies that can become gifts for someone.  The aloe plant has many medicinal values and can easily become a theme garden.   Try creating a container garden for family members.  Many people would like the idea of having fresh herbs to pick and add to their meals. When the weather turns cold a container garden can easily be brought indoors.

If you enjoy baking, make presents of your special cheesecake or an assortment of cookies. Everyone will enjoy edible treats like homemade fudge or rum balls.

Save money and time by utilizing leftovers. Turkey is such a good bargain for the money. Besides the turkey sandwich, try casseroles, turkey and vegetable soup or turkey and cheese noodles with peas. Get creative with your leftovers. If you get tired of turkey, freeze it in zip lock bags. Instead of sending leftovers in containers that never make it back home, send leftovers in zip lock bags. That way everyone can freeze them easily or just pour them out onto a plate and warm.

Even we don't have lots of money for Christmas of 2009, we still have each other and of course that's what's important. It's the together thing that will make the worst of times, become the best of times.

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