Have Yourself a Thrifty Little Christmas

I originally started this blog because my sister has her own (much better) blog, and I wanted to join in her link-up parties.  It's really the only kind of party I get invited to, so I should probably be social and join.  Plus, the fact that I don't have to find a babysitter, get dressed, leave the house, and pretend to be social is really quite appealing to me.

So I started this blog, so I too could participate in the wonders of Thrift Blitz!

If you are thrifty, you should start a blog so you can join the party too!

I think there is a blogger contract somewhere that says everyone with a blog must write a Christmas post, or at least share their post from previous years. 

So, in the interest of jumping on the Christmas blog bandwagon, here are my tips to having a thrifty Christmas.

1.  Watch for bargains all year long.  Find a savings site, or Facebook group (my favourite is www.savingsguru.ca), and they can do the work for you.  If you spread out the purchasing through the whole year, it's easier on the budget.
2.  Avoid trendy toys.  If everyone wants it, the price is higher.  Plus, who knows if your kid will like it six months later (not to mention that a lot of them are tacky).
3. Jump at online price mistakes.  They won't always be honoured, but when they are, you can score big time.  The trick to these is to not hesitate.  If you see a rock bottom price (and you know you have someone who will love it) - buy it.  That price might only last a few minutes. 

I bought these wooden toys made by Hape, from Amazon during the summer.  The toaster cost $6 (regular $27.99), and the mixer $10 (regular $29.99).  I didn't expect the order to be honoured, so was thrilled when they showed up.










3.  Don't spoil your kids rotten.  One or two gifts is enough.  Christmas should not stress you financially.  That stress will effect your relationship with your children and/or spouse.  You don't need that.
4.  Do you and your spouse really need anything?  Consider not buying for each other, or getting something combined instead.
5.  Don't assume Black Friday, or other major sale days will have the best deals.  Know your prices (or research your prices) so you know if you're getting a bargain.
6.  Redeem your store loyalty points for Christmas.  My favourite loyalty programs are Shopper's Optimum (for gifts and stocking stuffers) and PC Plus (for special Christmas food and treats).
7.  Buy used.  Especially for your baby.  You can find almost new toys at thrift stores that are much more budget friendly than buying new.  Plus, it's good for our world, and that's trendy, so get on it.

The bottom line is: Christmas should be a joyful celebration.  When I shop early, and get bargains, it alleviates my stress, and I can enjoy myself so much more.

I hope you all have yourself a thrifty (and merry) little Christmas.

A Tale of Two Parades

It is December.  I have children.  Because I birthed them, I have an obligation to take them to Santa Clause parades and pretend to be happy about it.
This past weekend, I had the horrendous experience privilege of attending two different Santa Clause parades with a toddler and a six-year old.  Before I give you my profound insight, let me share a word about toddlers:

Toddlers do not listen.

Toddlers do not stay still.

Toddlers do not understand consequences.

Toddlers believe Santa will bring them presents no matter how they behave.

Toddlers cuteness is the most effective defence mechanism EVER!

So knowing all that, the logical thing is to take them outside after dark to a crowded street where candy is thrown at them.
 
Before the first parade, we spent the afternoon at a party, ensuring the children were full of candy and the toddler was terrified of Santa, and missed her afternoon nap.  When we arrived home, I was informed by the six year old that we were going to the Hanover parade. 

Note to pastors:  In the future, please don't announce your super fun parade plans while the kids are sitting in the service.  Apparently they hear it.  Apparently they don't forget it.  Apparently they think if you say it, it means we have to go.

I decided to do what I was told (and leave my husband in a quiet house so he could study), and we bundled up and went to the parade.

I strongly recommend just staying home, but if you must go to a parade with a toddler, below are some tips I learned.

1.  Make sure you arrive in town before the road to Tim Horton's is closed.
2.  Make sure you have something other than your toddler's hood to hold all the candy they will score.
3.  Stand with strangers, or your friends might find out you aren't the super mom you want them to think you are.
4.  Put a leash or your toddler. (I didn't.  What a fool I am).
5.  Remember that people who judge us for putting leashes on our toddlers probably don't have toddlers.
6.  Don't even try to take pictures.  Try to find the toddler instead.

But we survived.  The kids loved the parade.  I didn't see most of it.

But we decided to do one the next day anyways, with much more success. 

So, how do you have a successful parade with a toddler?

1.  Make sure it starts right beside your house, and runs directly in front of your porch.



The reason I only have one awful picture to share with you?  Toddler.

After the parade, we saw Santa and went roller-skating.  There was laughter.  There were tears.  And there was blissful silence after they finally went to sleep.