Saving Families Money Since 2007
Silas, in April of 2010, playing with a box (It’s amazing how much he’s grown up in the last year and a half!)
Who says you need to spend hundreds of dollars on fancy gadgets and gizmos for children to have fun? GeekDad says the top five toys of all time are:
1. Sticks
2. Cardboard Boxes
3. String
4. Cardboard Tube
5. Dirt
Go read the full article if you need a laugh or just a reminder that sometimes the best things in life don’t cost any money.
Related: Dealing With Toy Overload
As a child, one of the highlights of Christmas was receiving all the Christmas cards and letters from friends near and far. We’d keep the letters in a basket, string the cards around our living room, and put the family pictures on the refrigerator.
Sometimes, the Christmas letter was our only real communication with friends from our past. But it kept us up on their lives and gave us a small sense of connection, even though our paths had drifted apart.
It was always exciting to hear of marriages, babies, grandchildren, trips, new jobs, and exciting adventures. It was fun to see how the family pictures changed over the years. And it was always somewhat of a thrill to see how many strings of cards we’d be able to hang up.
Many people opt not to send Christmas cards or letters any more. There are many valid reasons given: “We’re too busy living life to take the time to write about it.” “We can’t afford to mail cards since postage has gone up so much.” Or maybe, “We didn’t get a decent family picture.”
I definitely think that Christmas cards and letters are an optional aspect of Christmas and I totally respect people who have chosen not to send cards in order to keep Christmas simple. That said, I think that we’ve become so used to texting and Facebooking and emailing, that sometimes we forget the joy of sending and receiving real physical mail via the postal service.
If the thought of writing a detailed letter is overwhelming to you, here are some creative Christmas letter ideas:
Put together a Top 10 list from the past year.
Make a graph of some interesting facts from the past year.
Create a newspaper-style letter with short stories and tidbits from the past year.
If you’ve decided that sending a Christmas letter isn’t your thing or mailing out a lot of cards or letters is outside your budget, here are some other ideas:
::Send photo cards.
We’ve skipped sending a letter for the past few years, but we have sent out photo cards. It’s a very simple way to send a Christmas greeting and share pictures of our family with dear friends and those we don’t get to see often. Plus, with deals like the one available from SeeHere (20 photo cards for $1.49 shipped!), creating photo cards can be very inexpensive!
::Send out your letter as a PDF via email.
Can’t afford to mail your letter? It’s perfectly okay to send it out as a PDF attachment via email. Be sure to include some sort of teaser in the email you send out so that people will be sure to open the attachment and read the letter! 🙂
::Post your Christmas card on Facebook.
Jenae’s family decided to post their Christmas picture/card on Facebook this year in lieu of sending out a Christmas card. This might not work for everyone–especially if most of your recipients are not on Facebook–but it’s definitely an inexpensive option!
Do you send out a Christmas card or letter or do some sort of creative alternative? I’d love to hear what works for your family!
Practical Application
1. Decide whether or not you are sending out a Christmas card or letter this year.
2. If you decide to send out something, get it created or written sometime in the next 48 hours.
3. Create your address list (if you’re mailing cards) or the email list (if you’re emailing out your card/letter) and save it in a file to have next year. (I did not set up an address list on the computer until this past year and it’s been a lifesaver to have all the addresses in one place and a place to file new addresses as I collect them. Believe me, the whole scraps of paper thing wasn’t working too well!)
4. Mail or email your cards out by the end of this week so that they will arrive before Christmas.
One of our greatest hopes as parents is that our three children will be givers. We want our children to really and truly understand that everything we have has been given to us by God and that our role is to be conduits of His blessings to others. Whether we have little or an abundance, the more we open our hands and hearts to others and give generously, the more we’re blessed in return.
We’ve talked about this a lot in our home and have sought to model a giving and serving lifestyle to our children. However, when children are young, it’s hard to know how much is really sinking in. But in the past two months, I discovered maybe they were picking up more than I realized…
We were riding in the van together one day in October and Kathrynne (6) said out-of-the-blue, “Mom, I’d really like to do Operation Christmas Child boxes.”
It was already something I was hoping we could do again this year, so I said, “Sure, honey, we can definitely do that. Did you have anything specific in mind?”
“Well,” she said, “I was thinking I could take my money that I’ve been saving all year to pay for them.”
I sat up in my seat and looked back into her eyes. She was completely serious about this.
And then she said, “I’d like to do 10 boxes. Five for girls and five for boys.”
At this point, my husband and I both had tears in our eyes.
You see, Kathrynne had been saving all year for a large-ticket item. She’d done a lot of chores to earn the money, and, after tithing, we’d let her set aside the rest for this item she’d been wanting to buy.
