Frugal Holidays

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Frugal holidays help keep you focused on having a fun and enjoyable celebration without worrying about how you'll pay for extra expenses.

Celebrate the holidays for less.

Preparing for Frugal Holidays

Proponents of frugal living keep in mind the following rules when preparing for the holidays:

Plan ahead. Shopping at the last minute for all the items you need for your holiday celebration may be convenient, but it's also very expensive.
Be creative. Approach your budget-friendly celebration with the attitude that it is an opportunity to have a unique and one-of-a-kind event.
Keep your expectations realistic. A frugal celebration can be fun and festive, but it's probably not going to look like a party showcased on your favorite TV show or in the pages of a slick home décor magazine.

Buy Gifts in Bulk

If gifts will be a part of your holiday celebration, the best way to save money is to buy items in bulk. A set of Christmas tree ornaments, a box of coordinating picture frames, or a scented candle sampler box can be broken apart and redistributed to make several smaller gifts.

To save even more money on frugal holidays, check for coupon codes and special promotions using an online shopping resource such as Retail Me Not. If you have extra storage space, try to stock up on items throughout the year and create a gift closet of presents that can be used as needed.

Make "Experiences" More Important than "Things"

It's true that little kids associate presents with holidays, but even young children can be taught to appreciate that there is more to celebrating than simply opening a pile of gifts. Look for frugal ways to get into the holiday spirit, such as cooking a special meal together or making a fun craft project.

Decorate for Less

When decorating for a holiday celebration, think of ways you can creatively reuse items around your home. For example, to decorate for Christmas, try the following:

Add a base of pine cones or extra Christmas tree ornaments around a centerpiece of plain white candles.
Tie ribbon bows around throw pillows to make them look like Christmas presents.
Fill a glass vase with peppermint candies and oranges for a simple and colorful decoration.
Replace your everyday framed photos with pictures of your family and friends celebrating the holidays mounted on mats made from patterned paper that coordinates with the rest of your holiday décor.

If you have children, remember that handmade decorations have a special appeal of their own. Plus, kids love to get into the holiday spirit by cutting hearts from construction paper to decorate for Valentine's Day or making paper bag turkeys to use as a centerpiece for Thanksgiving dinner.

Ask for Help

When throwing a holiday party, don't feel like you need to shoulder the entire expense on your own. In most cases, people are glad to bring an item or two if asked. Even friends and family members who hate to cook are often willing to help with providing napkins, plates, or cups for the guests.

If you borrow decorations or other items that must be returned after the event, don't forget to make a list of their rightful owners before the party starts.

Cut Travel Expenses

If you're flying, plan to spend some time looking for the best rates on airline tickets. Using sites like Priceline to check for discounts is a good start, but don't forget other resources as well. Many professional organizations offer discounts for members on airline travel. Even AARP provides significant discounts for those who are eligible.

If you're driving, take your car in for routine maintenance before you leave to make sure it's operating at maximum efficiency. Pack a small cooler with snacks and drinks to eliminate the need for pricey stops at restaurants on the way to your destination.