Digtial Nativity Story

Suppose Christ had been born in the digital age....the Nativity Story would have changed.  View a very well-done story HERE

Missing the One Thing

When my girl's were smaller, each was allowed to ask Santa for a single item.  On Christmas morning, she would receive this gift plus surprises under the tree.  I chuckle as I watch old Christmas home videos because one daughter always seemed to dig through her small pile to open her most anticipated gift first while the other seemed to save this special present to open last. 

Of course I could never forget the year the asked for gift wasn't under the tree.  Oh, we had bought it, wrapped it and tucked it away for the big day.  On Christmas morning the girls were taking turns opening gifts while our infant son watched.  My husband video taped and I sat holding my eyes open, trying to participate in the way that only a mom who hasn't slept in more than a year can understand. 

Suddenly our nearly three-year-old daughter declared, "I don't think Santa brought my locket."  There were a couple of gifts under the tree, yet even a preschooler could tell no locket would be as big as any of those boxes.  Immediately, I was WIDE AWAKE.  I knew she was right, so I scooted upstairs for a quick search of all the hiding places in my bedroom and adjacent attic.  Five minutes later, my husband entered the room to find me sitting on the bed in tears. 

Thankfully, he was able to help me calm down.  I resumed the search, which I am certain included a lot of prayer, and soon slipped my hand into the pocket of a bathrobe that was hanging among my clothes in the closet.  I have NO idea why I ever put it there!  We secretly dropped the small, hinged, velvet covered box into a socking where our daughter found it.  Her Christmas was complete.

This year, may each of you have the one thing that will make your Christmas complete.  It's not under the tree or in a stocking or even in a bathrobe pocket.  Christ came to earth, died on the cross and rose again so that you could have eternal life.  This is the greatest gift you could ever receive.  The only thing you have to do is accept it.

If you have questions, please visit this LINK

It is not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.  1 John 4:10 NLT

Merry Christmas!

Lending A Helping Hand

With Christmas only 15 days away, I am sure each of you feels some stress.  Maybe God has also laid someone on your heart who needs a little help this year.  Below are some ideas for supporting your friends, family and neighbors:

• Volunteer to come a few days prior to the big day to help cook, clean and/or wrap gifts.  If your mother (or grandmother) is getting older, she may want to keep up the tradition, but could exhaust herself in the process.  I am sure she will welcome your assistance.
• Offer to watch children for someone who always has kids in tow.  Mothers with preschoolers (or homeschoolers) often struggle to get surprise gifts for their own children.  Depending on the ages of the children, consider baking cookies, watching a Christmas DVD and/or making ornaments for a couple of hours while Mom power shops!
• Bake sugar cookies or gingerbread men for a family that has been overwhelmed by a medical (or other) situation.  Deliver baked goods with a tub of icing and some sprinkles.  (Available in the Target One Spot or the Dollar Tree.)  You'll be providing a great memory and possibly the opportunity for the family to keep up a tradition that may otherwise have to be skipped this Christmas.
• Offer to shop for someone who does not drive, lives far from the store or is just overwhelmed.
• Ask if someone needs help wrapping gifts.  Schedule a date and time.  Show up with a Christmas DVD and some coffee or hot chocolate.  Catch up with your friend or relative while covering a mountain of packages in colorful paper.

Ironically, when I take time to help someone else, I become less stressed.  I can focus on the big stuff (like cooking the turkey), and feel less guilty if there are dust bunnies behind my kid's dresser.

Prayerfully consider how you can lend a helping hand this Christmas.

Removing UPCs

Stores are offering a variety of deals to get your hard-earned cash.  One type of offer is a Mail In Rebate.  Often these require a UPC (bar code) from the package.  If you have purchased such an item for a gift, you'll want to remove this tactfully to avoid a big, ugly hole in the box.  Follow these steps:

1. Grab an X-Acto knife, box cutter or razor blade.
2. Carefully score the package around the UPC, cutting through the paper and leaving the cardboard intact.
3. Gently peel the UPC from the package.
4. Cover the unsightly barren area with a Christmas sticker
5. OR Scan the UPC then print.  Carefully trim printed UPC prior to gluing to package.  (NOTE:  do NOT do this if you think your recipient may try to return the item. It would be quite embarrassing to have mall security question his/her intentions.)

