The Spirit of ChristmasThe history of Christmas dates back over 4000 years. Many of our traditions were celebrated centuries before Jesus Christ was born.
The 12 days of Christmas, the bright fires, the yule log, the giving of gifts, parades with floats, carolers who sing while going from house to house, the holiday feasts, and the church processions can all be traced back to the early Mesopotamians.
Don't let this holiday season, which is meant to be enjoyed turn into the gift giving season of stress and frustration. Take some time to think about the people in your life and what they would really enjoy. Crafting for many is a very relaxing way to unwind after a long day. Crafting your way through this holiday season is a fantastic way to relieve the stress of the holiday season. Here are some great links to easy to make handmade gift ideas for all ages. We hope you enjoy them, and your holidays as much as we do.
Then check below for more on how to shop for the holidays without breaking the bank.
Beaded Earrings
6 WAYS TO SHOP FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON WITHOUT GOING INTO DEBT: 1. Make A List The best way to save on your holiday budget is to plan ahead. Never walk into a store or surf an online retailer without a clear idea of what you are looking for. Your list should include the individual you are buying for, the item you want to purchase and an estimated purchase price. Next year, you can start your list early. As friends and family mention something that want or need, put it on your list. 2. Shop With Cash The second best way to save on your Christmas gift-giving is to shop with cash, rather than credit card. Ever wonder why fast food chains like McDonald's started accepted credit cards? It's because research shows that the average patron spends more when they swipe their meal on a card rather than hand over cash. Use your list to add up all your estimated purchase prices and then put that total amount into your envelope. Mark it "holiday shopping" and tuck it into your wallet along with a copy of your list, so you can check it off as you go. 3. Give to Fewer People This advice may not sound much like the holiday spirit, but one way to save money on your holiday gift buying is to buy for fewer people. I can assure you, you won't be the only person this holiday season considering cutting some people out from the list. Consider a Secret Santa-type program. Rather than buying a small Christmas gift for each person in your group, everyone pick one name and be responsible for buying a moderately priced present for that person. 4. Get Crafty. Whether you are a gifted seamstress, knitter, woodworker or baker, everyone has some talent that can produce perfect holiday gifts. Even beginning knitters can make a simple scarf, with tons of free patterns online. Homebaked goods are always appreciated. Homemade clay ornaments are fun to make with little kids; start with one of the many free tutorials online. You can purchase a simple wooden box at a craft store and paint or decoupage it for a lovely keep-sake jewelry box. To save even more money with your crafting, try making your holiday projects out of items you already have at home. 5. Go Green. Save money and the environment by committing this holiday season to reduce, reuse and recycle. Do you have items at home that can be reused and repurposed for your holiday gift giving? This should be no problem if you are a crafter (see suggestion #4). Or what about an old sweater, which can be felted into a pair of wool leggings for a new baby? Instead of buying multiple Christmas gifts for your kids, consider getting just one or two quality items. By reducing your consumption, you will also reduce your holiday budget and all that wasted packaging -- much of which cannot be recycled. Speaking of packaging, why not make your own holiday gift wrap this year? If you have young children, you might already have a stack of art projects and coloring pages just begging to be turned into wrapping paper. If not, try sponge painting the inside of a paper grocery store bag. Even wrapping your gifts in an appropriate section of the newspaper is a great way to reduce costs and waste. Finally, if you purchase a real Christmas tree, be sure to recycle it. 6. Be Charitable. One of the best ways to honor the people in your life is by giving a charitable contribution. By blessing people truly in need, you connect with the spirit of the season.
If you do not have enough cash to make a charitable gift, just take a look around your home. At this time of year, shelters always welcome donations of used blankets, winter clothing, children's toys and unopened toiletries. Animal rescue groups appreciate second-hand blankets and towels with which to line cages. You might need to get a little creative, but if you are giving of yourself, the possibilities are endless.
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