“Tis the season to be jolly”! For many Americans the holidays bring so much joy. From wrapping presents, decorating the Christmas tree, and putting up Christmas lights, the holidays often manifest nostalgia. I am a living witness to that! Mark tells me every year to reel it in. However, the holidays bring reminiscence of childhood memories when my mother would drive around to look at Christmas lights, or my father would cut down and decorate the Christmas tree.
Therefore, despite Mark’s objection, I find myself putting up Christmas lights inside and outside our home. It brings me so much joy to express myself artistically as well as engage in festivities, but we do everything on a budget. I use three methods to help me stay within budget.
Firstly, I shop at thrift stores. I love secondhand stores because of the unique gently used finds. I have the best luck finding children’s toys and clothing. Secondhand stores provide the opportunity to recycle unwanted treasures, therefore helping the environment. In addition, if you donate items there, you can deduct the items you donated on your taxes.
Secondly, DIY gifting gives the opportunity to create something personalized on a budget. I frequently get my children involved, and we all create something memorable and fun to give to grandparents, family, and friends. I love to bake so I often send care packages with different goodies the children and I make together. I love dried arrangements, and I frequently incorporate them into my DIY gifting.
Thirdly, I shop after Christmas because I find so many discounted items during this time. Many of the major stores discount Christmas items anywhere from 75% to 90% off. Some of my favorite stores are Michael’s, Wal-Mart, and Target. I frequently buy items after Christmas and save them to use next year.
Therefore, the holidays frequently bring joy and Thanksgiving. For me, the holidays evoke nostalgic childhood memories which turn me into Clark Griswald. To marry my finances with my nostalgic desires I find secondhand shopping, DIY projects, and shopping after Christmas the best techniques that help me stay within budget. All these methods help me to further get into the holiday spirit. With consignment shopping, I am helping the environment as well as finding unique finds.
In addition, if I donate anything, I can use the items donated as a tax deduction. When I create DIY gifts, I involve my children and make DIYing a family affair. Finally, shopping after Christmas helps me stretch our money further. Therefore, this holiday I employ you to try it. You just might like it!
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