Comments on: 7 Things You Can Do Now to Get Ready for Christmas

By: Patty Anderson

Patty Anderson — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:16:38 +0000

Preparing ahead is good, providing you have the extra cash along the way. We have decided among our immediate family and extended family that Christmas should be not so much about the giving of gifts, but of putting what money we have into a fabulous dinner to be shared together. I miss the days of scrambling for gifts for the kids (now grown) and due to economic hardships we have forgone all gift giving. I miss the years that I built “theme” baskets for my extended family based on each ones personality. Those were the gifts from my heart that I know they cherished the most.

By: Eliza Cross

Eliza Cross — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 02:58:36 +0000

I agree with you, Patricia – just the act of planning ahead a bit feels good. :-) I like your idea to think about other holidays, too!

By: Patricia Raybon

Patricia Raybon — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 00:09:46 +0000

I really appreciate this post today, Eliza. Planning ahead feels better to me in general. Thinking about Christmas in March reminds me to make time to plan better for the entire year–summer travel with family, more short weekend trips with my husband, Thanksgiving week (whose house and which location)plus Christmas gifts for wonderful family and great friends. Thanks for the inspiration!

By: Eliza Cross

Eliza Cross — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 19:27:18 +0000

What a wonderful idea, Lois! Cross stitching is a real labor of love, and I bet your guests are so excited when you tell them they get to take home a handmade treasure.

By: Eliza Cross

Eliza Cross — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 19:26:12 +0000

In reply to Shannon. Saving now for holiday travel is BRILLIANT. :-)

By: Eliza Cross

Eliza Cross — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 19:25:20 +0000

In reply to Cynthia. These are great ideas, Cynthia. I like your idea to add holiday expenses to the amount you save in your Freedom Account.

By: Lois

Lois — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 18:10:30 +0000

I enjoy cross stitching during the winter months when it’s just too cold to be outdoors. I have a collection of little Christmas patterns that I began working on this year. When Christmas arrives they will be hung and guests will be told they can take one they like to have as a gift from me. This avoids the shopping for gifts and the money that involves.

By: Shannon

Shannon — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 16:59:39 +0000

I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks of Christmas this early. :-)
I think planning ahead is actually one of the best ways to reduce waste over the Christmas holiday season. I’m already setting aside materials to “recycle” by using them in homemade gifts and cards.
Additionally, my husband and I are already saving money for our holiday travel (both of our families live out of state).