In the Season of Giving

For families, like mine, who are counting every penny, the holidays can throw your whole budget out of whack. It used to take us a couple of months to get back on track again. A few years ago, I got tired of juggling bills, using credit cards, and spending too much money for Christmas gifts. I decided, with some early planning and creative thinking, we could have a great Christmas without taking out a second mortgage. Here are some ideas that might help you, too.

Take a Tip From Santa - Everyone knows Santa makes a list and checks it twice. You should do the same thing. I try to make my Christmas shopping list early, like June or July, but some people I know start as early as the day after Christmas. I try to be a thorough as I can on the list. I even include my daughter's teacher, co-workers and the mail carrier. I carry the list around in my purse so when I see a gift idea, I can write it down. I include the name of the store and the price so I can shop around for a better deal or wait until it goes on sale. I keep an eye on the sale flyers that come in Sunday's newspaper to see if anything on my list is discounted.

Gifts That Only Seem Expensive - If you think ahead, you have time to be creative in your gift giving. This year, my daughters are each getting a dress-up kit. (Shh, don't tell). I looked at garage sales in the summer and Goodwill during their 50% off Saturdays. I found old prom dresses, vests with sequins, sweaters with feathers, blouses with rhinestones, hats, scarves, neckties and handbags. A visit to a dollar store netted me some beaded necklaces and bangle bracelets. I sewed bunched up netting to a white headband to simulate a bride's veil. Then I it the after-Halloween sales where I found a crown, a feather boa, and assorted other accessories. I made simple white drawstring bags out of old pillowcases and monogrammed them with fabric paint. I'm sure my girls will have hours of fun playing make-believe with their dress-up kits. Total cost: about $12.00 each.

For a co-worker or friend, candles make great gifts. Nowadays you can find candles in all shapes and sizes with multiple wicks and unique stands. A department store candle arrangement can be pricy, so consider making you own. Shop second-hand stores and garage sales for pretty china plates, flower pots or anything else that can

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