Money Saving

 

Tips For The Holidays!

 

by Sharon Grehan Howes

 

 

As with all holidays remember: it's the impression of giving rather than the gift itself that counts.

 

Take your children to see Santa at the Mall and tell them it's Disneyland. When they get older they'll resent you for it but the money you save will be worth it.

 

If your coworkers are drawing names for a gift exchange, put yours in twice and don't take one out.

 

Recycle presents don't worry about keeping track of who gave what to whom. If the person that gave it to you ends up with it--all the better, after all, in order to purchase it for you they must have liked it.

 

Become a Quaker. All you need to do is capitalize the word Friend and talk about inner light a lot. It's tiresome, but you will save so much on gifts.

 

The old standby "a donation has been made in your name." is a classic.

 

To save money on groceries at holiday time make hors d'ouevres out of supplies you already have but don't use. Your guests will go nutty over their relish cones, cracker-burgers and olive-sicles.

 

If you're a fan of live theatre but find the cost prohibitive, hold auditions for A Christmas Carol or any other holiday fave in your living room. Simply post a notice and ask the actors to memorize the entire piece.

 

If you wish to see the play again--tell the actor's it's a "callback."

 

Bar Coasters make terrific Christmas cards.

 

When you're out to dinner with friends you have two options: pretend you lost your wallet or set yourself on fire. Oddly enough the first one is harder to pull off as you will be expected to kick in your share eventually. It would insensitive to approach you for money after the second.

 

For that family get together, pot luck is the only way to go. Have a supply of empty foil wrapped platters and Tupperware containers in the kitchen, (to make it look like you made an effort) and simply put them away with the real food arrives.

 

If your neighbourhood store has a "give a penny take a penny tray' then take full advantage.

 

Cosmetics are incredibly expensive So before you trip the light fantastic make up at the mall.

 

When entertaining call all the caterer's in your neighbourhood and arrange a food tasting for the night of your party. Tell them you are chairman of a big charity and they'll pull out all the stops.

 

"It's the thought that counts" this motto is the thrifty women's loop hole so glue anything to anything else, call it a craft and you're off the hook!

 

 

Copyright Sharon Grehan-Howes