We knew she almost had enough money to pay for this item and she’d been eagerly talking about buying it and using it. And yet, here she was saying she wanted to use almost all of her hard-earned and carefully-saved money to pay to fill 10 Operation Christmas Child boxes.
Over the course of the next week, she planned out what she wanted to buy, she shopped for the items, and paid for everything with her own money. Then she wrote cards to all of the children, helped pack the boxes, and took them to the drop-off point.
As a parent, I couldn’t have been prouder of my child. And by the smile on her face and the excitement about the whole thing, I knew it was so much more fulfilling to her than buying something for herself ever would have been.
But I was more than just proud. I was deeply touched and challenged to examine my own heart and attitude toward giving. I realized that while I love to give to others, often, I’ll give from my abundance, instead of giving in a way that costs me something near and dear.
Kathrynne didn’t give from her abundance: she gave up buying something she had long waited for and long wanted so she could help children who have little or nothing. It meant she didn’t get to buy something she’d looked forward to owning for months, but she was okay with that, because she knew there were others who needed the money more than she needed a new toy.
Instead of me teaching my daughter about giving, she’s the one teaching me through her example. And I’m left inspired and motivated to give generously–without worrying about what it will mean I have to give up in return.
Christmas wouldn’t be complete without good Christmas stories. We checked out a huge stack of Christmas books from the library this year and, so far, here are our favorites:
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey
What are some of your family’s favorite Christmas books read-alouds? I’d love to find new ones to add to our list of favorites!
Practical Application
::If you have younger children, gather a basket-full of Christmas read-alouds and plan a daily time to read for 10-15 minutes. Let your children choose from the basket to make it more engaging for them. For additional fun, wrap up the books and let them unwrap a few each day.
::If you don’t have young children, choose at least a few Christmas-related books to enjoy over the Christmas season–either reading through with friends or just yourself.
Tutorial by Heather from Life in God’s Country
Wash your fabric then iron it.
For the breadbasket napkins, cut a strip 22″ wide by the width of the fabric (44/45″). Cut this in half. You should have 2-22″ squares. (Trim to make it square, if necessary.)
For the napkins, cut the remaining fabric into strips 14″ wide by the width of the fabric (44/45″). Then, cut each strip into 3 equal pieces. You should have 12-14″ squares. (Trim to make it square, if necessary.)
To create the hemmed edges:
On each piece of fabric, using a straight stitch, sew a 1/4″ seam on all 4 sides. Trim the corners so when you fold in the sides, you’ll reduce the bulk of fabric.
Fold the fabric (wrong sides together) on the stitching line then fold it in again. Iron the hem to hold it together before you stitch it.
Using a straight stitch (or decorative stitch, if you prefer), sew the folded edges down.
Fold each piece in quarters and you have a nice gift set of napkins.
Heather and her husband, Phillip, own Bogie’s Deli in downtown Abilene, TX. Heather is a stay-at-home mom to their two girls, ages 3 and 10 months, and is actively involved in MOPS. Visit her blog, Life in God’s Country.
I had a really good week last week–even if I didn’t get a whole lot crossed off my list. It was relaxing, peaceful–and I got more than enough sleep every night–which felt so good! I’ve really been trying to go to bed earlier on a very consistent basis and I’m starting to really feel the difference. Now if I can just keep this up long-term! 🙂
Last week’s goals:
Family/Mothering Goals
1. Finish reading These Happy Golden Years.
2. Do some fun Christmas crafts/activities with the children.
3. Continue unwrapping and reading 2-3 Christmas books each day.Personal Goals
4. Finish reading Kisses from Katie and Getting Things Done.
5. Finish and order Christmas photo cards.
6. Run 6.5 miles.Home Management Goals
7. Do at least one load of laundry from start to finish every week day.
8. Make Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day.
Business Goals
9. Film some video segments for my publisher.
10. Write five posts for the 21 Days to a More Organized Christmas series.
This week’s goals:
Family/Mothering Goals
1. Finish reading These Happy Golden Years.
2. Do some fun Christmas crafts/activities with the children.
3. Continue unwrapping and reading 2-3 Christmas books each day.
4. Take the girls to see The Nutcracker ballet.
Personal Goals
5. Finish reading Kisses from Katie and Getting Things Done.
6. Run 8 miles.
Home Management Goals
7. Address and mail Christmas cards.
8. Make Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day (I’m really determined to accomplish this this week–since I’ve put it off all week!)
Business Goals
9. Film some video segments for my publisher.
10. Write five posts for the 21 Days to a More Organized Christmas series.
How did you do on last week’s goals? What are your goals for this week? I’d love to have you share your progress on last week’s goals and your goals for this coming week in the comments. Of, if you’ve blogged about it, leave your direct link below. Let’s cheer each other on to live purposeful and productive lives!
