More Ideas for Doin' the Holidays on the Cheap

As a dedicated frugal holiday spender, I have developed many "survival" strategies for the Holidays! Here are a few suggestions to help others who also don't want to have huge charge card debt in January.

1) If you MUST have a party, throw a potluck!

This way you don't go crazy trying to get everything together before your guests arrive and are fresher, more able to enjoy your friends and family. Is this the true meaning of the Holidays?

2) Limit your electrical lights, and buy newer, more energy efficient ones

You are not only saving your electrical bill, you are also saving the environment!

3) Don't go crazy with gifts

If you have kids, this is easy to do. By doing this, we impart on them that Christmas is about getting as much as they can. This doesn't teach them to be grateful for what they have or to understand the true meaning of the season. Give food to a local food shelter instead, and take the kids in tow. Let them see how others live, and be thankful for their many blessings.

4) Mail Internet cards instead of sending them through the mail

This saves a ton on postage!

5) Buy a smaller tree

You will have less lights to burn power, and less needles to pick up afterwards.

6) Limit your alcohol intake

You will get more done, feel better, and spend less in the process.

7) Use COUPONS!!!

There are a lot of Internet-based business that are offering coupons that are great deals right now. Here are some to start with:

Buy $20 Pingo Phone Card. Receive $5 in Free Calls & 2 Night Hotel Certificate.

20% off all video games at SecondSpin.com! Use code gamesale at checkout.

Grocery store coupons also help a lot with defraying the cost of Christmas dinners.

I hope these ideas help, and I wish everyone who reads this a Happy Holiday Season!