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It creeps up every year but the holiday decorations are going up in the mall, kids are already starting to write Christmas and Hanukah lists. That's right, the holidays are coming. It may seem a little silly to some to start planning gifts and parties this early. Especially now when many of us will be put on a holiday budget for the first time due to the recession. But there is nothing wrong with having a holiday budget plan. By planning early for the holidays you can save a lot of money and you won't have to trim down on as many activities as you thought you would. This is the perfect time to introduce someone close to you to an eco-friendly lifestyle or pick up on the habit yourself. These tips can get you started in the right direction
Money Money Money: The first thing you need to do is sit down and figure out how much money you are willing to spend this holiday season. It doesn't have to be a set number, due to sales and the price change of the holiday season it is due to change but you should have a range. $2,000-$2,500? $5,000-$6,000? Think about that now and don't go over your budget. You do not have to spend a fortune to have a great holiday season.
Every Card You Write: It just might be a whole lot easier to go the e-card route. It saves time and money since a lot of e-card websites are free and allow you to make cards for up to 100 people. Plus it saves on paper. Make the card now, set the date to make sure the e-card is sent by email during the holidays and you're done. Using recycled paper if you're making your cards by hand is definitely the way to go.
Trim the Tree: Buying a Christmas tree is hard work. There are so many to choose from! A new trend in the green community is to buy a living tree. It may not be as big as the ones you usually get but you can plant it in your backyard or local park after the holidays and reduce the carbon foot print. Try to avoid the artificial trees. They are usually made from non-renewable plastics and other toxins. If you have to go the artificial route there are ways to store your tree so that it may last for years and will keep you from buying a new one every December. Going to an organic Christmas tree farm may not be an option for all but if one is in your area you should look into it. Use LED lights or solar powered lights. They save power and your electricity bill will not be as high as those using traditional lights. Make homemade ornaments by doing origami or go collect pine cones and acorns outside and glue a little glitter on them.
A Bundle of Gifts: Make a list of the people who you would like to send gifts to. Carry this list with you whenever you leave the house. As the holiday season approaches you never know when you might see a great sale on something that a loved one would like. If your budget is tight you can never go wrong with a homemade gift. Baked goods fill the stomach and warm the heart. Make a coupon book filled with tasks that you are willing to do for your loved one as a gift. Make a coupon for the kids allowing them to pick dinner or a family outing. Your husband might like a coupon for a free kiss and hug. You might want to donate to a college fund or start a 529 college savings plan for a child. Name a star after a sci-fi or astrology lover. Plant a tree in someone's name. Make a donation to someone's favorite charity in their name. There are countless ways to buy eco-friendly gifts. Donations can be done online and save time. You can always look to Guffly for great eco-friendly gifts. We have something that everyone can use.
Make Space: More than likely your household has items that they no longer use that sit somewhere collecting dust. Now is a great time to go through those closets and pack up the clothes that are too small and the toys your kids no longer use. The closest and toy chests will be filled after the holidays. But you can donate your gently used items to places like the Salvation Army and the Red Cross where every donation is tax deductable. That way you'll be getting some cash when you file your taxes and helping someone that is in need now.
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Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
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