Cyber Monday

Today is the online version of Black Friday!

Visit your favorite retailer's website to view offers.

Click HERE OR HERE to view offers from multiple sites.

Happy Shopping!

Free Restaurant Certificates

Go to http://www.restaurant.com/ to grab up to 40 FREE $10 Gift Certificate for friends and family each day through December 31, 2010.  These are totally FREE, however your recipient will have to meet a minimum purchase to use certificate (Normally $20).  Some restaurants add 18% tip, prior to discount.

Details HERE

Finding the One Thing

Whether your child has a list a mile long or rather short one, he's already decided on at least one thing that will make Christmas complete.  (Remember how much Ralphie wanted that BB Gun!)  What's a mom to do? 

1. Make sure you know what this item is.  When they were smaller, we let each kid make a list, yet could only ask Santa for a single item.
2. Be frank, even little kids can be told an item costs a lot of money.  Of course one of my children pointed out that "Santa makes all the toys."  I explained that he would have to pay for the materials though.  I also noted she wouldn't want to be greedy.  As my children have gotten older, we have been frank about the price range we are aiming for.  We use this time to discuss budgeting and setting priorities.  I encourage you to start with modest Christmases when your children are little, so they won't be expecting cars when they turn sixteen.
3. Lock them in as early as possible.  The kids usually sat on the jolly old elf's lap the day before Thanksgiving.  (Giving me ample time to find the best price on this special gift.)
4. Go online and comparison shop (Walmart, ToysRUs, Target, Kmart, Amazon...) for the best price.  Unless this is one of the hottest toys this season, wait a little while to buy it.  Watch sales fliers for a better offer or an opportunity to use a coupon, rebate or other discount.  Buy at the lowest price.
5. When (I say "when" because it will happen) one of your children suddenly decides he would rather ask for a different gizmo (approximately 42 hours before the big day)...remind him that he has already mailed his letter or talked to Santa.
6. Listen to your children.  Kids talk about what they are excited about.  If I noted other items on a child's Wish List that seemed really important, I made sure it was under our tree (or at least under Grandma's tree).  In addition, each child gets a few little things she/he didn't ask for.  I've usually collected these over the year when I noted clearance or other sales on items my kids would enjoy.  They have always been excited about the gifts under the tree, maybe in part because they've always gotten the "One Thing" they've asked for!

Black Friday for Those Who Hate Crowds

Do you have free time on Friday, yet can't imagine fighting the crowds at retail stores?  Head to your local grocer and take this opportunity to stock up on items your family will need in coming month.  Grocery stores are usually vacant on Black Friday.  Take all your coupons and shop for good deals along the way.  Just make sure your frig isn't too stuffed with leftovers to hold more items!  

Walmart Black Friday Price Match

In the past, Walmart would price match weekly sales, however this chain would not price match special sales, like Black Friday.  This year, they'll match competitor's prices INCLUDING Black Friday.

Take all your ads to one retailer and get the best prices on everything on your list!

Details HERE

Black Friday Dining

Not matter what time you leave home this, if you're planning on shopping for several hours, you'll get hungry.  Bring snacks and beverages to save time and money.  If you choose to dine-out, note restaurants are busy this day.  A full-service meal can take away a big chunk of shopping time.  Take advantage of one (or more) of these offers to fill your belly and keep some cash in your wallet:

