Giving - Choose a couple of charities which you can support over the holidays, this helps you begin to get perspective on how blessed you are and what the holidays are really about! There is so much need domestically and internationally each day and choosing to give at Christmas always gets me in the Christmas mood!

The Meal – As much as possible make Christmas dinner a pot luck. Apart from the Turkey which is a more expensive item, most dishes even for a large family can be made for under $10. Making the meal a pot luck makes the meal less stressful and more economical for everyone involved!

Draw Names – A friend of mine recently admitted that they buy a gift for all 17 cousins (children) in the family and all aunts and uncles. I was simply amazed! She was slightly embarrassed that her children receive over 50 presents not including presents from their parents or “Santa”. A very simply way around this is not to do it! You could instead have each grown up in the family pick a name of another grown up to buy for and each child pick out one cousins name to buy for. This alone even in a family with 5 or 6 children would slash your spending by 80%!

Set Spending Limits - You may draw names to save, but another way of saving is to set a limit of $5 or $10 for gifts! There are plenty of really neat gifts you can buy for a very small amount of money, from a neat re-useable shopping bag filled with some goodies to a simple piece of jewelry.

Buy Straight From The Source - I am a HUGE supporter of international communities starting their own business, for example women making necklaces or hats in Africa and selling them via charities. Often these gifts are exceptionally frugal, very appreciated and make a huge difference to the most vulnerable people in society! Nearer Christmas I will do a blog post with my favourite finds of the season!

Concentrate On Needs - I will never forget someone telling me that Christmas night they went online to order their child bedding and a new bike since it wasn’t fair to give them that for Christmas! Honestly, I think gifts which are practical are a great idea for Christmas and make great stocking stuffers. Things like gloves, hats, new pencils, bedding, bikes and clothing are wonderful gifts!

Challenge The Norm – I grew up during the booming 90′s where the vast majority of my friends opened 50+ gifts over Christmas and most of my parent’s friends admitting to spending over $1000 on each child. I don’t believe that needs to be the norm and it certainly isn’t my norm. Decide what is right for your family. I know many people have the limit of 3 presents per child [that's all Jesus got ] plus a stocking and ask Grandparents to limit to 1 gift per child. Other families I know have a higher number of aunts and uncles buying so they only do stockings for their children. Think about what your Christmas spending says about you and your values and you’ll probably find the right path for your family.

Don’t Be Afraid To Make Changes - Just because you’ve always done it a less frugal way or splashed out or never asked guest to bring a food contribution it doesn’t mean you always have to do things that way. As I simplify, go greener and become more frugal (yes, really) my needs change like everyone elses. Remember you never know when someone else also thinks change is needed but is too afraid to say something!

Just Say No - Honestly, you don’t need to go to every Christmas party or social gathering. Almost nothing in life is free and attending a party can mean new make-up, new clothing, new shoes and/or a hostess gift.

Make Things – From soups, biscuits, scarves, gloves, hats and cushions, many people have lovely talents they can use to give unique and frugal gifts.

If Something Works Use It - I am constantly on the hunt for frugal and ethical gifts. A couple of years ago I found fabulous, beautiful and ethical mugs on sale 80% off. I purchased them and filled them with fairtrade chocolate. The total cost per gift was about $6 and it was pretty much my “gift of the year” to everyone

Start Early - Use leftover money jar change to buy gifts or giftcards, begin crafting at least 3 months prior, begin planning your meals and activities. Like menu planning, a tiny bit of organization reaps massive financial rewards!

Focus On Those With Less - Honestly, I always focus on friends, neighbours and people with less. Many of the people in my life have absolutely no needs, many of the people in my life (children I support, the children I fostered, the families I met through volunteering overseas) have needs to simply get through the day. I look at what I have and pretty much focus on the “best choice” for that money – giving kids warm clothing who would go without, is personally, more important for me than giving yet another toy to a child without a need.

