Between moving and beginning a new career I don't think I have stopped to take a breath! Naturally I am going into the holidays full blast and am trying to do my best to make it work on the Americorps punitive pay scale. I figured it out to $1.09 per hour, with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for one year. Considering we cannot legally take on any other work (yet people are allowed to attend school full time?!) in order to be considered fully dedicated to our position, this whole $1.09 an hour thing sucks.
However, nothing will diminish my Christmas cheer.
So for this entry, bear with me, I am attempting to introduce ideas for gift giving when all you have is practically lint in your pocketbook.
There are a ton of ways to save during the holidays- and not just by going out linebacker style on Black Friday. Websites specializing in half price items, special sales, etc. can save you tons of mulah. One of my favorites this season has been http://www.overstock.com/ . While not essentially a great web platform to search for items with, this site has serious deals to offer. Shipping and handling usually comes at a low price to free depending as well. I am truly in love with their home decor and jewelry departments. In fact, my brother and sister-in-law will be getting a very nice mod wood vase in which to decorate their home with!
If you are prone to anxiety when it comes to online shopping-hacker phobias or intense stress over the pitfall of the nation I like to call USPS, there are some great ideas out there for DIY gifts. In years past I have purchased clear wine glasses, some acrylic paint, and gone to town on making holiday or fun and flirty goblets.
Two years ago I believe I indulged family members with homemade truffles from an easy Kraft recipe involving cream cheese and dipping chocolates. I've also done homemade acrylic painted boxes lined with felt, personalized Christmas ornaments, and handcrafted jewelry (I'm not crafty at all-seriously). I honestly believe you can do a family of four for under $20 if you put in enough thought or time.
As always, just remember that as long as you put your heart into gift giving- no matter the price, taste, or (hopefully not) hideousness of a gift they will appreciate and recognize the effort put in.