• Burger King--Wake up with a FREE 12oz Seattle's Best Coffee during breakfast hours
• Sam's Club--Members stop by beginning at 5 am for FREE Breakfast (Which do I want more:  breakfast or sleep?)
• Chick Fil A (Parham Road Location)--Buy Breakfast Combo from 4-7 AM, get coupon for FREE Chicken Sandwich AND show receipt from Button's and Bows, Toys R Us or Parham Walmart dated11/26/10, get a FREE drink (all day long) Thanks Cyndi H!
• Quizno's--Grab a Combo for $2.99 w/IP HERE
• CiCi's--check your in-box for B1G1 offer (sign up for future offers HERE) OR Buy $20 Gift Card, get FREE adult Buffet w/Sunday insert Q
• Arby's--Get an afternoon Pick-Me-Up FREE coffee details HERE AND/OR Buy a $20 Gift Card, get Coupon for FREE Roast Beef (coupon may not be valid until later date, however you could use the gift card to buy your lunch or dinner)
• Full Service Restaurants--My shopping ends around lunchtime, but you may be out all day and may need a break!  Go to http://www.restaurant.com/ to snag a 80% off GC w/code "GOBBLE" (ends 11/24).  OR Check Gift Card offers at the top of the blog (in green lettering).  Click to find a long list of offers.  Pay for the gift card when you first enter the restaurant, then use the gift card to pay for your meal.  Save the bonus to use later.

Target Glade Offer

Last week's ad offers Glade products for $2.50 each.  Buy 5, get $5 gift card for future purchase.  While in Target last night, I noted the signage was still up.  The offers runs through 12/25/10!  Coupons are available from Sunday inserts, package inserts (currently $1/2 or $2/2 from last year), Internet printable and Target Mailers.  If you are purchasing a ton of candles and/or other items, don't forget to use the Spend $150, get $15 Gift Card Mailer Coupon!

--4 oz Candle - $1 Target Mailer Q - $3/3 IP @ http://www.rightathome.com/  OR $1.50/2 A*Y Q
--Aerosol - $1 A*Y Q OR $1.50/2 Q OR $3/3 IP @ http://www.rightathome.com/
--Oil Candle Tin - $1.50/2 IP @ http://www.rightathome.com/  OR $3/3 IP @ http://www.rightathome.com/  OR
   $2/2 Package Insert Q OR $1.50/2 IP @ http://www.coupons.com/  OR
   www.bettycrocker.com/coupons OR www.pillsbury.com/coupons  
--Candle Tin Refill - $1.50/2 IP @ http://www.rightathome.com/  OR $3/3 IP @ http://www.rightathome.com/  
   OR $2/2 Package Insert Q OR $1 Q OR $1.50/2 IP @ http://www.coupons.com/  OR
   www.bettycrocker.com/coupons OR www.pillsbury.com/coupons
--Plugins Oil Refill - $1/2 Q OR $3/3 IP @ http://www.rightathome.com/

Select Tins and Candles have $1/2 coupon inside package.  Open and save for another shopping trip.

Note: Target Gift Card Offers are not limited. Buy 5, get a $5 Gift Card, Buy 10, get 2 Gift Cards! Also, you could "roll" this offer. Buy 5, then use Gift Card towards next 5.

Where Are the Black Friday Shopping Lists?

Believe me, I have really thought about listing the best deals for the day after Thanksgiving.    I have even toyed with which types of items I should highlight.  The information needed is definitely out there like never before.  Retailers are posting entire ads on their websites, sending emails to their customers and purchasing airtime on the major networks.  Why haven't I made an effort to do something with all this great info?  I couldn't figure out the answer to this puzzling question until a few days ago.

Maybe it's a character flaw, but I'm actually looking forward to the annual newspaper that will outweigh the turkey in my freezer!  I'll open it's pages more carefully than my Nana ever opened any Christmas present.  (She would save the wrappings for the following year, so each piece of tape had to be carefully peeled off the paper to avoid tearing.)  I'll comb through each ad more intensely than I ever looked through the Sears Toy Catalog in the months leading up to Christmas.

I'm anticipating the Thursday Richmond Times Dispatch like I looked forward to "Baby This and That", "The Creepy Crawler Oven" and "Mork and Mindy Suspenders" when I was a kid.  Maybe Thanksgiving Day as an adult is like the Christmas mornings I recall as a child.  Looking at the ads early would be, well like peeking at a present.  As a kid, I couldn't wait, so while my parents were out shopping, my sister and brother and I peeked at the gifts already in there bedroom.  (OK, it was probably more me than them, but who wants to be the only guilty party?)  I found the cutest short-sleeved, red sweatshirt with a rainbow from one shoulder to the waistband on the opposite side.  Boy was I going to be cool!  Only, on Christmas morning, my sister opened the sweat shirt!  Never considered it could be HER present!  What a disappointment.  I don't like to peek now...so I'll think I'll just wait for Thursday!

