Happy Monday!

Like the title? A little play on the popular Christmas song. Back in the day, before kids, when my time was my own, by this time I had bought all or most of my Christmas gifts.

Why?

Well, one, because I love Christmas and I'm a huge planner and two because I was able to buy them little by little and in cash. I was always credit card adverse because I hated paying the bill come January. Who wants to go from a huge high to a debbie downer in the new year? Not me!

This year in particular we want to have a good Christmas. So much bad has happened we want to make Christmas great. Especially for the kids.

However, we shouldn't go into debt for them. In the long run they will be more thankful for a stable home then that toy they saw on Nickelodeon.

When I was little there was one thing that was known in my house, the day After Christmas was the day for toys.

My dad worked (and still does) for the Post Office and he would save up all the money he received as tips from those he made deliveries to. On Christmas Day we would get clothes, shoes, underwear, socks under the tree because all of that was on sale all day long leading up to Christmas.

But the Day After all the toys were on sale. Something that had been $50+ was now like 80% off. My dad would come home from work with tons of toys from dolls to race tracks to handheld games.

My siblings didn't care that it was after Christmas or that it was a knock off or potentially only cost my dad $2 a piece. My parents never really focused on the presents anyway. All we knew was we had all these great toys and spent quality time with my dad who helped us put them all together.

Growing up like that taught me a few things about Christmas and how to attack Christmas shopping and not go into debt for it.

Top 5 Tips to Stop Christmas Shopping Debt

First, set a budget. My dad's budget was his tips. However much that was, was the limit. No credit cards, cash only. Money right now is tight. So staying to a budget is so important. Set the amount, start saving up the money and then discipline yourself to spend that and only that.

Tip: Buy refurbished or on consignment where possible. Most don't know the difference.

Second, make a list, check it twice and don't deviate. If that means some people are left off they will survive. Don't go into debt for others. They won't go into debt for you. The folks on my list are my husband, my kids, my siblings and my parents and the latter two groups usually get gift cards.

Third, start early! Time is money. The closer you get to the day of the more likely you will pay a premium. Starting early is your best bet for staying within your budget. Plus, you can spread it over more pay periods.

Fourth, shop sales. I know this is a fashion blog but I try to always share sales or ways for you to save on the purchases you make without breaking the bank. The fact of the matter is that you are going to spend the money anyway so buy it on sale.

Fifth, focus on the experience of Christmas. When I was a kid we had a lot of activities leading up to the day and on the day itself.

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Leading up to Christmas we put up the tree, we made homemade ornaments with my mom, went caroling, baked cookies and made sorrel and marbury (caribbean holiday drinks). Then on the day, before we even opened gifts, we went to church, then out from breakfast, and then we always visited someone who was in the hospital or in a nursing home. My parents did that to create an attitude of gratitude by having us spend a few hours with those who might not have tons of visitors that day. We would complain at first but by the time it was time to leave we really had a great time.

By the time we got home that afternoon we talked about the day's experiences while opening the gifts. The gifts weren't the focus. I don't remember all the things I've received over the years but those memories are forever imprinted on my heart and those are priceless.

Happy Shopping!

Your Friend,

The Fabulous Shoe Maven

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