Pay Less for Christmas Lights in Bakersfield, CA

Just because our economy is not what it used to be, does not mean you have to be in a "Bah Humbug" mood around the holidays. There are ways to make Christmas affordable. Start shopping around at the local Dollar Stores. You would be surprised at what you can find there. Thrift Stores and Garage Sales are all over town. "As is" may not be reliable, so ask if you can plug them in. Go online, and enter "Cheap Christmas Lights" and see what comes up. That would be the way to go if you are planning to cover your house with Christmas lights. Buy in bulk and you will usually get free shipping. From now until Christmas, stores will have sales advertised every week. If you start early, you will have enough money left over to get yourself a Christmas present, too.

My next suggestion would be layaway. I know, there are not many left. I know that K-Mart still offers layaway starting now until Christmas. K-Mart's prices are also very affordable, making paying a little every week sound even more inviting. I also heard through the grapevine that Sears is offering layaway, too. That would be a great idea, not only for Christmas lights, but for your gifts and decorations, too. These are just a few suggestions when you can start early and shop around. Alas, most of us just cannot find the time to do that, so here are some suggestions where to find Christmas lights at a discount.

1. Walmart: With Walmart in East Bakersfield and Rosedale and now a brand new Super Center in the Southwest, you will not have that far to travel to find great prices on Christmas lights, as well as, everything you need for your holiday party.

2. Target Stores: Everyday low prices and sales will make your day from now until the New Year.

3. Big Lots: Check back with them weekly as they get new items from closeouts at other stores. It is usually never the same things, but around the holidays, they always have lights and decorations at very low prices.

4. Costco: Anyone with a Costco card is aware of what you can save at Costco. If you plan a large display with hundreds of lights, you may want to look into getting one.

5. Walgreen's Pharmacy: I was at Walgreen's when there was this huge sale on Christmas lights right before Christmas. It was around the middle of December last year where they marked everything down 50 to 75% on all Christmas lights and decorations. Maybe they will do that again this year. Many stores are open 24 hours for those of you with tight schedules.

Allow me one more suggestion. Home Depot and Lowe's may be a little pricier, but they will help you with your outside light displays with their electrical expertise. White Forest Nursery is offering help with your outside displays with lights at reasonable prices. While you are there, you might just want to pick up a poinsettia for your Christmas table.

Say good-bye to the Christmas Grinch now. You are all set to have a happy holiday and it will not break the bank. Remember, start early and you will save so much more by going to discount and thrift shops, yard sales or by shopping online. Layaway is also a great alternative for your Christmas shopping needs. But if you have to wait until December, there are also affordable stores to shop for Christmas lights. Keep watching the newspapers for sales all over town.

Happy Holidays!