Happy Thanksgiving..or should I say "Merry Christmas"?

Samaritan's Purse

Monday, November 22

Final Drop Off Day for 2010

Find a Location HERE

Christmas Baking

One simple way to add spark to your Christmas Cookies is by sprinkling a little colored sugar or sprinkles (jimmies) on top of brownies, sugar cookies or frosting.  Although one small jar can go a long way, it can also empty quickly when little hands are involved.  No one would run all over town trying to save a single buck, but it's worth your time to pick these up when you are already in a store that offers them for the lowest price.  I have noted the following this year:

• Best Price:  Dollar Tree (green or red sugar, red and green jimmies or rainbow jimmies) $1 for 5 - 6 oz
• Target One Spot (green or red sugar, red and green holly and berries and two other cute varieties) $1 for 3.2 oz
• Worst Price:  Michael's Wilton Variety Sprinkles $6.99 for less than 7 oz (still $3.50 w/50% off coupon)

I prefer the courser sugar in store-bought varieties, however it is possible to make your own colored sugar by adding a couple of drops of food color to 1/3 cup sugar.  Shake until well blended.  Allow sugar to absorb moisture prior to decorating your baked goods to avoid clumping.  

HAPPY BAKING!

Black Friday

Can't wait to see all the ads for Black Friday?

Click HERE OR HERE OR HERE to view them NOW!

Transforming Your Coupon Savings Into Christmas Gifts

With Christmas less than eight away, it’s not too soon to start planning and budgeting.  If you are struggling to put food on the table and/or fill up the gas tank, you may be wondering how you will be able to give gifts to everyone.  If you have taking advantage of many of the sale and rebate opportunities I’ve listed for the past few months, you may already have a great start to your Christmas needs.  If you’ve just begun to shop for nearly free items, don’t worry because you still have time to pick up a lot of little things that can be used for the holiday season.  The secret to giving great Christmas gifts really has little to do with how much you spend and more to do with whether you truly consider the recipient when you select the gift.   Stay within your budget and start planning.  If you need some ideas to use up things you’ve already purchased, read on!

Baking Supplies

• Bake cookies, brownies, quick breads etc and give to home bound relatives, SS teachers, neighbors and/or coaches etc. (Bake and freeze brownies and quick breads.  Mix cookie dough in advance, freeze and bake just before giving or bake and freeze in advance.)
• Create a family gift using a basket lined w/shredded red and/or green paper.  Add ingredients for making cookies (or other treats) and Dollar Tree finds such as spatulas, measuring cups etc.  Include a favorite recipe
• Make cookie or brownie mix jars.  Select a recipe based on the ingredient costs. http://www.razzledazzlerecipes.com/christmas/gifts/cookie-mixes.htm  Don’t forget to include the cost of the jars when determining if this will be cost effective.
• Make gingerbread houses or gingerbread house kits to give away.

Candles

• Give to school teachers or others.
• Wrap for relatives, if your family exchanges small gifts.  (Pair with another item or gift card, if your family exchanges larger gifts.)
• Use in gift baskets.  (For example, candles could be paired with bubble bath, a bath pillow, lotion etc. for a stressed-out mom.)

Candy

• Use as stocking stuffers.
• Include in Samaritan’s Purse Shoeboxes (hard candy only).
• Toss into a mesh Salvation Army Stockings if you are filling one.
• Fill goody bags for parties.
• Fill cellophane bags and tie with ribbon attaching a candy cane or simple home made ornament and give to SS teachers, coaches, neighbors, extended family members, etc.
• Decorate those gingerbread houses mentioned above!
• Use chocolates for baking (Hershey kisses can be unwrapped and pushed into warm peanut butter cookies.  M&Ms or Reese’s pieces can be used instead of chocolate chips or used to top brownies or decorate cookies.  Chocolate bars can be chopped and used instead of chocolate chips. Etc)

Cleaning Supplies

• Arrange nicely in a Dollar Tree bucket and wrap w/cellophane.  Give to relatives or friends and try to include items you know the individual regularly uses.  (If you want to upgrade this gift, use your computer to print a coupon for a free house cleaning, window cleaning, etc.)

