Saving Money on Christmas Decorations and Food

Some other big expenses are decorations and food.  We always want everything to look great and everyone to have plenty to eat, but we need to do this on a budget.  Going overboard doesn’t only cost a lot, but it can keep you from enjoying yourself, so here’s some tips to cut cost on these items…

Decorations:

Don’t go overboard.  Sometimes simple is better.  Why not have some crafts ready for everyone so they can make the decorations while they wait for the food to get ready.  Simple garland can be decorated with Christmas cards or with art from the young artist’s in your home.  A plain wreath can be decorated with homemade ornaments.  And just think, then you have “one-of-a-kind” decorations, so you don’t look like everyone else in your neighborhood.
Use what Mother Nature gave you as decorations.  Pine cones and small branches can be tied together and used as a wreath or garland.
Remember the old popcorn strings for the tree, why not start a new ‘old fashion’ Christmas tradition with your family.  Popcorn and cranberries make for a beautiful tree garland.
Of course right after Christmas, stores will have all kinds of sales for next year, but you might find that going the homemade way brings your family together and you won’t want to buy anything…
When your children color a holiday picture, why not make it an iron on?  You can purchase the kits you need at a craft store and iron the pictures onto a simple table runner or tablecloth to make it special.

Food:
Why not do potluck!  Who says you have to have the traditional holiday feast.  Make it easy on yourself and everyone else.  Do a picnic-type of holiday…sandwiches, deviled eggs, potato salad, etc.  Let everyone bring something simple.  After all, it’s the getting together with family and friends that matters, not what you eat.  Why not have a pizza holiday?  You can decorate each pizza to look like Christmas ornaments using pepperonis, and other pizza toppings.  Have fun and enjoy yourself!
If you still want to be more traditional, then why not have everyone bring the ingredients to their favorite recipes and have a baking/cooking party.  Everyone can help make everything!  Instead of one person doing it all.