SAVING MONEY DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON

With the first snowfall of the year, many people begin thinking about the upcoming holiday season, from sending out holiday cards to baking cookies.  However, the end of the holiday season often has many people wondering “Where did all of my money go?”  According to a Time magazine article, the average American will spend $896 on holiday shopping.  In the spirit of having fun, while saving money this holiday season, we have included a list of things to consider.

• Be earth-friendly and make your own cards to send to family and friends.
• Decorate paper shopping bags with your own artwork and use to wrap presents.  The comic section of the newspaper also makes nice wrapping paper for children’s gifts.
• Decorate your home with what is available outside.  You can collect beautiful balsam swags in your own backyard and place it on a mantle, or attach to a railing with adjustable wire.
• Start a new tradition of a cookie swap.  Or better yet, gather family and friends together and bake a variety of goodies in one location.

Happy Holidays!  Enjoy this time with family and friends!