Sunday, September 28, 2008

8 PRACTICAL WAYS YOU CAN SAVE THIS CHRISTMAS OF 2008

We are now entering the "Ber Season." How do you feel when Christmas is literary around the corner? Are you happy because this is the time of the year that you will meet all of your long lost friends and relatives? Or are you stress and scared because this is the season where it drains all your money just like a vacuum cleaner?

Nevertheless we must prepare ourselves because whether we like it or not Christmas is coming very soon.

If you have a large circle of business associates, friends, and neighbors to give gifts to. Here are some ideas for Christmas presents.

1. Start preparing for Christmas during the "after Christmas Sales" of the previous year.

It is more cheaper to buy Christmas items after the Christmas season since shops just want to get rid of all inventories
and recover their cost.

2. Chip in together for a bigger gift.

What if the one you love wants a gift that is off your budget? I now combine my effort with the people who loves him to buy him a bigger gift. It will individually cost less to everybody as we pool together and the person will receive something he or she was looking for. It is definitely a great trick for those who has everything.

3. Keep presents as "generic" as possible.

One of my favorites is to give away books. I recommend the book entitled "Till Debt Do Us Part" which was authored by yours truly.
(Laugh out Loud!)
These are gifts for friends and family who have everything in life; and you don't have any idea what they want.

4. Use old magazine pages to wrap gifts.

I give credit to my beautiful and creative wife, she uses old magazines to wrap her gifts.
It looks unique, nice and yet inexpensive.

5. Make your own Christmas post cards.

Take your own family portrait and make it to a Christmas post cards.
Some extended families just agree to exchange cards.

6. Make a donation to your favorite charity.

Inform your family and friends that you are making a donation to a charitable institution in their behalf.


7. Cook home made food.

If your passion is cooking. Cook authentic dishes or make desserts like cookies, fruit salads or create your own dressing and give it as gifts. Your love ones will appreciate this more since they know it is a labor of love.

8. Potluck parties.

This is one of my favorites. I organized parties and ask everyone to bring one meal each to celebrate and have fun with each other. The best way to have fun is to be with the people you love and care most. It is not only about the gifts you are to receive but rather the relationship you are trying to build.

Let us not be pressured and stressed out during this season. We have be reminded that Christmas is not about commercialism giving and receiving of gifts. But Christmas is the season where we should be reminded unto us a child is born and He will be called as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace and His name is Jesus. He is the reason for this season!