With the economy where it is today, it's hard to approach the holiday season with the usual amount of excitement that should accompany the most-celebrated time of the year. You know what I'm talking about... when you suddenly get the urge to add holiday pieces to your already-overflowing wardrobe closet, turn your home into a winter wonderland of festivity and yummy-smelling goodies, and simply enjoy the overall sense of giving and warmth.



This season, show off your "recession chic" skills and approach the holidays with a new found creativity. (We think you'll find it isn't as hard as you think to achieve the looks you want for less.) Here are a few ways to get you started:

1. Give up a little something. Forgo that morning latte for an extra five bucks toward your holiday home. Bring lunch from home during the work week to save just enough money and get that one last person on your Christmas list a little something to warm their heart. Everyone has a little something they can give up for the greater holiday good. Give up a little something this year and gain a few things you REALLY want.

2. Stay IN…for once. Why not combine your Netflix choices amongst friends and have a movie night in? ... With popcorn... a hot toddy or eggnog, or hot chocolate… Sure beats paying the now $20 movie ticket prices and long lines at the local Cineplex... plus, you may actually be able to comment on your favorite scene(s) AND be able to use the little girl's room if need be.

3. All the holiday smells WITHOUT the holiday price tags. If you are one of those people that can live without the turkey napkin holders, the Santa Claus figurines, and even (gasp!) the Christmas tree, but think it just does NOT feel like the holidays without the familiar smells of pumpkin, nutmeg, and cinnamon, then we have just the solution for you…and at a fraction of the cost of those “holiday” candles. Here’s what to do:

Ingredients
2-4 tablespoons cloves (whole is optional)
2-4 cinnamon sticks
4 bay leaves
½ orange, sliced
½ lemon, sliced

Directions
1. Add orange and lemon slices to dry mixture of spices. Put in a small saucepan with 4 cups of water. Simmer on low to release the fragrance. IF you simmer it for a few hours, you will need to add more water occasionally so it doesn't boil dry. Store in refrigerator when not in use, to prevent molding. It can be simmered over and over again! Always add more water to equal 4 cups before each use.

2. TO GIVE AS A GIFT: put ingredients in a quart-sized decorative jar. Add enough water to fill jar. Add a few drops of red food coloring if desired. Close securely and give with a small gift tag explaining how to use it.

* Note: I prefer to use the lesser amount of cloves so that they don't overwhelm the other fragrances.

(Thanks to recipezaar.com for the recipe! http://www.recipezaar.com/Christmas-Scent-102950)

Besides, who REALLY needs another keepsake reindeer candle anyways?

4. Holiday Events to impact the soul…not the wallet. As you get ready for the holiday season: decorating your house and purchasing gifts for family, friends, and loved ones, do not miss out on all the seasonal fun available to you. Here are a few to get you started:

• Through a nearby church or school, meet others who have been bitten by the Christmas carol bug and sing the night away.

• Visit your local community center, or playhouse to see a rendition of A Christmas Carol and boost your spirits…in good way.

• Load everyone up in the car and take a tour of ritzy neighborhood homes’ light displays. Ooh’s and Aah’s = FREE.

• Visit downtown for the community Christmas Tree lightning and fake (err...imitation) snow display.

• Connect with your inner-child and make a visit to Mr. and Mrs. Claus at Santa’s Workshop.

• Try your hand at skating on ice, EVEN if that means hugging the walls while pretending to pose gracefully for pictures (it’s all part of the fun).

Whatever you choose, be sure to have FUN and embrace the intangible traditions of the season: togetherness, community, faith, and fun.

5. Give and you will receive. Okay, okay, so you may not save money, per say, on this one, but what you WILL receive is something a little more worthwhile and what comes with it is that warm fuzzy feeling we all seem to like so much. Just like when you found that $50 bill in the pocket of last winter’s coat of choice and...this feeling may just last a little longer. The idea? Listen up:

You’ve heard it a million times. “Not every family gets to celebrate the holidays. Some are lucky to have enough food for the day...” But, do you know how easy it is to make a difference? That every little bit does count? Following are a few options to donate just a little bit of your hard-earned time/money. Not one requires a hefty bank account balance or the need to take any time off work. They are quick, easy, and will leave you feeling more in the holiday spirit than any over-crowded shopping mall...Take a look:

Samaritan’s Purse—Operation Christmas Child
Donate a shoebox full of necessities and a few goodies to children in need around the world.
www.samaritanspurse.org

Homeless Shelters & Soup Kitchens
A list of homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and rescue missions located in cities around the U.S. and Canada that accept both money and time donations.
Click here for list of shelters and soup kitchens

Angel Tree
Angel Tree is a ministry of Prison Fellowship, delivering love in the form of Christmas gifts and a message of hope to children of prisoners.
www.angeltree.org

This season, give just a little and receive more than you bargained for.