Remember A Card Is Enough - I do really like writing Christmas cards, so for me a heartfelt card to a friend is a lovely way to say how much I care. I may include something small like a bookmark, bible verse, cross stitch or free coffee/hot chocolate voucher, particularly for friends who don’t have much family or much $$ for little luxuries!

Find Free/Frugal Local Activities – With time off over the holidays it can be exceptionally tempting to go and spend $$. Write down at least 5 free or very frugal (aka maybe you only have to pay to park or a $2 entrance fee) activities you can do and put them on the calendar. Remember time doesn’t need to mean spending money!

Repeat to yourself constantly – Am I keeping it simple by doing this, buying that, going here?

What are your frugal holiday tips?

1. Sitting on the porch in the evening, watching the sun set & the Blue Heron sit on the lawn!

2. When any of the neighbours bang on the door just as evening is looming, with yet another invite for dinner!

3. Nightly walks, always stopping to admire the views on the lakes and the various wildlife, which this evening included an otter.

4. Wood ready to heat the wood burning stove all winter long!

5. Shucking corn, freshly picked from the farmer’s field, waiting at the farmer’s stand! In fact last night I was running late and someone even waited for me! Be still my beating heart…

6. Gazing at “my” farm I’ve found – it’s directly opposite, has a large farmhouse, a large barn, 30+ acres and it’s a waterfront property! When I told the neighbour I may have found my dream property, he told me he was born some 50+ years ago in that farmhouse. I think my heart may have skipped a beat or two!

7. Driving down the old track roads in the old farming vehicle, listening to tunes on the radio and feeling like I’ve been transported into another era!

8. Hearing people talk about my Dad, just in every day conversation as if he didn’t die oh so long ago!

9. Living according to the sun, the natural rhythm, the natural beauty found through truly simple living and watching the world go by with my boy.

10. A beautiful piano!

What are you loving right now?

• 2 x 15 minutes running (easing back in slowly!)
• 2 x 45 minutes walking
• 2 x 15 minutes yoga
• 2 x 15 minutes exercises (jumping jacks, lunges, sit ups, push ups)
• 2 x 10 minutes swimming (unless it heats up, then I’ll be in a lot longer!)
• 8 glasses of water per day
• Bible study each day
• Praying 2 x per day
• Gratitude Journaling
• Writing my book
• Job searching & applying
• Vitamin taking
• Three healthy meals
• Reading my current free reads each day!

And a whole lot of resting & relaxing!

:: Wood Burning stove
:: Floor to ceiling windows overlooking the lake
:: Flowers to tend to
:: A boat to mind
:: Large table that seats 12
:: Dock to jump off of
:: Wrap around porch to star gaze, knit and read from
:: A “neighbours” dog who is being loaned to me each day to walk
:: A dinner invitation for pot roast (I told you people were friendly!)
:: Friends visiting
:: Food eating
:: Road To Avonlea swooning
:: Heron, coyote, fox, beaver, groundhog and bear watching
:: Writing, job searching, Bible studying, scripture memorizing and life planning

Wood Burning Stove + Knitting + Lake + Large garden = The perfect home to grow babies up in

Remembering the feeling of being at home; strolling through Central Park, sipping coffee at Dean & Deluca, visiting museums, galleries and exhibits and gazing at art which speaks to my soul, enjoying sweet treats from Magnolia Bakery, soaking in the sun while reading the New York Times, finding niches hidden in the city, feeling at home mind, body & soul. New York moments are simply some of the best moments.

Lately I’ve heard a lot of people moan about Christmas being materialistic and plain indulgent. I don’t dispute that for many that may be the case. But I would also suggest looking at other areas in those people’s lives and if you look hard enough I would imagine you’d see a trend;  it isn’t Christmas that is the problem it is the attitude towards wanting, having, buying and self. Many of my Christian friends have started not celebrating Christmas after reading books on Christmas celebrations not being based on Christianity. Most of those people do not send cards, do not decorate, do not give or receive presents and do not attend any family events, parties or meals. Many of these friends have encouraged me to do a bit of soul-searching about this holiday, to look closely at the problems that exist and to perhaps choose not to celebrate this year. Only the more I soul search, for me, the more of a blessing I see that this holiday is.

