This was our Christmas card three years ago. (Thank you Walmart!) Isn't that adorable? Its one of my favorites; I just love it!We decided to not do Christmas cards this year. I've slowly been emailing people my quasi e-Christmas card instead. It'll save me about $30 in postage!
What are you doing to be thrifty during the holidays this year?
As our kids get older(they are 14, 11 and 8), the things they want get more expensive.(Usually electronics). We told them they would each just get one thing this year but it will be something that they really wanted. So far, for two of the three kids, we have bought the electronic used off of Craigslist. My parents are also contributing and the present they get will be from both us and my parents. In years past we have paid for the kids to buy presents for each other and a few of their friends but this year we told them they need to use their own money for those gifts. I set up a chore system and they are doing chores around the house to earn their Christmas money. I work on a very part time basis but have picked up some extra days this month to help offset costs. I feel very blessed to have an opportunity to work as little or as much as I want to now that my kids are all in school.
ReplyDeleteWhat a good idea Rhonda! How wise of you to allow your kids the opportunity to feel the weight of Christmas expense! I wonder how your 8-year-old takes it...do they get it? Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny because actually the 8 year old earned the most money from the chore chart. It is set up for every two weeks and when they do a chore, they put their initials in the space on the chart for that chore. They all got paid for the first two week period and when his older brother and sister saw that he got the most money, it "encouraged" them to do a little more around the house. They don't get paid for making their lunches, putting their laundry away or cleaning their rooms, etc. They get paid for things where they are somehow serving others; folding laundry, cleaning bathrooms, dusting, emptying trash, feeding the cats, etc. They are also going to use their own money for other things besides buying Christmas presents. If we go someplace and they want a treat, they can use their own money. Also cuts back on them asking things like, "I don't want to eat at home, can we go out to eat?" Our response? "Are you buying?" No??? Oh, I guess we'll eat at home then. Hee, Hee!! Wow, this turned into a novel. Sorry....
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