You can download a free customizable weekly goal-planning sheet here.
Guest post by Elise Adams.
Even in the most media-careful home, it’s likely that our kids are exposed to the materialistic messages floating around this time of year. In my home, our kids don’t watch TV, yet they still know what a Pillow-Pet is!
Not only are we challenged to provide a happy, true Spirit-focused Christmas season for them, we are also challenged with helping them learn how to give to others without falling into the “just buy a great gift” trap. I believe that there are a few simple steps we can take to transform our children’s outlook on Christmas as they prepare to join us in giving:
Just as we are making our lists and budgets, our kids can make their own list of family and friends who they’d like to give to. Maybe it’s just Grandparents, parents and siblings. Or, they may want to include a few friends. Helping them see the total number of gifts they’d like to give will instill a ‘big picture’ view for them.
Re-gifting has gotten a bad name, yet the growing concept of green-gifting is starting to put a different spin on this old no-no. Instead of picking something we don’t like from our own stash, focus on finding ‘hidden’ treasures that our friends/family have spoken about enviously.
Even a 5-year-old can handle a 3-person $5/each budget. An older child can understand a more complicated prioritized budget, spending more for Mom and Dad, and spending less on friends. Using the envelope system with a name for each person and the money budgeted inside can be a great teaching tool!
Talk about what each person on our child’s list likes, or doesn’t like. Start by asking our kids to remember their favorite gifts and what they are hoping to receive this year.
“How did you feel when Mommy remembered your favorite color on your birthday?” for instance. Then move into how Grandma will love the photo with a handmade frame from them, for instance. Not only will this help our children come up with gift-giving ideas, but it will expand their empathy and deepen their character.
It’s so easy to talk about running out of money, or to complain about not getting what we want this year! Are we paying attention to our own attitudes and how this is teaching our kids to think/feel about Christmas gift-giving?
Instead of saying “We don’t have money for that.” How about practicing a different message? Such as: “We’re choosing to have a simpler Christmas this year.”
Children won’t get a “poverty mindset” unless we teach it to them. Neither will they develop a healthy perspective unless we consistently model one!
Elise Adams has served clients and audiences across the United States as the NewLife Recovery Coach, offering common-sense inspiration and transforming truths she’s gathered from over 10+ years of personal recovery. Since the Summer of 2010 Elise has personally coached dozens of clients through organizing, recovery, and personal challenges.
Breakfasts
Hard-boiled eggs, bananas
Scrambled eggs with cheese, apple slices
Bagels with peanut butter and bananas
Cookie Dough Baked Oatmeal
Waffles, scrambled eggs
Oatmeal
Chocolate Banana Bread, scrambled eggs, fruit saladLunches
Macaroni & cheese with baked chopped chicken, green beans
PB&J, carrot sticks, apple slices
Egg salad sandwiches, peas, pears
Black beans and rice, carrot sticks, pear slices
Tossed salad with hard-boiled eggs, feta cheese, and dried cranberries
Leftovers x 2Snacks
Fruit/veggies
Cheese/crackers
Granola Bars
Chocolate No-Bake Energy BitesDinners
Baked fish, twice-baked potatoes, steamed broccoli
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake, fruit salad, steamed veggies
Frito Chili Pie, fruit salad, steamed veggies
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Homemade Pizza in Less Than 30 Minutes, carrot sticks, pear slices
Dinner with friends
Dinner at church Christmas dinnerFreezer Cooking
Chocolate Banana Bread
Chocolate No-Bake Energy Bites
Homemade Pizza dough
Sugar cookie dough
What’s on your menu this week? Share details and/or your link to your menu plan in the comments.
I’ve heard of an oatmeal bath before, but I love how A Delightful Home puts a twist on this idea by pairing Oatmeal Cookies with an Oatmeal Cookie Bath mix.
You could put this in a gift basket with a box of some sort of relaxing tea and a yummy-smelling candle and you’d have a gift that many women would love.
Have you blogged about a unique and inexpensive last-minute gift idea? Submit it here for possible publication in the next week.
Guest post by Ashley from Embracing Beauty
Christmas is great for spending time with friends and family, as well as giving gifts. Unfortunately, too many times, though, people don’t properly plan ahead for it and they end up making a list of money mistakes.
The key to avoiding a holiday season that puts your bank account in the red is to start planning early. Here are my top 10 money-saving tips to help you steer clear of holiday debt and to get a good financial start to the new year:
Last but not least, remember that the spirit of Christmas isn’t about “stuff.” You can have a giving spirit without having a maxed-out credit card. Don’t forget the reason for the season!
