In Christmas 2021, shoppers are dealing with never-before-seen challenges. We have a supply line that is very broken, a deficit of products on the shelves, rising prices as demand outstrips supply, inflation is at a thirty year high, and shipping times and cost have both increased. Whew! So, what’s a frugal family to do in … Read more
Christmas – especially in 2020 – is uncertain. Many have lost jobs or find themselves second-guessing if (or when) their state will lock down again, possibly leading to shortages at the stores and skyrocketing prices. Not to mention the fact that the sense of isolation is leaving many of us discouraged and downright depressed. That’s … Read more
Black Friday is no more! Well, at least in the form that we’ve grown accustomed to seeing it. Last year, on Black Friday, shoppers spent a whopping $12,000,000,000. (I think I got the right number of zeros in there. Math people, double check me!) It’s supposed to be 12 billion dollars! That leads us to … Read more
Pleas for money come fast and furious, especially during the holidays. It is really hard when you live on a shoestring budget to figure out how to give to others when you are struggling to get gifts for your own friends and family. Even while raising our sons on an income which averaged 30% below … Read more
Celebrating Christmas should be about more than spending money. Intuitively, we know this to be true. There is a trend, even among those with bountiful funds to spend on holiday merry-making, to disconnect from the blatantly commercial and ,instead, seek soul-felt simplicity. For our family, thrift has always been a necessary way of life, not … Read more
When my boys were little, the Tooth Fairy didn’t give money, she gave a trip to Dollar Tree. Somehow she knew that there was sure to be something that would attract the fancy and heart of a five year old who just lost his tooth. The tradition stuck and from that point on, whenever they … Read more
Two years ago, I challenged myself to update our tired, old Christmas table settings and do it on a dime. That’s when I decided to try making my own napkin rings. I’m really not much in the “crafty” department. But, if a project seems pretty easy, inexpensive, and I can complete it in an hour … Read more
Earlier this week, I published, “10 Holiday Movies the Whole Family Will Love.” Today, I have a companion piece for you! Every Christmas, our family also selects some read aloud favorites for cold, snowy nights, complete with hot cocoa and holiday cookies! Yep! We’re just that old fashioned! Here’s a list of our favorites, in … Read more
We have a family Christmas tradition. Each year we gather to watch several movies throughout the holiday season. Although elements of our list have changed and grown as the years have flown by and our children have grown up, there are certain movies that remain (no matter how old we all get.) (Posts on this … Read more
School’s out for a few weeks and your kids are ready for some fun! Today, let’s talk about how to keep them busy and enjoy some family togetherness without breaking the bank. Day #1: Bake Cookies. Nothing is better for bonding than cooking together. Decorate your baked creations with colored frosting after they cool. … Read more
