Too broke for christmas ? Part 1

SAVING MONEY ON HOLIDAY MEALS


 Christmas Dinner can be expensive, especially if you are used to having a lot of friends and family members join you. 

One option is to turn it into a Bring A Dish Buffet. Be honest and tell everyone money is tight - they  are probably experiencing  some financial challenges too and will understand and be glad to do things differently. This makes the expense and the work ( shopping and cooking)  an evenly shared experience.

 This can wind up being a positive event in many ways; for starters it will encourage everyone to be honest about their own money problems and this can bring a new closeness into any group. Nearly everybody has been affected by the rising costs of food, heat, clothing, housing, and just about everything else while incomes have all too often decreased or almost disappeared.

 Some other bonuses include the great variety of food, the more casual, relaxed atmosphere, leftovers, which are a blessing for the following day when everyone is tired and really doesn't want to cook, AND the food is already paid for. Send everyone home with an equal share of each dish.

A buffet allows you to invite people outside of your usual group, and enables you to include people you would like to know better or a lonely neighbor who doesn't  have anyone to share the holiday with.

Of course if you have family members or friends who are not physically able to handle cooking  ask them to supply some sodas, wine, etc.

Finally, you might have someone who just can't afford to contribute anything - make it easy for them by telling them you have too much food coming and what you really need is some help making a centerpiece for the table or helping with the decorations, or shopping. And make sure your other guests know how much they helped.

Blessings, Gilly

Watch for part 2 and more ideas