Have Service Based Gifts for a Frugal Christmas

by Calvin R
(Oakland, CA)

During this recession many of my family members, including myself, have gone through bouts of unemployment.

Usually we would exchange several gifts throughout the holiday season; however, this past year we decided to go a different route.

We decided that any and all gifts had to either be handmade with minimal cost in materials or had to be service based, such as offering a house cleaning or evening of baby sitting.

In order to keep up the holiday spirits for the little kids of the family we had a family Christmas party where the little ones made greeting cards and ornaments for their parents, and one uncle volunteered to dress up as Santa.

All the kids got to tell “Santa” their Christmas wishes without anyone having to pay for the overpriced mall visit.

The holiday ideas were a spectacular success, both kids and adults had a lot of fun, and we are implementing the ideas again this year. I believe we have started many new family traditions.

It can be so easy and fun to have frugal holidays!