Have a Green Christmas

By: Vicky Valet

I don’t know about you, but it seems to me that as the years go by, the most wonderful time of the year gets far less holly jolly than it once was when I was a kid. Now, this could be because I have since realized that Santa Claus does not exist (sorry if I just ruined that for anyone), or it could be due to the fact that my Christmas Eve celebration generally consists of me working and then reheating leftovers by myself. However, I don’t think that the big-guy-in-the-red or my microwave feast are to blame. I think my real problem with Christmas is that it eats up every last cent in my bank account.

Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love buying people gifts. From picking out the perfect present to seeing the look on that person’s face when they tear apart the wrapping paper, everything about it is pretty fantastic – the only problem is that my enthusiasm tends to send me a tad overboard, and sailing straight into a deep, dark, sea of debt. I’m sure that I’m not the only one who experiences this holiday-induced financial disaster each December, so this year, I decided to research a few helpful tricks to keep your friends happy without leaving your wallet sad.

1. Get out of the mall and into the kitchen: Instead of buying a bunch of gifts for everyone you know, find a tasty holiday recipe and bake it in bulk. Not only will you have saved money, but also you might be saving them time by preparing their holiday desert for them. Plus, who doesn’t like having a happy tummy?

2. Hold on to that wrapping paper and step away from the trash can: Although the cost of wrapping paper might not seem like a lot, it adds up; so, why not recycle it? As long as you don’t tear it to shreds, gift-wrap and bows can always be used again.

3. You can’t buy memories, but you can share them: Make someone a scrapbook filled with pictures and souvenirs from all your favorite times together. It’s personal, timeless, and thoughtful – what more could someone want in a gift?

4. The Internet – it’s more than just Facebook and Google: Subscribe to websites, such as Groupon or WagJag, which send their users daily emails offering massive discounts of 50-90% off of popular items, like tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, horseback riding lessons and gear, or a stay in a deluxe room at the Mount Vernon Hotel. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

With all of these useful tips out there, there is no reason that you have to be a Scrooge to save money this holiday season. So, get saving and have a green Christmas.