Four days before Christmas it was proposed at work (by the new boss who announced in May that there would be no Christmas bonus this year, a prophecy that has come to pass) that we have a Secret Santa. Himself included.
Spending limit? $25 to $30.
I declined to participate and was called out on it.
"I can't afford it," I said. "I'm not spending that much on myself this year. I'm having a cheap and cheerful Christmas."
Whether the last minute scheme will actually go through, I don't know.
What I do know is this: it never hurts to be true to yourself when you can't afford something. Even if it means saying NO to Santa.
Penny Pincher
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Tidings of Joy - 2014
As I sit at my desk, I hear the strains of a live steel band in the distance as revelers join a street march through town, part of our annual Christmas carnival. It's a festive happy time and the music makes me smile.
In my house, it's a less is more, cheap and cheerful Christmas. Rather than deck the halls to a faretheewell, I went for a more limited approach. At Thanksgiving I got out vintage Christmas linens, velvet chair covers, assorted candle holders that parade on my step cabinet and a few clear plastic snowflake ornaments for my outdoor Norfolk pine (2 years ago it was a 6 inch seedling in a tiny pot, now it's over 3 feet tall and too heavy to move). The table is set with Christmas china. Except for one new to me ornament - a $1.00 charity shop purchase - everything is from Christmases past.
Through the years my Christmas gift list has dwindled to none. So I've become Santa to myself. Last year a new car - and a blissful year of worry free driving. This year, in keeping with 1/2 pay and reducing my expenses to fit my income, Santa spending is substantially less. Food treats and trinkets. Charity shop treasures: a set of 6 matching stoneware ramekins for $5.00; a set of 3 never used vintage biscuit cutters (original price label still attached) for $2.00. Everything has gone into my Santa sack to be savored Christmas morning.
The best gift to myself was NOT spending and maintaining a healthy bank account. It warms me like a comforter on a chilly winter night.
However you celebrate the holidays, may it bring you joy; and to all, a New Year of peace and prosperity.
Penny Pincher
In my house, it's a less is more, cheap and cheerful Christmas. Rather than deck the halls to a faretheewell, I went for a more limited approach. At Thanksgiving I got out vintage Christmas linens, velvet chair covers, assorted candle holders that parade on my step cabinet and a few clear plastic snowflake ornaments for my outdoor Norfolk pine (2 years ago it was a 6 inch seedling in a tiny pot, now it's over 3 feet tall and too heavy to move). The table is set with Christmas china. Except for one new to me ornament - a $1.00 charity shop purchase - everything is from Christmases past.
Through the years my Christmas gift list has dwindled to none. So I've become Santa to myself. Last year a new car - and a blissful year of worry free driving. This year, in keeping with 1/2 pay and reducing my expenses to fit my income, Santa spending is substantially less. Food treats and trinkets. Charity shop treasures: a set of 6 matching stoneware ramekins for $5.00; a set of 3 never used vintage biscuit cutters (original price label still attached) for $2.00. Everything has gone into my Santa sack to be savored Christmas morning.
The best gift to myself was NOT spending and maintaining a healthy bank account. It warms me like a comforter on a chilly winter night.
However you celebrate the holidays, may it bring you joy; and to all, a New Year of peace and prosperity.
Penny Pincher
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