Search Results for: blog choosing a frugal christmas tree

The Big Hat Tree

There are a lot of things that never change. Human relationships are important; we are driven to strive for happiness (but confused by what it is and how to find it); power is corrupting. By their very definition, traditions are supposedly unchangeable. But traditions are one of the things that historically have changed, ever so slowly, over time. Whether through marriage, death, cultural shifts, or other necessities; traditions are generally less stable than we would like to admit. Recently, I had the opportunity to be part of a new Christmas tradition that is trying to take hold. My son recently … Continue reading →

How to Choose Christmas Lights

Choosing Christmas lights used to be pretty simple. You simply went to the hardware store and purchased the number of strands that you needed to cover your tree, not exceeding the limit of how many could be plugged into one outlet. Today, things are a little more complicated. Hopefully these tips will help you choose the right lights for your holiday decorating. Let us start with incandescent versus LED lights, since you can usually choose among either of these options for most of your lighting needs (although some types of lights do tend to be one or the other). There … Continue reading →

Care and Feeding of a Live Christmas Tree

Live Christmas trees are becoming more and more popular as people become more environmentally conscious. Live Christmas trees are sold with the root ball in tact to be used as Christmas trees for the holiday and to then be planted afterward. Instead of paying for a tree dispose of after the holidays and then buying a new tree to plant for the year, homeowners can kill two birds with one stone with the purchase of a live Christmas tree. When choosing a live Christmas tree, be sure to consider what evergreen trees will grow well where you live. Also, avoid … Continue reading →

Marriage Christmas Traditions

Mick had his turn of looking after me, now it’s my turn to look after him. On Sunday night we went to carols at the beach. Despite the heat of the day and the fact it’s summer here in Australia, that evening turned quite cold and windy. Next thing, Mick’s come down with all the snuffles, aches and pains of flu symptoms. He’s an easy patient to look after though. He’s spent the last few days on medicine and sleeping, sleeping, sleeping. I wish I could sleep like that when I’m sick, but I never can. Thankfully I’m now armed … Continue reading →

Seven Frugal Holiday Activities

Don’t get caught up in the chaos of holiday spending. It even extends into activities, with Christmas shows, holiday photos with Santa, ice skating at the rink, etc. Instead, vow to spend zero on Christmas activities, here is how. 1.Check your local area for free Christmas events. Just looking at one website and one local paper, I’ve seen more than 40 free family holiday events, from a tree lighting that include free snacks and hot chocolate, to a living manger show, to free Christmas crafts for the kids to free holiday pops concerts. 2. Organize a Christmas carol with your … Continue reading →

Frugal Christmas Tree Ornaments

Christmas tree ornaments can certainly be expensive. A single ordinary ornament can cost on average $5! Many fancier ornaments cost up to $25! At these prices, you may have to chose between decorating your tree and paying your mortgage for the month. There are ways, of course, that you can decorate your Christmas tree without spending a lot of money. Try some of the following ideas. I’ve included generally ornaments and even some that would be great for a theme. Just think, you could have a designer tree without the designer prices. For no-fuss tree decorating, just hit your local … Continue reading →

Eight Frugal Things to Do for Christmas

Looking for some fun activities that won’t add to your debt? There is plenty to do at the holidays that cost a little or nothing. Take advantage of these fun ideas to make your holiday special and your bank account full. 1. Have a family sleep over. Pick a night to camp out with the whole family in the living room or family room, near the tree. The kids will especially love this idea. 2. Have a Christmas movie marathon. Pick a bunch of Christmas movies and watch them. Have each person pick a favorite, with the youngest person going … Continue reading →

Frugal Ornaments

Christmas tree looking a little bare? You don’t have to spend a lot to make it beautiful and full of happy things. Just take a look at the following ideas that will help you decorate your tree for free (or almost free). Some of these ideas are taken from traditional Christmas Tree decorating traditions from folks who know what it is to live frugally, while other ideas have a more modern spin. Enjoy! Here is an idea that an old friend and I used to decorate his tree when we didn’t have much to work with in terms of cash. … Continue reading →

Christmas Tree Safety Tips (1)

Each year, there are many accidents that involve a Christmas tree. Do you know what you need to do to protect your family and your home? Check out these Christmas Tree safety tips. They will help to make sure that your holiday season isn’t spoiled by a mishap. Can you guess how many fires involve Christmas trees in just one holiday season? There are nearly 400 residential fires that can be traced back to a real Christmas tree, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). Sadly, those fires result in 40 deaths and 100 injuries each year. Dry trees are … Continue reading →

Frugal Living Week in Review: December 3rd through December 9th

Can you believe that it is just a few more weeks until Christmas? I have to confess that I don’t even have all of my decorations up or shopping and gift making done, yet. I hope you are doing better in that department than I am! This past week, we have had plenty of holiday articles, from decorating to gift giving ideas, all crafted with tips to save you money this season. Here is the Frugal Living blog week in review for December 3rd through December 9th December 3rd Free Land In the heart of American, towns from far and … Continue reading →