Christmas Time on a Dime~Featured in the Managu Magazine-November/December 2011 Issue

**Thanks to Leah Malanum for inviting me to write an article for the magazine. It is an honor to share my Holiday frugal tips and spread the love.** Happy Holidays Everyone:)

Christmas Time on a Dime

By: Michelle S.N. Sasamoto

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas; then suddenly reality hits and our gift-giving list and things to buy to prepare for the season seem bottomless. What should be a joyous time spent with friends and family becomes overtaken with the busy roadways, crowded retail stores and stress of a limited budget. What to do, you ask. Well, don’t fret just turn to your imagination for some thrifty but chic homemade gift and décor ideas that will take center stage with your loved ones. One of my favorite ways to trim the fat off my Holiday budget without compromising the quality of my gifts or décor is to break out my crafting supplies, pretty ribbons and baking pans. Over the years, I’ve made Christmas cards, ornaments and baked goods for my friends and family who anticipate what they will be receiving the next year. Another cost-saving technique that I’ve discovered is to plan early to avoid the madness.

Christmas cards and decorations are incredibly over-priced for this frugal mommy. A pack of good quality Christmas cards can be priced as high as $30.00. On the average, a single tree ornament costs about $5.00. In the past years, I’ve managed to still boast beautiful Christmas trees; a well decorated home, and handed out well-received wonderful homemade gifts without creating a financial strain and worries of paying off my debts when the New Year rolls in.

Maybe you’re thinking; there is no way that you have the time to create and make homemade things. I assure you that once you make a decision to give it a try, you’d be amazed at the benefits. You save money, engage family members and have fun in the process. Here are some of my helpful tips.

Preparing for a stress free holiday season:

1) Plan ahead-make a “things to do list” in October; include ideas of your décor theme, gift list, holiday foods and little elves or helpers.

2) Research your ideas-I believe that if you’ve thought of something amazing, someone else has thought of it before you so why reinvent the wheel? Maximize your internet search engine by typing in your key words and browse websites or photos for inspiration. This will help you to stay focused on the mode you want to attain.

3) Avoid the holiday rush-shop online to avoid long retail lines and empty shelves, visit your favorite retail stores early to get the best deals.

4) Use items you already have at home-your house is a hidden treasure chest waiting to be discovered. It’s time to go from room to room, storage bin to storage bin to pull out your collection of favorite holiday possessions.

5) Recycle items-Use cookie cutters for tree ornaments and old plates for candle holders.

6) Family gifts-Instead of individual gifts, consider giving one gift to the whole family. One year I made Christmas movie baskets that included a DVD movie, a liter of soda, a box of microwavable popcorn and some candies you would find at a movie theatre. The best part is that it cost me less than $25.00.

7) Make it a family affair- Set a family project day so everyone is contributing and sharing ideas. This brings the spirit of the Holidays to your dining table and the true meaning of the season is celebrated.

Remember, it’s the thought that counts. The Holidays are a time to celebrate with people you love and stress should be minimal. Follow these helpful tips and enjoy “Christmas time on a dime”.

For more frugal holiday ideas, visit my resource blog at www.favoritesbymichelle.blogspot.com

Hand crafted and hand stamped greeting cards

Cookie Platter

Paper crafted ornaments