Why Do Holidays Have to Cost So Much?

Every holiday has its own regrets and buyer's remorse.  Even little tiny holidays like Groundhog day seem to cost me more than I plan. 

Christmas always costs more! 

Poor planning, paying full price, and the ever present, "Oh, what the heck!  Christmas only comes once a year!" always take a toll on my budget.  Then, all too soon, the celebration is over.  All that is left is the clean up and the accounting.
 
This is the year when I will plan a plan, spend the time, do the shopping and get my act together.
 

Every month has its own special challenge.  Two January birthdays make for an expensive beginning of the year. 

This year my baby daughter will be eleven.  Practically a teenager.  That calls for a special, albeit frugal, celebration. Sixteen is the milestone for my middle kid.  He will get his driver's license this year.  Somehow we have to mark that historic occasion.  My oldest will be 23 in March.  A grown man, but he wants his celebration to be memorable too. (Or maybe his mommy does?) 

Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween, the 4th of July.  The list goes on and on. 

My goal for 2011 is to get my act together, gather my resources and make every holiday special, memorable and especially FRUGAL!

Christmas is Only Three Weeks Away? What?

While glancing through my e-mails, I happened to notice a subject line that said Christmas is only three weeks away. 

I had a little heart palpatation. 

Last time I checked it was the end of October and I had plenty of time to get ready for Christmas. 

How can it be Christmas when I am spending all of my time thinking about pirate ships and animals? 

Thankfully, the mural making and general foofifying at the church is progressing better than my blogging. 

I can somehow picture that my New Year's Resolutions are going to involve becoming a better blogger.  Sorry I am such a slacker.  These last two months have been a blur of Lap Band and Painting and Driving three hours a day to get to work.

My lists are epic.  You can't even imagine!

Actually, don't try.  I don't want anyone to hurt themselves.