Low-Budget Christmas

"We wish you a Merry Christmas. We wish you a Merry Christmas. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year...."

Times are hard this year but, Christmas doesn't have to hit our check books. This year because we're in a bind we decided to only buy presents for our children. We spent a total of 100.00 dollars on all three. Over a two month period. This year the kids are into fishing, so off to Wal-Mart we went. We spent 15.00 on each of them for a new fishing pole and an additional 20.00 for brand new reels. On the baby we went to The Dollar Tree and spent all of 25.00 on her.

Furthermore, instead of going out and buying a real tree I dug out my artificial tree from the garage. If you have to have a real tree, try not to spend more than 20.00. A Christmas list with a budget for everyone you decide to buy for this year is always a good idea. Make a list of the people who you are buying for and stick to it. Just remember, it's not the amount you spend, it's the thought that counts. Most people don't think about this either...visit your local Dollar Store. I always find good gift ideas for a dollar. And don't forget you can make your own. The Dollar Stores usually have plenty of craft ideas, too.

Just so the rest of the family doesn't think we forgot about them this Christmas, we're giving away cookies this year to our family and friends. Here's some great ideas for that, too. I spent a whole day on Sunday baking cookies.

Mississippi Mud Cookies-are no bake and takes all of about 15 minutes for those who are pressed for time. You do everything on the stove top and then drop them onto wax paper to cool. That takes maybe 30 min.

I also baked Chocolate Chip, of course. Chocolate Chip/Walnut. And Mint Chip Cookies as well.

I will be visiting my local Dollar Tree to pick up baskets and tissue paper to line the cookies in. This will make them more presentable when they are delivered to my family and friends on Christmas. If this is an idea that appeals to you, there is other options as well. You can choose to put your cookies in decorative bags or on paper plates wrapped in cellophane. These items you can also find at your local Dollar Store.

If you do not have ingredients for cookies you can find most of them at your local Grocery Store. Most of these items are on sale right now. Ususlly at 2 for 3.00. Just check it out and plan carefully so this year you will not over extend yourself.

Christmas is a time for sharing and giving without expecting anything in return. So, go out there and just have fun. Remember your family and your friends by making a phone call and wishing them a Merry Christmas. The children should not be the ones to suffer in this low econimic time so don't let them. Christmas is for the Children and may God bless them.

And this year offer a prayer for our fallen soldiers in Iraq and don't forget about the ones who are still there. They have not forgotten you. Most of them will be spending Christmas away from their families so wish them Good Cheer as well.

May God bless you and keep you always and forever near his heart.

Merry Christmas from my family to yours.

Laree D.