Getting through this holiday season without requesting a federal bailout may seem impossible, but there are some ways to cut excessive holiday costs down and make this holiday season one to remember instead of one to forget.
Anyone that has been to the super stores this month has seen an endless amount of holiday decoration items for sale.
These items seem harmless at first, but once you hit the cash registers your mouth hits the floor as you are told the total.
This year approach your decorating budget with the idea of recycling.
You will not only reduce your carbon foot print, but you will also save yourself a bunch of money while doing it.
Here are some terrific holiday recycling tips.
Throughout the holiday season many of us receive a great number of Christmas cards.
Re-using last year's cards as this year's decorations is a great way to save money.
You can use your old cards as a gift name tags, place settings or glue your old cards together to create small box's; line the boxes with wax paper and use them to hold baked goods that you want to give as gifts.
Create a holiday wreath from items around the house.
Use old wire hangers to create the circumference of your wreath.
Collect branches from your yard to intertwine all the way around your wreath.
Use a spray snow to create that wintry effect.
Try using some spare ribbons to add some color to your project.
If you are using the wreath indoors try not gluing individually wrapped hard candies to the wreath.
If you are using your wreath outdoors try hot gluing small plastic toys around your wreath.
As you can see this projects costs next to nothing and it is a great family project to do with your kids.
Even though most Christmas trees are farmed and are considered to be a renewable resource, it takes a great deal of resources to cultivate and transport these into our communities.
Instead of selecting a fresh cut tree for your home this year, think outside of the box and try creating one out of painted cardboard.
Begin your project by cutting out circles that reduce in size slightly out of cardboard.
Once your cut outs have dried, insert a wooden dowel through the center of all of your discs.
Decorate your tree as you would a traditional tree, with lights and ornaments.
IF you are missing the fresh tree smell, you can purchase as evergreen holiday scented candle.