October Frugals - Late Edition!

[early morning]

We don't exchange many gifts either - we (the women in the immediate family) do things together instead. More fun, less do-dads. It's not always cheaper, however.... we sort of consult on what sort of year we all had, what our upcoming plans are, and do something accordingly. Sometimes it's a simple over-night to a spate of antique shows, or a trip to Cleveland - which we all love, for various reasons - up to a five-night New England venture that included a stay in the Rose Island Lighthouse. We always have a great time, whatever we do. We do a modified, day only trip/event with some extended family, as well.

Did a lot of travel (for me) for work last month, so I'm looking forward to a large mileage reimbursement. Since I drive a pretty fuel efficient car, it's sort of found money. We are planning a trip to see DH's last remaining aunt in a week, and she is insisting that we stay with her. I had a pretty good hotel deal, since it's off-season, but it was still around $700, so that will be a nice savings. We will buy groceries - we have to eat wherever we stay!- and do most of the cooking, which lets me feel better about staying there. On one hand, I was looking forward to walking on the beach at night and early morning (our not-to-be hotel was right on the beach) without a five minute drive, but on the other, $700 - Aunt's place it is, lol. Hopefully we will be able to meet up with some of the cousins, too. I sorely need a get-away. So those are frugals in the making. We've been better about eating at home or getting inexpensive stuff out this very stressful week, which has involved lots of extra, but necessary, driving. This coming week looks no better...

[Tybee]

If your parents want a visit, are you expecting to see them soon and again at
Christmas time? Do you normally travel to them?

If you already spent travel money seeing your son for an emergency, surely he and his siblings would understand that another visit isn't possible. i am not sure who travels where in your family. But believe me when I say it isnt necessary to do the winter travel thing, everyne will srvice if there is no Christmas togetherness.

Just yesterday I was wondering when the first of the holiday stress posts would go up here. It is a hard time for many.

I am sorry that your income is cut in half, that surely does take adjustment.

I guess I get the honor of being the first Christmas stress post--sorry to derail a frugal thread.
Yes, the travel thing has come down to us being expected to do all travel. My son in Oregon wisely said a couple of years ago, no more Christmas travel for him, and it has been very difficult when we have tried to go places inteh winter. We always travel to my parents, but not for Christmas, although it would be a nice thing to do, but potentially hellish, as has all the Thanksgiving and Christmas travel been the last few years--stranded by terrible snowstorms for days on both holidays.

We did an all together summer reunion which def. worked better than the holidays. But that was only 3 months ago, and the kids seem to expect multiple trips a year now, and I can't afford it, and have expressed disappointment that they will not make the effort to come to us.

I can't actually afford any of this travel anymore, as it is decimating savings.

[nswef]

Tybee, Try very hard to just NOT do it. Let them know now that you cannot afford it, you hate the uncertainty of snow and you saw them all in the summer! You are the mom. You get to make the rules.

[Tybee]

Tybee, Try very hard to just NOT do it. Let them know now that you cannot afford it, you hate the uncertainty of snow and you saw them all in the summer! You are the mom. You get to make the rules.

Thanks, Nswef, good advice.

[iris lilies]

I did a few of the "rush around and drive drive drive out of state in snow country" holidays decades ago and then bowed out. I was always able to use work as an excuse. I used to tell DH " why dont you drive north to visit your parents during the summer when all of the chaos of siblings and their many children arent interfering with you just havng a nice visit with your parents. "

But he still made that Christmas time journey sometmes. It took me a while to figure out that he preferred visiting his parents when his sisters were there because he got a bit bored hanging out with just the old folks, even though they have a farm and he was able to do practical work for them to keep busy.

Now that we are retired it doesnt matter when or if he leaves for the north, there is no schedule and he can dodge snowstorms easily if they get in his way. His dad is still alive and wont be around forever, so his visits are important.

At the moment DH is in Switzerland with his sister. They are visting elderly aunts and cousins. I am betting that this entire trip costs less than $1,500 because the Swiss relatives are putting them up and they will be driving them around, also lending autos if necessary.

[Gardnr]

I didn't leave the house yesterday and I'm not leaving today and I hate to shop so no $ spent online either. I took a fabulous 1hour nap.

All I need to do for the remainder of today is invent dinner out of what is in the house.

[rosarugosa]

Tybee: You have no need to apologize. I'm sorry you're going through this, and the financial pressure of the holidays is certainly a relevant topic for the Frugals thread!

[Tybee]

You are right, rosarugosa, making the holidays frugal is a great topic to explore.
Today I bought brown paper to wrap Christmas presents, since I collect yard sale ribbon all year and I read someone said to just always use brown paper and vary your ribbon for any occasion.
I even have black ribbon--wondering what occasion that would be appropriate for!
Wrapped four library book sale books for Christmas present, and used raffia and green ribbon on one and cream and a gold stripe for the other. They do look very pretty!

[rosarugosa]

Tybee, last year I wrapped all my gifts in brown paper, and used brown jute cord and made brown paper tags. Everyone seemed to think it looked very cool. I'm not really into Christmas, so it was my un-Christmas look, but you could definitely tweak to make it more festive in a classy way.

[Teacher Terry]

Why not only buy gifts for kids-no adult gifts. About 8 years ago we agreed with all our friends not to buy gifts because we all had too much stuff. I would explain your financial situation to your kids and say gifts only for grandchildren and no traveling except for your parents who can't travel.