The Holiday Hectic Headache

Today, I want to post some musings as a bit of a follow-up to my previous Economic posting. Not only is money tight, but so is time. I think that we all get a little Holiday-Crazy every December and try to live up to what are sometimes unrealistic expectations that we place on ourselves. I live a full and wonderful life with my husband and two kitties. We too many wonderful friends to count. We are always on the go to a concert, dinner, sporting event, whatever. Frankly, life is pretty darn good. Then... come the holidays. I am a big big big Christmas junkie. I love to decorate, find the perfect gift, wrap things creatively, cook, and bake. The problem is, that there is no stretching of the space time continuum during the holidays. Frankly, I think this is not fair of the universe, but I apparently have no real say in the laws of physices, so I am forced to adjust. Too much to do and not enough time and space. Sound familiar? Well, this year, I am subtly rebelling a bit. Finances demand that I cut back on some things, and this has helped me get a clearer picture on how I want to spend my holiday time. As I said in my previous post, it is all about the people in our lives.

This year, I am going to take time to stop and smell the Fraser Firs and sip a little hot cider. The indoor decorations are up, but the outdoor ones just may have to be skipped in honor of curling up on the sofa and watching It's a Wonderful Life for the millionth time. I want to spend this time enjoying the company of my family and friends. Less worrying about it being a perfect Christams... more time appreciating the life I already have.

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Economic Ponderings

Money is tight these days. I think that we are all feeling the crunch. The media is whipping us up into a scared frenzy. We are being pushed to buy stuff to "save" the economy, at the same time that we are being advised to watch our pennies because people are losing jobs everywhere. So... I wanted to throw out some ideas that we can all use to save money this season and perhaps in general. Nothing earth-shaking here, just common sense suggestions. Feel free to add some of your own.
Use Coupons
Comparison shop (on-line, advertisements, between stores, etc.)
Search the internet for discount codes or special "members only" specials
Buy online and use free shipping
Carpool
Map out your route ahead of time when you are running errands
Use "frequent shopper" programs to accumlate discounts and free merchandise
Give baked goods as gifts
Make up "themed" gift baskets of lots of small items. (i.e. travel sizes for someone going on a trip or health foods for a workout buddy)
Don't spend too much on wrappings.
Make a personalized gift (i.e. ornaments, glassware, T-shirt, etc.)
Give to a charity in someone's name (i.e. ASPCA, Red Cross, Salvation Army, World Wildlife Fund)
Make a budget and KEEP TO IT (this is the hardest tip of all)
Search out Sr. Citizen discounts and take your mom and/or dad shopping
Send E-Cards instead of paper cards in the mail (saves stamp money and environmentally friendly)

Anyways, that's all I have for now. I will continue to ponder.

Happy Shopping Everyone! Remember, it is truly the people and not the STUFF that makes the holiday season wonderful.

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