Don't Let the Recession Ruin Your Christmas

Money is tight already and the most expensive month of the year is coming up - Christmas. You may wonder how you're going to be able to afford Christmas gifts or decorate without running up huge credit card bills. Don't stress out over this. Even if you are already stretching your dollars, there are things you can do to help you survive Christmas.

Decorations

If you're someone who likes to decorate inside and out, use one of more of these tips to cut corners on your budget:

• Don't buy new lights and decorations. Instead, dig through your attic and reuse some of the stuff you used in past Christmases.

• Let your kids help. Younger kids love to be given a little responsibility, so put them in charge of decorating the tree. If you don't have ornaments from last year, let them make some.

Your child can put construction paper, safety scissors, glue, yarn, and glitter to use and create some great ornaments. You can also make popcorn and let your child help string the popcorn to be hung on the tree. Gather some pinecones. These can also be decorated and hung up.

• Shop at yard sales or discount stores. A lot of folks put their old Christmas decorations out in yard sales in early October to make room for new stuff. Get out there early and find whatever it is you want to decorate with - blow up snowmen, lights, etc. If you look hard enough, you will find it.

Food

In the weeks and days before Christmas, people everywhere are cooking away. While the costs can add up, you don't have to let it break your bank. Instead, shop smart and save a little money to be used for other things.

• If your local grocery store is running a promotion to give away a free Christmas dinner, take advantage of it. The stores will usually require that you shop there 6 weeks out of 8 and spend at least $35 to $40, but that's easier said than done. At Christmas, you can take your coupon for the free dinner and collect a turkey, sides, and dessert.

• Shop at any discount grocery stores in your area and don't hesitate to buy off-brands.

• Always use coupons! Don't worry about looking cheap. Take advantage of coupons in your paper and online. The savings will add up in no time.

Gifts

The most expensive part of Christmas, as you well know, is buying presents.

• Draw names or participate in a Chinese auction. If you have a big group of friends or a big family to buy for, suggestion one of these options. They will likely be relieved. Instead of buying 10 presents, you get away with buying one.

• Take advantage of Black Friday and other Christmas deals. Black Friday shopping is usually miserable, with getting up at three in the morning and fighting crowds, but your checking account will be all the better for it.

Check the newspapers to see what Black Friday specials they have. If you see something listed that you had already planned to purchase, then tough it out and enjoy the savings.

• Shop online. You can find great bargains online for all sorts of things - electronics, clothing, jewelry.

With a little creativity and smart shopping, you won't have to let this recession ruin Christmas or max out your credit cards.