Cold Medicines, Tissues, Hand Sanitizer

• Make a basket teacher or relative.  Thanks to Melissa G. for this idea!

Groceries

• Create a basket for a special meal (include a gift card for the purchase of meat and produce, if you desire.)
• Using your computer, print a certificate for a Home Cooked Meal (or a meal each month).  Deliver the meal when it is convenient for both you and the recipient.
• Cook dishes for potluck meals based on the ingredients you already have.  (OK, this is not a gift idea, but attending family get-togethers and other activities can really put a pinch on your budget, so plan to take dishes that can be made by using at least some ingredients that you will not have to run to the store to purchase.)
• Cook or bake gifts from your stash on hand, for example:
• Make Carmel corn if you have a bag of popcorn to pop and sugar and corn syrup
• Adapt snack mix recipes to utilize cheese crackers, cereals, pretzels, chocolate chips or candies, nuts etc.
• Use nuts to make brittle
• Buy blocks of Almond Bark or Candy Making Bars (best price is usually at Sam’s Club) and use to dip pretzels, cover nuts and/or make peppermint bark.

Infant Supplies

• Fill a stocking, basket or gift bag with baby-wipes, Johnson & Johnson Buddies soap bar, baby food, pacifier, spoons or other items purchased inexpensively.  Give to an infant or to an expectant mother. 
• Include Johnson & Johnson Buddies soap bar in Samaritan’s Purse Shoe box for any age
• Include spoons or other items in a shoe box for 2-4 year olds
• Fill a Salvation Army net stocking for an infant.  (Parents select a stocking when picking up Angel Tree donations for their child.)

Make-Up

• Use as stocking stuffers for teenage daughters.
• Buy an inexpensive make-up bag (Dollar Tree, Walmart, etc) and fill with nail polish, tweezers or clippers, and other make-up for babysitters, nieces or your son’s girlfriend.
• Make a “Pamper Yourself” type gift basket including nail polish, lip color, bubble bath, candles and a book or magazine for a friend, sister, aunt or mother.
• Help your teenage daughter fill goody bags to give friends for Christmas.

School Supplies

• Include in Samaritan’s Purse Shoe Boxes.
• Use to fill Salvation Army Stockings.
• Put into your children’s stocking (big hit if you happen to find items your kid was eyeing at full price in August)
• Fill a gift bag or basket for a college student who is paying his own way and would appreciate these basic items. 
• Make a basket for a teacher. Thanks to Melissa G. for this idea!

­­

Snack foods & Beverages

• Create a gift basket for someone who is living in a nursing home.
• Buy an inexpensive football (or other) shaped bowl and fill with bags of chips, nuts, candy and/or soda for sports fans.  (Look for bowls in the Target One Spot or the Dollar Tree)
• Fill a popcorn bowl with shredded paper and theatre sized boxes of candy, a 2L of soda, microwave popcorn and an inexpensive DVD then wrap in cellophane.

Toiletries

• Add a bar of soap, toothbrush, toothpaste and/or deodorant to a Samaritan’s Purse shoebox (select items based on age rage chosen).
• Purchase an inexpensive toiletry bag and fill with travel sized items for someone who travels frequently or has planned a trip in the near future.
• Save favorite razors, tooth paste, tooth brushes or other items for your own children’s stockings.
• Purchase an inexpensive plastic basket with handle and fill with toiletries for a college student or a senior who will be going to college in the fall.

Many of these ideas require you to purchase a basket, bag, stocking, bowl or other container.  Others leave you searching for a good price on cellophane wraps, goody bags or extra items for containers that may not be full.  For each of these needs, make a list and go to the Dollar Tree.  If you aren’t successful, head to Big Lots, Dollar General or Walmart.  Nicer containers can also be purchased at Michael’s using a 40% off coupon.

When creating a basket use these basic steps:

• Run red and/or green paper through a shredder
• Line the basket with the shreds
• Arrange items neatly
• Wrap in cellophane
• Tie w/curling ribbon

For more gift basket ideas, go to

http://www.homemade-gift-basket-ideas.com/

Merry Christmas!

