How to Celebrate Christmas on a Military Budget

Budgeting for the Christmas Season is something that must be done if you are in, or associated with, the military. Contrary to what most people might think, the pay one receives for being in the military, is really quite adequate. In fact, it's really not bad. On top of the base pay, the military man receives a housing allowance, insurance for themselves and their families, clothing allowance and separate rations for meals when away from home. On top of that, there is commissary and PX/BX privileges. Being able to go to the commissary actually makes food affordable. Nonetheless, being able to afford to celebrate Christmas the way we like to, must be fit into the budget.

1. Make a list of what you would like for your Christmas Season to be like next December, and include on this list people you would like to get gifts for. I always allow for two or three generic gifts. It seems that somebody invariably happens along that I would like to get a gift for.

2. Start in January before Christmas. Having a list and starting my Christmas shopping in January is something that I learned from my mother-in-law many years ago. As a new bride I was absolutely amazed at the amount, and the quality of gifts that she got for people. Not only that, but her decorations were amazing. I asked her about it one day and that is when she told me that, on New Year's Day she takes a few minutes and makes her list for next Christmas; gifts and new decorations that she would like to get, because on January 2^nd all the stores start their sales.

3. Decide how much money you can spend each month towards Christmas, without it hurting you financially. If you don't find a gift on a particular month for someone on your list, put that money with your next month's budget for Christmas.

4. When you buy that particular gift or decoration, then cross it off your list. Wrap the gift up, and put a name tag on it. Then put it away; out of sight and out of mind until Christmas.

5. Make coupons. These actually make wonderful gifts. My boys would do this when they were children. They would give their dad one that would say "Good for One Car Wash." And for me one of them said, "Help with the Laundry - your choice of days."

Even though my boys are grown men now, they will still give my dad (their grandpa) coupons at Christmas and birthdays, for help around his house. He needs the help because there is now a lot of things he cannot do. It also allows him a little bit of dignity, because he is not always having to ask someone to help him.

6. If you can't afford to buy it; then make it.

7. Take advantage of the area you live in. It's a good way to learn new things, and to see new ways of doing things. The first time that my husband was stationed in Texas was a real eye-opener for us. We're from Oregon, and we learned that pine trees and the like, are not available to decorate like we had always done. We learned to be more inventive in our decorating. They hardly know what 'snow' is in Texas.

8. Recycle used items. Many times putting a face-lift on items like bicycles can make them good as new.

9. Donate some of your time to bring some joy into someone else's life. Unfortunately our country has so many shelters, full of people that could use a touch of kindness. Items such as combs, brushes, soaps and lotions are so appreciated, and more than likely, things that they haven't seen in quite some time.

10. Have a Decoration Party. Decorating the yard was something that I never could get my kids into. They liked having a nicely decorated yard, but they didn't seem to want to help with doing the work. When we had them invite some of their friends over for decorating and a pizza feed, it was almost amazing how quickly they got into the spirit of Christmas; and the kids all loved it.

11. Do something special as a family. Not only will it give your children fond memories of their childhood, it will provide you with wonderful memories as well.

12. Remember the Reason for the Season. Christmas should not be about how many people we can buy gifts for, or how much money we can spend. It should be about who we can bring a little bit of joy to.

Celebrating the Christmas Season should be a joy and not a chore. These tips can help you to enjoy a little of the Christmas season all year long.