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Ways to save money and have fun for Christmas

It can be easy to over-indulge the senses and the credit cards in the festive season. Giving is a wonderful way to show someone you love them. But try not to buy into the commercial variety of Christmas too much. There are ways to make Christmas all the things we want it to be, and still remain unplugged.

For kids under 2, well they really don't get the concept Christmas and you can be sure once they get something from everyone they'll have plenty. We really need to forgive ourselves for buying a couple of $5 gifts and knowing it is just fine. This is when we buy to make ourselves feel good. because let's face it buying for others does make us feel good. No shame in that, just be realistic about it. The most expensive present in the world will not make a lasting memory on an 18 month old.

If you have children between 2 & 3 years of age then take advantage of the opportunity to buy a lot of simple gifts that will put a smile on their faces, and not cost a fortune. The trick here is to not set into the trap of competing with other parents about who's child had the best Christmas because... Remember, this is a time for being thankful you are together, counting blessings, and seeing their little eyes light up. You can get away with quantity over quality, and remember how much they love to play with the boxes afterward. The closer they are to three they are the better chance they have of buying into the whole concept of Christmas.

Large extended families can get expensive, especially if you have nieces and nephews to buy for. Here I have a few solutions that worked well for me. One is what we call a 'Secret Santa', I'm sure you may have heard of the system. We included all the adult members of the family and still bought small gifts for each child. We had one family member write each name in a Christmas gift tag card and tape it shut. These then get drawn out of a bag.

Each person checks their card to see they haven't drawn themselves. If they do they put the card back in and redraw. Should it get down to the card and you draw yourself, all the cards go back in for a redraw. No one tells who they have have got. We always set a limit of $20.00 and not a cent more but you could go under. I love this because we all had drinks and nibblies for the drawing, and then we all got together at some time Christmas day to open our presents. We were all together for the Christmas meal anyway so it worked well.

Another method that works well and is a lot of fun among family and friends is to only buy a pair of socks for each other. The same drawing system can be used. Socks can reflect personality and it's fun wearing them Christmas day. You'll have fun choosing the perfect color, pattern and novelty aspect for your person.

I also like presents that a lot of thought has gone into, and this usually happens on a budget. For one year we decided that everyone must buy something from a second-hand/used goods store that they think would be perfect. This can really get the creative juices flowing. Usually the lower the money value the harder you think about it.

Each family is different, yours might like to find the most useless gifts around for the fun factor. If you are feeling the pinch, why not suggest a few ways to the family about how costs can be cut in these ways. It might be the best gift you ever give them.

Learn more about this author, Wendy Mackrell.
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