Ok you live frugal but Christmas is right around the corner. Now what.

[moodlymoo]

6chickens in St. Charles :

My big splurge will be Saint Nicholas Day on Dec 6th, where I will spend about $10 per kid to stuff their shoes with chocolate coins, a christmassy craft and a few bucks worth of quarters to indulge in the new "vending machine cafe" at the library! (Our library is EVIL I can't believe they did that, my kids are there 3 or 4 times a week, now they'll be loaded with pop and candy too)

I thought I was the only one who celebrated St. Nicholas Day​

 

[dlc]

I too got laid off this year, but we have practiced a frugal Christmas for years. I can my garden produce in summer and gift salsas, jams, jellies and pickles for all occasions. Everyone likes that. I also crochet gifts. My family has always drawn names so you only need to provide one gift. Last year my niece, sister and mom had a baking day. They split the cookies between them and gave out plates of cookies as gifts. (I know even baking supplies cost money.) I've made gift boxes (card board wrapped in old Christmas paper) with items purchased at the Dollar Store - nobody knows where the items come from and I don't apologize for it. If you can get an item for cheap or free, you're smart.

My mother who is 76 & living on Social Security gives something to every child, grandchild & great grandchild. This year she crocheted fingerless mittens for all the girls - 3 pairs from a large skein of yarn comes to less than $2 a pair. For the guys she's knitting beenie hats. Everyone loves them!

My daughter would make personal cards and book markers from construction paper as a kid. I still have some.

One more idea, have your children create a book as a gift for Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, etc. They're own story with pictures is priceless!

It just takes a little time and effort. Sometimes we cave and make purchases just because its easier. My family was probably considered poor when I grew up. We knew we would get the clothes we needed for Christmas. It wasn't the toys we thought we wanted, but at least we got something. I don't think America really understands hard times yet, but we're getting there. Best of luck to everyone and may you have the best Christmas possible.

 

[dlc]

I too got laid off this year, but we have practiced a frugal Christmas for years. I can my garden produce in summer and gift salsas, jams, jellies and pickles for all occasions. Everyone likes that. I also crochet gifts. My family has always drawn names so you only need to provide one gift. Last year my niece, sister and mom had a baking day. They split the cookies between them and gave out plates of cookies as gifts. (I know even baking supplies cost money.) I've made gift boxes (card board wrapped in old Christmas paper) with items purchased at the Dollar Store - nobody knows where the items come from and I don't apologize for it. If you can get an item for cheap or free, you're smart.

My mother who is 76 & living on Social Security gives something to every child, grandchild & great grandchild. This year she crocheted fingerless mittens for all the girls - 3 pairs from a large skein of yarn comes to less than $2 a pair. For the guys she's knitting beenie hats. Everyone loves them!

My daughter would make personal cards and book markers from construction paper as a kid. I still have some.

One more idea, have your children create a book as a gift for Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, etc. They're own story with pictures is priceless!

It just takes a little time and effort. Sometimes we cave and make purchases just because its easier. My family was probably considered poor when I grew up. We knew we would get the clothes we needed for Christmas. It wasn't the toys we thought we wanted, but at least we got something. I don't think America really understands hard times yet, but we're getting there. Best of luck to everyone and may you have the best Christmas possible.