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With Christmas a little over a week I thought that this week’s tips would deal with saving money (and maybe some frustration) this holiday season.

1. This time of the year, we are all so busy. We not only have our every day life to contend with, but also the added stress of shopping, baking and all those other wonderful Christmas events. With time being in short supply, it may be really tempting to eat out quite a bit, especially if your friends ask you to go. Endulge in a meal or two out with your friends. Just don’t let the next few weeks end up costing you a fortune in restaurant bills. Instead of going out to a restaurant for dinner, suggest to your friends that you all meet up at one person’s house. You can all bring a dish of food with you, that way the host or hostess does not have to do all the cooking.
2. When you make meals, make extra and freeze it. That way, you always have a meal that you can throw in the oven or microwave if you are pressed for time. You will not be so tempting to get carry-out or order a pizza.
3. The best days to shop at most retailers is at the beginning of the week. Stay right away from the stores on the weekend! Some stores jack up their prices by Wednesday so that they can give you the advertised percent off that item. Besides saving you some money, you are also saving yourself from dealing with the droves of people on the weekend.
4. Need wrapping paper, bows, or other Christmas items? Check out your local dollar store. You would be surprised at what nice wrapping paper you can find. But, before you go out to buy wrapping paper and other stuff, check your supply. If you’re anything like me, you’ve got enough wrapping paper to last the next 10 years!! LOL
5. This was sort of mentioned above, but it bears mentioning again. Finish your holiday shopping at times when the stores are the least busiest. The best times to go are in the morning during the first half of the week. If you work during the day, try to go in the evenings during those days. This may not save you any money, but it will definitely save you time and aggravation. No one likes standing in line to pay for twenty minutes or wasting gas while you drive around the parking lot looking for an empty spot.
6. Need to get stocking stuffers for the kiddies? Check out your local dollar stores, Dollar Generals, and Family Dollars. Another great place to find those candies for the stockings is at pharmacies like Rite Aid and Walgreens. You can find some really great deals at these places.
7. Do you remember getting fruit and nuts for Christmas. I do. I used to love cracking open the nuts and eating them. Remember to put these things in your kids stockings too. They will leave less room for chocolate and sugary candies. Also great for stockings are things like toothbrushes, hair accessories and crayons.
8. Don’t forget to buy your kids useful Christmas presents too. Clothes are a wonderful gift, especially if you have a teenager. We buy all the kids pajamas and slippers that they open up on Christmas Eve and wear to bed. Everyone in the family (including my husband and myself) also get socks and underwear.
9. Don’t worry too  much about buying gifts for extended family and friends. Most would be happy with a plateful of cookies and candy. Food is always a good choice when it comes to presents. If you really don’t know what to get someone, gift cards are always a great choice. With the economy the way it is right now, gift cards to grocery stores are a wonderful gift for many people.
10. Don’t focus on gifts. After all, this is supposed to be a time to spend with your family and friends. Enjoy it!

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