I came across this post in my archives and had to reshare it because of the hilarious picture of Zoe decorating cookies with goggles on. Scroll down to the bottom. 😉
1. Give gifts to everyone you’ve ever met (or every relative you’ve got).
So what if you haven’t seen or talked to Great-Aunt Sally in 15 years? Buy her a gift!
Same goes for friends you hardly see. Also, don’t forget the mailman, the hairdresser, every neighbor, and all your children’s teachers.
2. Buy Christmas versions of everything in your home.
Everyday dishes will never work during December…you must have a snowman or Santa set.
The same goes for towels, nightlights, cups, mugs, and even picture frames.
All the things must be sparkly! and red! and green!
As an added bonus, these Christmas versions of everything will clutter up your home 11 months of the year. Sweet.
3. Buy all your gifts new.
So what if you could get twice the Duplos for half the price by buying them on Ebay? Go to a store where you can pay full price!
4. Don’t make any gifts
Only store-bought items should dwell under your tree.
5. Wrap everything using fancy, disposable gift wrap supplies
Everyone knows reusable wrapping is ugly anyway.
6. Never let someone else outspend you
That would be embarrassing. You’d better spend at least as much as they spend on you.
7. Don’t save any money before December rolls around
Just spend the money you were going to use to pay your mortgage or utility bill. You can always be a little late on the January bills.
8. Buy brand-new holiday outfits for the whole family
So what if you’re the same size you were last year? That dress is so last year. You need a new one. With shoes to match.
And don’t shop for kids’ holiday clothes second-hand. It’s not like the thrift stores are flooded with fancy little girl dresses or anything.
9. Get your priorities in order: 1. Stuff. 2. Shopping. 3. Experiences.
Cookie-decorating or trimming the tree has never been any child’s favorite part of Christmas.
“I don’t want the sprinklies to get me in the eyes!”, she said
Gail
Sunday 12th of November 2023
I remember the goggles and sprinklies and have even told people about it! Two other oldies I keep recalling are Sonia pushing a baby or a doll (?) in a stroller and you saying she'll be a great mother some day, and Zoe reading the depth of a swimming pool backward: something like telling you she'd stay in the shallow end of TF 1. Adorable. My granddaughter is planning on nursing school next year, so I sent her your Day in the Life. Thanks for all your enjoyable posts.
Becca
Sunday 12th of November 2023
Hoo, boy...reading through these old comments and seeing so much frugal on frugal hate...you just never know what will strike a nerve...my own brand of frugality is heavily influenced by laziness. Case in point: I've already got my fake tree up this year, but only because I left it up all year... ;)
Anyway, just wanted to comment that this is my favorite picture of Zoe ever.
tami
Wednesday 11th of January 2012
Did anyone mention tickets to Nutcracker Suite followed by a five course meal at a delicious restaurant?
Elaine in Ark
Thursday 1st of December 2011
(I see there's another Elaine hanging out here, so I'm changing my handle to Elaine in Ark.) . #10, Get some unexpected cash, and spend it at least twice. . I'm so good at this, it isn't funny. Then I have to go through a "super-frugal paycheck period" to catch back up.
Julia
Thursday 1st of December 2011
Well, do buy every year at least some new sets of (neon)lights to decorate the garden (and postbox etc). It doesn't matter if neighbours get some stress, they anyway don't understand your way of style. And besides, the lights make everyone a little happier. Yes they do. ;-) (and yes, this is not a thing I just heard of....:-)