• Should I take the time to write more letters throughout the year? Absolutely! Is it nice to take the time to write a personal card, send a nice letter and perhaps a picture or two to friends or family far away, you bet!
• Should I volunteer year around? Yes (and I do) but in my experience Christmas volunteering is often a catalyst in becoming involved in a project in the new year!
• Should I spend hundreds on gifts for myself and others? Of course not, but I would never do that anyway!
• Should I be expecting and wanting stuff? No and to be honest all those that know me in real life know I ask for nothing and often take weeks to open what I do receive!
• Should I remember that there are people with family far away or no family at all, who could use some love and support at this time of year? Yes and that isn’t more likely to happen because I don’t celebrate, in fact I think it is more likely to happen because I do celebrate (so am more aware of those who may not have someone)

I do not deny that there is a horrible state of materialism that can surface during the holiday season, but for me, with the choices I make there is also a wonderful simplicity that defines not only who I am, but how I approach the holidays.

For me this Christmas will include:

• Attending a Church service or two!
• Dropping off food and baked goods to several elderly people I know
• Shopping for the food bank
• Reading my Bible, giving thanks and lifting up people I know and people worldwide in prayer
• Enjoying a meal with family and friends (including those who do not have family to spend Christmas with)
• Volunteering
• An annual Christmas hike

I am very thankful that my friends asked me to examine how I celebrate Christmas, I did enjoy the process of reflecting on Christmas and how I celebrate.  My conclusion is that I’m not threatened by the celebration of Christmas, because for me Christmas is purposeful, it is a time where I can really put others ahead of myself, show love and bask in the celebration of what my King did with His birth, life here on earth and death. Nope, Christmas isn’t all bad in fact I’d say it’s pretty good

Always makes me sob!

Always gets me in the Christmas mood!

In the UK you can see a list of foodbanks on The Trussell Trust website!

In Canada you can see a list of foodbanks on Food Banks Canada website!

In the USA you can see a list of foodbanks on Feeding America website!

In Australia you can find information on the Foodbank - An Australian Without Hunger website!

As we exited the store my flatmate said to me “isn’t this better than Christmas” and I have to say I agree!

A lot of frugal bloggers are writing about Christmas, or I guess more to the point they are writing about how to get financially ready for Christmas, what to start buying and when and how. Last year I returned from a trip just before Christmas, it was a long trip which I didn’t blog about at the time for privacy reasons, it involved spending a couple of weeks with hurting, grieving children, in a country where there were no services, where there is  no help and in truth I totally forgot what time of year it was. I arrived home late night December 23rd with not a preparation in site, well aware that Christmas was only just over a day away.

A month prior I had met a family newly arrived from Africa who didn’t have any family in the UK. I asked them what they were doing for Christmas and they said they had no plans as they didn’t know anyone.  I almost forgot I had invited them to spend Christmas with me.

On December 24th I woke up and managed to scrape together some basic homemade goods, I think I managed Christmas biscuits, homemade mince pies and my famous homemade brandy truffles, barely enough for Christmas dinner & to split up between little gift boxes I planned to anonymously deliver to people I knew. I quietly set out to buy just a few things – a new top for my mum, a voucher so she could have a meal out with friends and a subscription to her favourite magazine, I bought a few practical things for the family newly arrived from Africa and came home. I quickly traveled home, made some donations to my favourite charities and left for Church. There I saw a woman with children I know who also wasn’t spending time with family and invited them too. In the back of my mind I was seriously worried about how much food I had, I had horrific jetlag and a wicked headache but trusted that somehow we’d make it though the day even if we resorted to bread and butter. After Church I chatted to my mum who told me she’d invited a few widows (some she knew, some she had only just met, one who was bringing her sons (!!!)) who had  no one to celebrate with. I began praying.

