Coping - Christmas On A Shoestring

1    Make a Christmas tree with twigs in a heavy container possibly filled with stones. You can decorate your homemade tree with 99 pence store tinsel. You can also paint the twigs with cheap water based paints.

2    Make sweet treats with bananas and oats. (Both are inexpensive and healthy)

3    Christmas Meal....can be an amazing chicken soup. A little chicken and lots of potatoes or rice and a few inexpensive veggies. Serve with some bread for dipping.

4    Make your Christmas meal with others who are struggling financially also. So it is pot luck time....every one brings one amazing dish to share with everyone. When everyone does a little, there is a lot to enjoy.

5    Do Secret Santa....pick one name out of a hat and that is the person you make or purchase a gift for. 

6    Wrap your presents with newspaper and pretty string or ribbons.

7    Make creative gifts: decorated covered journals, sew a funky pillow, write a poem, shop in second hand/charity stores (used is still new to them and this is very green), knit or crochet red and white Santa Elf hats, mittens, or tote bags are always useful, bake a treat, paint a picture, make a calendar for next year and photocopy. REMEMBER you can also decorate with popcorn strings and coloured paper cut outs.

8    Make cards for everyone and tell them how you feel or write a poem for each of them.

9    Plan an outing that costs nothing....like a walk to see the Christmas lights or volunteer the family to help with serving a meal to the homeless.

10    Plan to watch Christmas movies with friends or make up Christmas games and have a party night with inexpensive treats....(trivia Christmas game, Christmas Pictionary)