Ashley is very happily married and the mother to a beautiful little girl. She teaches couponing classes and authors the frugal blog, Embracing Beauty, where she encourages others to Embrace God’s best for their finances, home, and life.
In this series so far, we’ve talked about the importance of creating and sticking with a Christmas budget. We’ve also discussed how to create a gift list based upon your budget.
While you can take your budget and gift list and just go pick up a gift at the store or wait and find a deal online, there are other options to traditional gifts that can be less expensive. And for some on your gift list, these would be more meaningful than just buying something at the store.
Homemade Oreos from I Heart Naptime
Unless your recipient has food allergies, it’s hard to go wrong with food gifts. Gifts in a Jar are always popular, though I’d recommend that you make and try the recipe-in-a-jar first, before making extras as gifts. We’ve had a few that looked like a great idea but actually turned out not to work well when you dumped the contents of the jar into a bowl and put the recipe together.
I also love the idea of giving homemade cookie dough. It can be frozen and saved to use after all the Christmas goodies are eaten up. And nothing quite beats freshly made chocolate chip cookies!
Other food gift ideas: Year-Round Yum, Vinegar Infusion Set, a coffee & tea gift basket, Homemade Marshmallows, and Homemade Hot Drink Mixes,
12 Days of Christmas Gifts for Teachers from How Does She
As a minimalist, I love consumable gifts! They can be meaningful and memorable, but they don’t result in clutter. I shared five of my favorite consumable gift ideas here. JesseLeigh also shared a great post last year with many clutter-free gift ideas.
Other consumable gift ideas: Homemade Body Scrubs, Gluing Craft Box, 12 Days of Christmas Gifts for Teachers, a calendar, stationery or note cards, and gift cards.
Fingerprint Ornaments from The Gardner’s Dirt
Most food gifts and consumable gifts are handmade, but there are plenty of other handmade gifts that don’t fall into those two categories. Handmade gifts are usually very economical and they can be customized especially for the recipient. Not everyone appreciates handmade gifts, but even if the gift you give isn’t something the recipient loves, I can guarantee that most people will feel very honored and blessed that you took the time and effort to make something for them.
I shared a number of do-it-yourself gift ideas for children here. Amy has a great list of 36 handmade gift ideas. And Brandy blogged on some great ideas for handmade gifts that won’t cost you anything.
Other Handmade Gift Ideas: The Question Jar, Homemade Playdough, DIY Car Mat Backpack, Fingerprint Ornament, and Build-Your-Own Snowman Kits.
Those are just a few of my ideas. I’d love to hear your favorite homemade gift ideas–especially those that have been especially well received! If you’ve blogged about it, be sure to leave your link in the comments.
Practical Application
1. Sometime in the next 24 hours, sit down with your Christmas gift list and finalize exactly what you are giving each person. If you find it helpful, use the Master List here or the Organized Christmas list here
2. Plan a shopping day or days in the next week and make a plan for where and when you’ll buy each item. If you’re planning to make any homemade gifts, write down all the supplies you need to buy and block off time on your calendar in the next week to ten days to make and finish these.
3. If you begin to feel overwhelmed at any time, step back and re-evaluate whether there are some things that you can cross off your list. It’s not worth making something if you’re going to be all stressed out about it for three weeks!
Guest post by April from Frugal Homemaking
One of the recipients on my gift list this year enjoys following a healthy eating lifestyle. I wanted to make a homemade gift, but cookies, candies, and baked goods would not be ideal for this person. I had a light bulb moment when I saw how much he enjoyed creating new salad combinations–a flavored vinegar sampler would be perfect!
Infusions lend a lovely color to the vinegar, making it a practical and pretty consumable gift. These vinegars can be used in marinades, vinaigrettes, or exchanged in any recipe that calls for regular vinegar. This gift would be perfect for those who enjoy cooking and eating healthfully or anyone with a flair for the unusual.
1. In sterile canning jars, pour 4 oz. of vinegar in each (you may need more/less depending on the size of your cruets).
2. Add strawberries and 1 Tablespoon sugar to the first; add blueberries and 1 Tablespoon sugar to the second; add Italian herbs to the third; add jalapeno pepper and cloves to the fourth.
3. Stir the sugar and fruits until the sugar is dissolved.
4. Secure lids to canning jars. Shake to combine contents of each of the four jars.
5. Let it stand in a cool place for a few hours to a couple of weeks, allowing the mixture to steep and infuse the vinegar. Shake daily.
6. Strain the vinegar through a coffee filter-lined colander. Discard solids.
7. Pour infused vinegars into sterilized cruets.
8. Label and decorate.
April blogs about her attempts to live frugally, creatively, and contentedly at Frugal Homemaking. She is enjoying the wild ride of life with her husband Ben and two girls, Grace and Leah.
