Ways to Save at Christmastime

Did you hear the one about the Three Wisemen from the East? Apparently they stopped in Ottawa and formed a coalition. One source told me that they were Dopey, Grumpy, and Sleepy; another source hinted that they were actually three brothers: Gord, Murray, and Frank Insens.

Seriously, folks, how was your Christmas? Somewhere between the turkey that you had for supper (double entendre, people) and the fat old man that left you gifts (another double entendre), Christmas 2008 is history. Or, as some wag (that would be me) put it: The presents are past, and it's time to return that pink tie, those red socks, and cash in that gift card at your local Starb_cks.

This is the week known all over the world - or maybe just in my mind - as "All-I-got-for-Christmas-were-my-two front-teeth-but-they-are-the-wrong-size" Week.

I enjoy this season as much as any little kid. And when I was a kid, I had minimal expenses. Now, I cringe when I discover how much we have paid for gifts, even though we as a family work within the constraints of a very responsible budget. My angst, as you have read here ad nauseam, lies with the excessive secularism and commercialism of this time of year. But enough said from that platform. Is there anything you would like to change for next year? This is the time to write it down, while your frustration (or creativity) level is at its peak.

Let me make a few suggestions as to what might work:

One, draw names within the family. In other words, not everyone needs to buy for everyone else. That means that you will likely be able to put more money towards good, quality gifts (read: gifts that make it past January), and hopefully, you will get the same in kind. In our home, kids draw names for kids, and not for parents. (I should quickly clarify that while kids should and could buy gifts for parents, it's just not part of the draw.)

Two, plan special events that do not involve spending too much money. When one is forced to because of economic restraints, there is no choice. However, when you choose to, somehow it has more meaning. Let me suggest the following: bowling, sledding, entertaining, plus all-night DVD sessions, all-day board game tournaments, and maybe even a pjyama day, – just for starters. These are not mere suggestions: We have done them for years and they work.

And three, stay around the house more than usual. It's cheaper, warmer, and safer to hang around the old homestead during these wintry days and nights. It is nice to lay low for the few days around Christmas, what with the rest of the year being crazy enough. Myself, no matter how good the deals are on Boxing Day, I wouldn't even dream of venturing out to Lethbridge or Medicine Hat for a 7:00 AM door-crasher special. I can crash my own door at 9:00 AM, thank you very much.

By the way, if you ever come across those three wise guys from the East, just tell them to keep going (try North Korea, Somalia, or Pakistan). We don't need anymore cold, murmuring Frankensteins bothering us.

Have a great New Year.