Christmas Shopping - the 99 Cent Store Way

There are children that don't have blankets to cover them in homeless shelters. There are people who are too ashamed to ask for food on Christmas Eve. There are even people who live in their cars and dig in trash can s on Christmas day just so their wives can have the Christmas present of an cold turkey leg. Believe me, I've seen them. I live in LA.

Now I'm not trying to be a downer by any means. I love Christmas, I love eating and shopping and mostly waking up n Christmas morning and spending time opening presents and being thankful for what I have. I think most people, sadly, are more into the shopping than they should be when they don't realize that it is actually a privilege to shop. I find myself thinking of that now that I am broke this Christmas probably like a lot of you.

The more and more people get out of control with Christmas shopping, the more America looks like a money-hungry, pig-wallowing, possession-driven, attention-grabbing nation that we shouldn't want it to be. But I have a solution for this attitude. Instead of trying to buy Playstation 3 or the best diamond from Zales you can find, go simple. Show those people you love that it's not the expense of the gift but the fact that you made an effort, especially if you're broke.

People expect gifts whether you're broke or not especially your kids, but I bet you if you give them some simple gifts this year one of two things will happen. 1) They'll be just as happy as they were last year and won't even remember it next year or 2) They'll be really jealous of other people, be mad at you and be thankful for the last Christmas they had.

But that's not really the point of going simple is it? The main point is that if you're broke there are really great ways to give to people and save that cash you need to pay your bills or your car payment or you could even think of giving it to the homeless shelter. Here are some ways to really save money on Christmas. Some of them are old and some of them may seem lame but if you just take one day, one simple day to go out and do this - make a pact with yourself and do this- you'll be happier than a clam come Christmas day when you have 300 extra bucks in your picket . . .or in the mail to that creditor.

1) Go to the 99 cent store. Seriously, I went there yesterday which prompted this article. I got a little Christmas tree for a dollar which is now sitting on our counter with some tinsel on it. They make great cute little gifts for kids, even for adult if you wanna be cutesy and get someone in the Christmas spirit. Plus they have those microfiber things and they light up. And 4 double A batteries are only a dollar! There are also old movies and old cartoon there that will be great for movie buffs who can't find that stuff in stores or for little kids if you don't want to spend too much. There's Christmas decorations and trees and everything! And only for 99 cents. Not to mention and array of food like Hot Chocolate, Christmas cookies, etc for a dollar when in regular stores it cold be 3-5 dollars. It's worth it believe me. And speaking of Christmas decorations . . . .

2) Make something. It sounds corny but it's true. Do it. Do it now before it's too late! I am by no means skilled at arts and crafts. But at the 99 cent store, I saw a wreath and some bulbs and there you go. I was done. There was some tinsel and picture frame. And there you go. Make a slide show of pictures on your Mac or something. Free. Buy a bowl, put some wax in it and make a candle. Good one right? No? Okay, well cut some stuff out. Just do it. Don't think about. Spend one day making stuff and not buying stuff and you'll be really surprised.

3) Don't be lazy. Do number 2.

4) Don't underestimate the use of tinsel.

5) Send Christmas cards. Believe me, they're more thoughtful than real gifts. I'm sorry but when someone gives me a beauty set including lotion and perfume and all that crap, I just think, gosh they don't know me at all. Not that I don't use it and don't like it, it's just not a thoughtful gift. You can get it for anyone when you don't know what to get them. But if you send me a card that's funny and maybe a little doll with it, I'll remember that. And that you wrote on it . . .wow. people don't write anymore. Suggestion - Buy a box of cards. Spend half a day writing in them and sending them out. By Christmas people will remember you as taking time out to send cards instead of another person who happened to remember them while Christmas shopping.

6) Last but not least, give a phone call. Those people you haven't seen in years, or those you only e-mail or family members who couldn't make it this year. Call them. It's better than sending a card to or a Christmas gift. Maybe you'll spend your minutes if you have a cell phone but so what. It's only one or two days. Suck it up.

In conclusion, don't go wasting your paycheck if you don't have the money. Some people are just happy to get a cold turkey leg covered in tinsel. If you spend less money you can really see whether or not you have to start setting your children's priorities straight and whether or not your spouse and friends love you for who you are and not your wallet. Besides, the manager of your building probably wants his Christmas gift too.