I’m ashamed to admit I thought for quite a few hours that I’d made a mistake. I began dropping off some baked goods to friends, widows, neighbours and people I knew within my city and finished off the evening with a few Christian friends for prayer. When I told them my Christmas plans they told me they thought I was mad to invite these people, that Christmas was for family not inviting people who might as well be strangers. For a moment, I agreed with them, I worried about what on earth I’d done.When the doorbell rang and people started coming into my teeny tiny lounge their words echo’d, part of me didn’t even want to open the door, the jetlag the exhaustion with such an emotionally heart wrenching 3 week trip made me want to focus on myself, made me want to simply relax and do what all those magazines call “me time”. But open the door I did.

The celebration lasted for hours, people chatted, children played, food was eaten, songs were sung, a walk was enjoyed, not everyone made it but there were enough people there for a great deal of enjoyment. Everyone talked about abundance, particularly when it came to the food. All that time I had spent worrying I had forgotten perspective. The reality was there was an abundance of food and an abundance of blessings.

My friends still think it is very strange when they remember what I did last Christmas. It might be strange, but isn’t strange sometimes good? I know I’ve spent Christmas, Easter & Thanksgiving alone (when I was in North America) and wished that any of my friends would welcome me into their homes however strange that might seem. But you know in the end it wasn’t strange, we were brought together to celebrate a day of love, we were brought together to celebrate a birth, we were brought together to celebrate fellowship and there’s nothing strange about that.

So right now, for the fleeting moment I think about Christmas (it really is fleeting because Christmas really is simple) I think about abundance, not an abundance of food or an abundance of presents or the abundance of money I’ll have to put away,  but an abundance of love;  love for those we know and those we don’t, love for people who share our faith and those who don’t. My only real plan for Christmas this year is to find people in need & help them, because really that is what it is all about. They may not need a barn and a manger, but they may need your love.

My other resolve is for it to not take 9 months to appreciate a blessing, because this past Christmas I think I was blessed far more than anyone who celebrated in my home and it has taken me almost 9 months to appreciate it!

My new post is up at the writer’s co-op I’m in!

First, I checked an old lottery ticket and found out I’d won £73

Then, I got a check from my old work for 1 months pay £1560 (they owed me this and were notoriously bad for paying, at times being 3 months behind – yes this was not good for the finances!)

Then, I got another payment from my old work for £142.44 for essential car user costs (apparently this is a new scheme from Jan and as I was there until April, this is my share!)

Finally, I got a £4.00 rebate for overpayment for my car!!

So, in the space of 24 hours I’ve received £1687.37

HUH????? How does this happen?!?!?! I never get money for nothing (granted I worked very hard for the £1560!). You know when your friends get cheques from godparents for Birthdays or cars from relatives or inheritances from great aunts they never knew? Well that was never me, so this money is very welcome indeed.

A comment from Sandi made me think carefully about what I’d like to do with it. I hate debt, hate it hate it hate it. So, I’ve decided to put the £1560 right onto paying off my £2000.50 credit card debt. I’ve just deposited the cheque and my credit card debt will now be £440.50. WOO HOO! (when everything clears!)

I’ve decided to put the £73 from the lottery into my emergency fund.

I’ve decided to earmark the £142.44 and the £4.00 into my travel fund for my Asia trip at the end of the year. This is a trip I’ve been waiting for (I’ll be visiting long lost family) for over 2 years. I’ve also found some very very cheap flights for £380 plus tax, so decided not to put it off this year, as, I’ve been saving my change jar for quite some time!

So, total emergency fund now: £225 from previous savings plus £500 from pay this month and £73 from my lottery win. Plus, I’ve sent in complaint and asked for a refund for a course I was on which was terrible. I’ve spoken to the fees office and I will get at least £280 refund, although it may be slightly more. So, hopefully soon I have another emergency fund update to share!

You know what the most amazing thing is? Despite having various cheques arrive today, I’ve not even thought once about what I could buy instead I’ve been thinking “oh I can’t wait to save this”