Have A Merry Christmas - without overspending

It can be stressful and difficult to think about Christmas morning being just around the corner, since there may be only one or two paychecks until the big day. There are many ways to enjoy the holidays without putting yourself in a deep hole that will take months to dig out of.

Start off by making a list of the family and friends you want to share the spirit of Christmas with. When you’re making the list, you’ll be thinking about why these people are on your list and what they mean to you — you can use those thoughts in some of the suggestions below.

• Write a note to the people you’re giving a gift to and try to say what you love or appreciate about them. The notes will make people as happy as a wrapped gift will.

• Give a “coupon book” of monthly fun or service: house or auto cleaning; IOU to mow grass or help plant flowers or vegetables; play poker, Scrabble, pickle ball, or basketball together; babysit to give young parents a date night. Think of who you’re gifting and imagine what they would enjoy — add those things to the book.

• Gifts that are low cost but mean a lot can include: lunch at a local park; a short road trip to Smith Rock or the Painted Hills; their choice of a special meal (tell them you need a few days notice to get ready!).

• Create a “name draw” and set a price limit for all gifts. Draw names from a hat or use a “name draw” website. One easy site is http://www.DrawNames.com. Enter all the first names, then set a max price. Each person chooses “Draw Name,” and gets a name assigned. Everyone can put in their “wish list” of things they’d like to get, so whoever draws their name can pick a gift.

• If you like the fun of everyone opening multiple gifts: put a dollar limit on how much can be spent on gifts, then ask everyone to share a list of things they want or need in that price range; get a photo printed and frame it; knit, crochet, or paint something unique.

• Having a dinner at someone’s home, with everyone bringing one dish or dessert, can be the perfect celebration. Everyone can bring a wrapped gift, at an agreed upon max price. Put a number on each gift, then after your meal, everyone picks a number. There will be a lot of laughter and surprises.

• You don’t need expensive wrapping paper. Paper bags are excellent — you (or the kids) draw pictures on the paper or write notes. This will mean more to the person getting the gift than fancy paper they rip off. Save The Nugget and use it (the great pictures or articles will look good on top), or a kitchen towel for wrapping so they can use the towel and enjoy the gift.

• Look for places in Sisters with used items, or places with individual booths. You’ll find several books or puzzles for the price of one, a jacket or sweater for much less than one ordered online, dishes, candles, and more — all priced low and like new.

• Read every page of The Nugget. Sisters’ local businesses will be showing specials and sales, and you don’t want to miss any. Visit all local businesses, because there will be additional sales inside.

• If you happen to be one of the lucky people whose bank account runneth over, make sure everyone knows it makes your holidays happier when you can share and make their holidays happier.

Bottom line — you’ve heard it before — it’s the thought that counts. Tell people why you care about them and why you appreciate the things they do. Every person on your list will have a happy holiday if they know that someone cares about them and appreciates them. And they will carry that happiness into 2025 and beyond.