Every Present's A Dollar

Imagine entering a store to buy all your Christmas gifts and you barely know your numbers?  It doesn't occur to you that people wear different sized clothing, have different tastes in music and videos and may not necessarily like The Little Mermaid.  You have no concept of the value of a dollar and don't understand that this gizmo costs way too much and that one won't last a week. 

When your preschooler is shopping for his parents and siblings, he is this shopper.  Our oldest child started talking about all the gifts she was going to buy each of us when she was barely out of diapers.  I imagined a horrific trip to the store that would include lots of ,"that is too expensive" and "you only spend XYZ on this person, so you need to find another item that costs this much".  Also, even a modest amount, like $5 per gift could really add up as our other children started shopping for everyone in the family. 

We wanted our daughter to be able to give to others, thus taking some of the focus off getting.  We also wished for her to experience the joy of selecting a great gift for someone you love.  Thankfully, we have a Dollar Tree near our house.  We were able to stroll through the store where she could pick anything she wanted to each family member.  Later, she got to spend quality time with Dad as he lead her through the store to find a gift for me.  Were we ever wowed by the awesome gift we got?  Not really, after all it only cost $1.  We were impressed by the time she took to really pick out something for each of us and the excitement on her face as we carefully removed the wrappings. 

Our other children were allowed to shop in this manner from the time they were toddlers.  Not only did we get to check off an item on our to-do list, these shopping trips forced us to do something that is difficult in the hectic days between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  We spent one-on-one time with each child!  As our children have gotten older, each has decided to add to the $5.25 we provide for his Christmas purchases.  I believe their early experiences have helped them make this transition.  I pray each will be a joyful giver throughout his life.  Just think, it all started with a few items from the Dollar Tree.

Holiday Entertaining

No Christmas would be compete without at least one holiday meal.  Of course there are also parties and socials to attend.  Suddenly, you could be faced with a enormous grocery list that doesn't even include a single meal for your own family.  Each year, we host my husband's family for dinner on Christmas Eve.  We also contribute dishes to two or three additional family get-together.  We bake a lot of gifts and we and/or our children attend a handful of activities where each person is asked to bring a snack food, appetizer or dessert.  We manage to do all of these things without stressing over the expense by following these guidelines:

1. Prior to Thanksgiving, stockpile items by purchasing items at the lowest price and combining sales with coupons.  (See "Holiday Food Stock-Up" link at the top of this blog for this week's deals.)
2. Center your Christmas meal around what you have purchased.  Use your search engine to find recipes if needed.  (i.e. "FREE -----recipe")
3. Splurge on one or two family favorites to make the meal complete.  For example, I know I will be preparing my grandmother's from-scratch yams and her Orange/Coconut cake.  Even if coconut costs more than cake mix and chocolate frosting, I'm willing to pay more because these dishes are a tradition.  When I choose vegetables to serve, I'll "shop" in my pantry or freezer.
4. When planning on what to take to a party, consider what you have on-hand.  Rather than thinking, "what would I like to fix", ask, "what can I fix without buying a lot of special ingredients".  I am not encouraging you to unload your canned beets on your family and friends, only suggesting you look in your pantry and/or freezer and make a selection.  If you have green beans, cream-of soup and Durkee onions, make green bean casserole rather than buying corn, condensed milk, flour and other ingredients for corn pudding.
5. Use glass plates, cups, etc for parties to avoid the cost of disposables.  This notion works best for smaller gatherings.  I have enough "nice" dishes to accommodate our Christmas Eve dinner, however my guests would have to take turns eating (and washing dishes), if I tried this for a large gathering!
6. Pick up clearance paper items for next year (up to 90% off).  I usually find napkins and occasionally cups.  Of course this is not an option if you are reading this post in November or December!  Watch sales for plain red, white or green cups or plates.  Add color by purchasing Christmas napkins at the Dollar Tree, although I have to admit these are stamped and be quite rough!
7. Remember that the point of having a dinner or other social is to spend time with those you care about.  Even if you budget prevents an elaborate meal, you can still have a wonderful Christmas.

