What are the best ways to save money around the holidays? Does anyone have tips on how to save money on gifts, decor, food etc.? What about sending out xmas cards, any good deals for that?
For us, we usually combine it, do an xmas card/santa photo mailing, that way we aren't mailing out 2 things. For xmas lights this year we are going to try to go solar, since our summer backyard lights worked out really well. I'm a bit scared to get the bigger solar decorations though - what happens if someone takes them?
As for food, I usually try to preplan the meals we will be making here, and start looking early for deals, or if I find something on a great sale, I incorporate it into the meal.
I do a lot of our gift shopping online, look for deals year round. We also try to pick up the big clearance stuff for gifts too. We don't buy that many gifts either, mostly for the kids, or pick names with the adults.
And don't forget, this Saturday is the Santa Parade downtown, check out all the info at http://www.winnipegsantaparade.com/parade_info.html#paradeactivities
We went last year, and it was fun. It was super cold that day, this year I am definetly bringing something to sit on, cold cement on the bum for a few hours was not too fun!
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- 2010-11-10 @ 16:58:38
Remember santa pics from the malls are not copyrighted so you can copy them at walmart, I just get the $8 5X7 and make cards out of that
saves the extra copies u pay a fortune for at the original place! -
- 2010-11-10 @ 17:06:14
I hope the city plans better for the buses. Last year they did not have enoughor did not plan on reouting them. Waited about 40 minutes before we gave up and took a taxi.
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We just walked over the bridge, parked by the library. It was mayhem when it ended though.... would be worth phoning 311 and asking before if they added more, must have been an expensive cab ride!! Weather should be a lot better this year at least.
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- 2010-11-11 @ 01:32:46
We tried the park and ride. We are planning on doing this again. The kids loved the taxi ride home and in the end it was not too bad since we live like 10-12 minutes from down own.
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- http://www.memoriesbymeagan.blogspot.com
- 2010-11-10 @ 18:39:25
I'd love to know if anyone that buys a real tree knows of a way/place to get a real tree for cheap.......
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We get ours on st. mary's - in the parking lot of jardins st. leon (or whatever other nursery is called). we always get a really good one for about 20$. depends how big you want i guess, ours have always been a decent size. i'd rather spend a the extra $ adding to our decorations every year.
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- 2010-11-10 @ 18:50:48
We do an annual photocard which we have a friend take and then use a program to create the card itself. We then develop them at Costco (using the current 10 cent per print special). It cost me all of about $4 plus I'll need to buy some envelopes rather than at least $20 or more to buy the actual cards that all the photo labs have.
I started my shopping for this Christmas last Boxing Day already and have managed to pick up lots of good deals. As a result I'm almost done my shopping already. We've never really gone too crazy with gift giving though. We try to focus on the real reason for Christmas. One thing my sister & I are doing this year is putting together a family cookbook. It's not really that expensive to do, but very labor intensive.
As for food, I start looking for deals way ahead of time. I bought my turkey already for a great deal but I also get some of the extended family members to bring a side dish. This cuts down on the expense, but moreso lightens the burden of having to do the entire dinner singlehandedly. -
- 2010-11-11 @ 02:41:34
We have cut down on who we mail cards out to and buy gifts for quite a bit. With Facebook and everyone who sees our photos, I only send a family photo or a card to a select few to save on postage and cards.
Gifts we used to set a dollar amount...but with being able to find a lot of good deals through out the year, we now go more on a few select items (if I can get $60 worth of gifts for $20 that's super!)
A big money saver for me is staying out of the malls! Once the groceries are bought and the gifts taken care of I don't need another reason to spend.
I also have done a lot of online shopping the last two years. Especially with the free shipping promos!
Meals can sure get expensive when you are feeding more than your family....great to offer to bring a dish! -
- 2010-11-12 @ 02:39:06
We draw names for gifts. I have 3 siblings and 3 kids and we all go in the draw. We also put a limit of $25 on it...makes it a little tough but with coupons/deals we all get something nice. Makes a big difference in the amount of money spent.
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mklassen
- 2010-11-15 @ 01:22:10
Whenever I shop online, I always google promo or discount codes for the particular store. Some sites even let you use multiple codes. I ordered two books from Shutterfly and saved over $70 on them!
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