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Christmas Stash

December 13th, 2014 at 11:53 pm

Life has been hectic with work, illness, and Christmas.

We went last weekend and DH picked out his tree, brought it home, and decorated it. It used to be you'd choose the tree and they would make you wait for a ticket and then send you in to pay. This year they immediately send you in to the "showroom" with ornaments, Christmas decor, candles, etc. I guess to give you more time to be tempted.

Perhaps I've become a cynic, but all I said to my husband as I looked at the inflated prices was...just think, come June, much of this stuff will be at garage sales for next to nothing.

We hit garage sales and thrift shops last summer. I found brand new rolls of wrapping paper for 50 cents and a $1.00. I found Christmas candles that were new and in the package with the price tags still on them for less than a fourth. And I bought Christmas cards that were brand new and very reasonable.

As baking goods have gone on sale, I've been stocking up. Last weekend I created 5 baskets of goodies to give as gifts and I baked some more cookies today for gifts. Last summer a thrift store has a dime sale and I pick up really nice baskets. I make sure they are clean and I wash them out as well. They make for a nice presentation. I did repurpose a bowl like vase last weekend when I took some goodies to a friend in the nursing home. It was one of those bowls for fresh flowers that had a sponge in it and the bouquet in it. It was just the right size to put fudge and cookies in (with waxed paper on the bottom and the sides) and foil on top to keep it fresh and could tell her not to worry about returning the bowl.

To add to my "stash" we put in money each month for a Christmas Club. We received the check in November and DH and I went shopping when things were marked down, and things are paid for. No debt! Woo hoo!

I know the economy depends on major Christmas shopping, but my economy depends on my staying within budget. Having a Christmas stash has sure helped. How about you, do you have a Christmas stash?

Posted in Saving Money, Shopping | 5 Comments »

5 Responses to “Christmas Stash”

  1. FrugalTexan75 Says:
    December 14th, 2014 at 12:12 am 1418515937
    1418515937

    I don't have a Christmas stash, but then again I don't really decorate for the holidays or give many gifts.

  2. creditcardfree Says:
    December 14th, 2014 at 04:10 am 1418530201
    1418530201

    Yes, I saved cash this year for Christmas. I haven't totaled my expenses, but I do think I'm within our $600 budget. I could be slightly over, but there is no debt. It is possible the 'new' items you see at garage sales are items the seller has bought at 90% off after Christmas and reselling to make a mini profit. Not to say there isn't any holiday excess, because I know there is.

  3. scottish girl Says:
    December 14th, 2014 at 02:43 pm 1418568184
    1418568184

    Yes I save every year.

  4. wowitsawonderfullife Says:
    December 14th, 2014 at 04:32 pm 1418574756
    1418574756

    Putting aside money throughout the year has been a goal since I joined SA years ago. I haven't done it yet! Maybe 2015? Thanks for reminding me.

  5. rob62521 Says:
    December 14th, 2014 at 06:06 pm 1418580411
    1418580411

    I never thought about the fact people could be making money on after Christmas stuff, but since most of the stuff I buy is a dollar or less, they can't be making too much money. I am concentrating on saving me money.

    Glad to see many of you are saving too.

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