Christmas Mailings

When my husband and I were first married, we were so grateful to all those who had shown us love and kindness, we decided to send out Christmas cards to virtually everyone we knew.  Fifteen months after we were wed, we had a first child.  Again, family and friends surrounded us with love an support.  For the second Christmas in a row we sent out a lot of cards and photos.  Thus began our yearly tradition.  We now send mostly to out-of-town friends and family, however many more people have come into our lives since 1993!  We normally include a holiday letter, updating the kid's growth each year, plus a photo.  As the cost of postage has risen, this has become more expensive.  We have decided this is an important opportunity to catch-up with folks we rarely see and plan to continue our mailings.  Below is a list of ways we have made this more affordable.

1. Normally I find cards on clearance after Christmas.  Although there will be cards available at 75% off, I may choose to get only 50% off.  We want to send Christian cards and I have found these become more sparse as the selection dwindles.  I stash these for the following December.
2. I love those photo cards, however we have never sent these out because I continually find that cards and photos purchased separately are less expensive.
3. For many years, we only sent out professional photos.  This is the first year I have not had "membership" in the JcPenny Photo club.  Every other year, I have taken all the kiddos to the studio as soon as the Christmas props are out.  I purchase the photo “package” at studios for $10 or less (watch for these in Sunday inserts or online).  The coupon limit is one per day, so occasionally I returned another day for another set of photos when the children were small.  Now that we have lots of activities on the calendar, I have been getting one photo package.  To supplement, we take a photo of all four children at our home.  (It's helpful if you take this photo the day the professional one is taken, otherwise you have to find all the pieces to the matching outfits and iron them all over again.)  We look for a great deal, then email the best to whichever store has the best price.  
4. We like to print the "Christmas Letter" on cute paper.  I usually grab some on clearance and stash with the cards.  The Dollar Tree also carries this type of paper, so you could pick some up there, if you need this A.S.A.P. 
5. I print the letters at home, which uses a lot of ink.  Because my printer cartridges are small, they run for $15 or less.  I recycle empties at Office Max, then earn $3 each in Max Perks.  I watch for HP ink to go on sale, then use my Perks to buy more ink.  (I could also use Perks to buy red or green envelopes, bypassing the need for cards all together.)
6. The most expensive component in sending out cards is usually the stamp.  I don't send out near enough to qualify for a bulk mailing, so I am at the mercy of the US Postal service as long as I continue to actually mail Christmas cards.
7. Each year I contemplate sending e-cards.  These would be virtually free.  Although I think this is a great option and is obviously the least expensive option, I haven't brought myself to explore this option.  It's hard to break such a long-standing tradition!

Wrap It Up

Don't blow your budget on wrapping paper, tags and bows.  Get creative and use these cost-savings ideas:

• Purchase clearance wrapping paper, bows, tags, etc. (75% to 90% off) and save for the following year(s).
• Create wrapping paper from paper bags.  Remove handles, cut down one seam and allow children to color or stamp Christmas motif on the reverse-side.  Use to wrap gifts for anyone, however grandparents will appreciate this more than others.
• Pick Up large rolls of curling ribbon at Party City for $1 - $2 (watch sales fliers)
• Ask for boxes throughout the year when purchasing clothing at department stores (usually includes tissue paper)
• Reuse Christmas boxes and bags from previous years.
• Look for large gift wrap bags at the Dollar Tree.  Wrap big presents in these, rather than using up all your wrapping paper.  (Save from one year to the next.  When bag fades or tears, use as a trash bag to take out all the discards at the end of a present-opening frenzy.)
• Closely watch back-to-school sales (and clearance sales) for great deals on clear tape.
• Cut Christmas cards received each year in half.  Use the front as giant gift tags. 
• Fill plain brown lunch sacks with candies, small gifts or baked goods.  Fold down the top a couple of times, then punch two holes through the layers.  Slip a candy cane through the holes or punch a giant gift tag (see above) with matching holes.  Run inexpensive ribbon through holes to attach card to bag.
• Unsure how to wrap a giant box?  Purchase a red or green table cloth at the Dollar Tree.