Happy Healthy Families

Spending more money than you have is not a great way to spend the holidays or start the new year. Here are a few frugal holiday ideas from decorating to gifting that can help save money this Christmas season:

1. Holiday Decoration Easy and Cheap:  Fill a glass bowl with glass ball ornaments. Try using all the same colors or mix them up! Just keep this decoration away from little hands--place on a table or high shelf.

2.  Use pinecones to fill baskets, bowls and vases. If you like, spray them with gold and silver spray paint as well.

3.  Visit your library and borrow Christmas books and magazines--place in baskets by couches and/or stack them on coffee tables.

4. Bake and decorate sugar cookies. Get some inexpensive tea cups and coffee mugs and fill with cookies. Wrap with a pretty ribbon and some cellophane for an inexpensive gift from the heart.

5. Shop Your Closet First. Maybe there is a pretty scarf you have never used....or a cute hat just sitting gathering dust. We know not everyone is a believer of re-gifting, but if money is tight and you really want to give someone a present anyway, an used picture frame, unopened perfume or such can save the Christmas spirit!

6. Shop Thrift Stores. You can find some wonderful inexpensive gifts at Thrift Shops. From tea cups to books, ornaments and knick knacks..you can save money while still making sure to gift everyone on your list!

7. Make it a 'Holiday Without Gifts For Family and Friends.' For all the grown-ups on your family and friends list, suggest taking the holiday stress off everyone by making it a Holiday Without Gifts for a change! Do potluck get togethers, brunches and such, and save money instead.

Another twist would be to make it a 'Homemade Christmas' only--gifts that everyone makes at home. No spending, shopping or stressing.

Most of all, remember this is a special time that goes by fast. Relax, enjoy and savor the moments of this holiday season!