Frugal Holiday Ideas

[latierra84]

I am in the middle of mentally planning our Christmas dinner. My father, step mom and my two younger siblings always come over and spend it with us.

I'm finding myself wanting to run out and buy this and that for that day and I need to keep close tabs on myself because with that debit card in hand, things can get ugly QUICK!

What are some things that you're doing this holiday season that are either FREE or very low cost, but big impact..?

An example would be like.. making handmade paper snowflakes with the kids and hanging them in the window, instead of going out and buying store bought decorations. Not only low cost but you also get that quality time with the kids. Play a little Christmas music in the background, really gets the mood in everyone.

I want to hear your ideas!

[Ceashels]

What about making ornaments out of non-edible dough or ginger bread.

Or make a gingerbread house.

Stringing popcorn and cranberries is a good time consumer as well, though I have found the birds do not like that they are strung together.

What about making candle lanterns. If you have any empty cans, fill them with water and freeze. When the block is solid, the kids can use a nail and hammer in a design. Let the ice melt out and you have a lovely lantern for a tea light or small candle (non-votive). You could also make a handle for it out of wire and hang them on a tree outdoors or make lots and wire them between the posts of an outdoor railing.

How about plugging citrus fruit with cloves and rolling in cinnamon and adding a ribbon. Pomander is the name of them ... i think.

[CampCrazyMom]

My girls make tons of snowmen out of construction paper. I also keep all the Christmas/winter art projects that they make in school in my Christmas bin. We've used pine cones in our decorating before - decorated with glue & glitter.
Paper chains are also popular. Green & red of course.

I bought a box of gingerbread "graham" crackers at the store last week. $2.00 - we're going to make up our own frosting and make a house of some sort. Then use up our leftover halloween candy as decorations on it.

I have some leftover Christmas crafts from oriental trading. I had split an order with someone last year. I need to dig those out.

I like the lantern idea! I may have to try that.

[latierra84]

My girls make tons of snowmen out of construction paper. I also keep all the Christmas/winter art projects that they make in school in my Christmas bin. We've used pine cones in our decorating before - decorated with glue & glitter.
Paper chains are also popular. Green & red of course.

I bought a box of gingerbread "graham" crackers at the store last week. $2.00 - we're going to make up our own frosting and make a house of some sort. Then use up our leftover halloween candy as decorations on it.

I have some leftover Christmas crafts from oriental trading. I had split an order with someone last year. I need to dig those out.

I like the lantern idea! I may have to try that.

ooOo! i like the graham cracker house idea and i know that ive got frosting at home. excellent, im trying this one!