Frugal Christmas

Christmas on a budget requires some planning ahead. And it's never too late (or too early) to start. 

This time of year, the school supplies are still on sale.  When my kids were younger, I'd buy art supplies for them on sale now, and save them for Christmas presents.

Kmart and Sears are offering free layaway.  Walmart and Toys R Us are also doing layaway again, though they *may* have a fee.  We have a Christmas savings account, so we don't use layaway, but we did when the kids were little, and it helped a lot.

The stores are now selling Halloween stuff, by the gazillion.  Which reminds me of another great idea.  A few years ago, I showed up bright and early on November 1st and bought wigs and other fun things.  Tucked them away for Christmas for the girls' pretend play.  They *loved* it!

As I think of more, I'll let you know.

The after-Christmas sales have been a boon to my budget as well.  We're still using the red Saran Wrap I bought for half-price last year.  I also look for Ziploc bags, napkins, paper towels, and tissues.  Who cares what it looks like if it does the job?!  Oh!  And Sharpies and packing tape.  Half-price because the packaging was Christmas-y.  Cuz, you know, all of that stuff stops working on December 26th because it's the wrong color!  ROFL!