So here we are at the beginning of December and many of us have just been recently hit with the news Christmas is on the 25th of this month. What are we going to do? We need to get stuff for the kids or they will be devastated. We need to buy gifts for all of our friends and relatives or they will think we are not successful.

This year we want it to be different. We NEED it to be different, because everything about our economy is different. But we still want to show those we love how special they are to us, and there are many ways to do that better than anything we can buy for them.

First, the main point that we need to get a hold of and make sure is front and center in all that we are doing is Christmas is not about presents – it is about a Savior being born. We hear it all the time and will be repeated multiple times this year Jesus is the reason for the season, but how many of us actually do this and put aside the idea buying gifts, running around crazy from here to there, filling our calendar until we cannot see straight? What about a novel idea of really making an effort to slow down this year take time extra time to spend with your Heavenly father and drawing closer to Him and gaining a better understanding of the gift that He gave to us.

Second, there are many websites you can visit to get great ideas for an inexpensive Christmas. A hard one to do but still you have plenty of time to start your shopping early and shop eBay for the items you want gently used and working great (but be careful not to get pulled in and end up paying more during and auction than you could buy it for new). You need to do your research and make sure the “great deal” really is.

Craig’s list is another wonderful place to find what you are looking for at a fraction of what it costs new. The best part is you can find it locally and not have to worry about shipping or if it will get here in time.

Here are some more sites to check out:
63 Gifts Ideas for Under $10
www.betterbudgeting.com/articles/money/63giftsunder10dollars.htm

39 Frugal Tips for saving Money @ Christmas.
www.betterbudgeting.com/articles/holidays/saveatchristmas.htm

Third, look at your talents and choose to make gifts this year such as baked goods, jellies and jams. If you are one who sews or knits, be creative in making items to give this year. Consider getting together with some friends and have a day together that you make cakes or cookies to give as gifts. Not only do you get your gifts done, but you also spend quality time with a friend.

Another area to look at to save money is the cards you are sending. Remember, not only do the cards cost, but the postage does too. Consider this sending a personal email instead to update your friends on your past year.

The main point is to be creative! Take some time and let you mind go and see what you can come up with. I am sure you will be amazed at the ideas you have deep inside.