Thursday, November 12, 2009

Lean Holidays...Fat Fun


So with the economy tanking (as much as the stock market has rebounded in the last 3 weeks, I am still reticent to believe that the United States, or other country's populations are seeing such a rebound locally) I have a feeling that the Holiday season we have all come to expect won't be quite the abundant and extravagant celebration. Instead of dwelling on the have not's this season, our family has decided to make the most of the loss of an untenable situation, and settle into "thrift".


A couple of ideas to get you through decorating, feasting, and gifting for whatever your particular Winter Holiday Traditions are:



  • Craigslist:

My favorite used shopping site, though newspaper ads and local bulletin boards are just as handy. You can find gently used decorations *cheap* in large lots, so as to eliminate the nickel and dime-ing of larger stores on per item purchases. You can find great gifts as well-remember gifts that are needed or useful don't have to be new-in fact, it is very eco-responsible to give those used tools, appliances, and RVs a new home rather than purchasing them new from the store. Many times you can find clothing lots in the size you need for children as well, that can get them through a whole season for the price of one outfit new as well. If you want to add your own creative flair, buy a bunch of different blankets and make a patchwork quilt or skirt to give to your Secret Santa this Christmas. The farm and garden section of this useful site also has great deals on produce that people grow and have surpluses on in their personal gardens-take advantage! For those that are having a hard time rubbing two pennies together, what do you have that you don't need anymore? Get rid of those things that are useful, just not to you, and use the barter section to get things to gift, eat, or pretty up your home, which brings me to my next idea.



  • Swap meets!

If you don't have one advertise (craigslist?) and start one. Bartering is a great tool for getting by in a rough economy, get rid of those high end shoes you wore once and trade for a 'new' bike for your tot.



  • Making do with what you have.

Get creative. Make a garland out of popped popcorn, and turn that too large dress into a hip skirt for your daughter, or a new board game out of scrap wood for your little boy. Cut down your own tree, or make one out of twigs and glue. Tie ribbons out of scraps from your sewing kit, and make ornaments out of old clothes and toys. Get the kids involved and let them get into the spirit of cooperation during the holidays. If you can't afford that Christmas or Thanksgiving turkey, make a chicken or a ham. Plump up your stuffing by dicing an apple you have lying around, or make dinner into a potluck with friends and family, so the financial burden is lessened on all, and make the holidays about community.



  • Give a little

Take the family to a soup kitchen to feed the homeless, or have your kids go through their old yet usable toys and give them to a child with less than yours. Buy that extra cranberry sauce and donate it to the food shelf. Times are tough for everyone, and if you have a little extra, be it time or money, to give to someone having a tougher time than you-do it! It puts a smile on everyone's face.



The Holiday Season doesn't have to be about the most lavish feasts and gifts, turn it back into a time of giving, family, and friends and dwell on what you have instead of what you might have lost.

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