How to Have a Frugal Holiday Season

Summary

Frugal Friends Podcast: How to Have a Frugal Holiday Season Episode Release Date: November 5, 2024

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Introduction

In the holiday season, managing expenses can be particularly challenging as various festivities, from Thanksgiving to Black Friday and the myriad of December celebrations, converge. Hosts Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni delve into practical strategies for celebrating the holidays frugally without sacrificing joy or meaningful connections. Drawing inspiration from the article "Simplify the Holidays to Save Money and the Planet" by Simple Home, Simple Life, they offer insightful tips that not only help in saving money but also promote environmental consciousness and personal well-being.

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1. Decorate Naturally Timestamp: [09:52]

Jen and Jill emphasize the importance of using natural materials for holiday decorations. Instead of purchasing new items, they suggest utilizing elements like branches, pine cones, acorns, and berries. Engaging the family in collecting these items can also serve as a delightful holiday activity.

Notable Quote:

"If you do want to decorate, decorate. If that's your love language, live in it. Let's get creative with how we do it." — Jen [10:55]

Tips:

• Gather decorations from nature during family outings.
• Use existing resources like pine cones from your property.
• Create wreaths using sticks and recycled materials.

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2. Decorate Intentionally Timestamp: [09:52]

Moving beyond aesthetics, decorating intentionally involves creating an environment that reflects the true spirit of the holidays. This mindset shift encourages activities that foster connection, such as setting up a puzzle table or curating a specific music playlist to enhance the festive atmosphere.

Notable Quote:

"You pick the playlist, you set the tone in the environment with the sounds. That's decorating too." — Jill [15:05]

Tips:

• Incorporate games and activities that bring people together.
• Use music to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
• Focus on creating spaces that encourage interaction over visual perfection.

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3. Send Meaningful Cards Timestamp: [16:04]

Jen advocates for sending E-cards or heartfelt handwritten notes instead of mass-produced gifts. This approach not only reduces waste but also strengthens personal connections by conveying genuine sentiments.

Notable Quote:

"A really heartfelt card... is something small we can do to avoid the stores and foster connection." — Jen [17:45]

Tips:

• Personalize cards with meaningful messages tailored to each recipient.
• Use recycled or sustainable materials for physical cards.
• Combine cards with personal updates or reflections on the year.

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4. Say No to Overcommitments Timestamp: [19:00]

Setting boundaries is crucial during the holidays. Jen and Jill encourage listeners to decline invitations or obligations that may lead to unnecessary stress and expenses, allowing them to prioritize more meaningful activities.

Notable Quote:

"You do not have to burn yourself out this time of year. You have permission to say no." — Jill [20:45]

Tips:

• Evaluate which events and commitments truly matter.
• Focus on quality over quantity in holiday gatherings.
• Simplify your schedule to include only what brings joy and connection.

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5. Give Repurposed Gifts Timestamp: [25:48]

Repurposed or thrifted gifts are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Jen shares her preference for secondhand items over new ones, highlighting the uniqueness and thoughtfulness they bring compared to mass-produced gifts.

Notable Quote:

"Instead of adding to all the new, give a repurposed gift. They're not tacky; they're meaningful." — Jen [25:48]

Tips:

• Explore thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, and consignment shops for unique gifts.
• Ensure items are in good condition and consider adding a personal touch.
• Avoid contributing to waste by choosing quality over quantity.

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6. Give Experiences Instead of Things Timestamp: [28:04]

Shifting the focus from physical gifts to experiences can create lasting memories and strengthen relationships. Options include movie tickets, spa treatments, classes, or planned outings that offer enjoyment without the clutter.

Notable Quote:

"Instead of everything else, give something that adds enjoyment and connection, like movie tickets or a yoga class." — Jill [28:04]

Tips:

• Choose experiences that align with the recipient’s interests.
• Consider low-cost or free activities such as park outings or homemade events.
• Personalize experiences to create meaningful connections.

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7. Give Learning Opportunities Timestamp: [30:19]

Educational gifts, such as online courses or local classes, cater to those eager to acquire new skills or hobbies. This approach not only provides value but also encourages personal growth and enrichment.

Notable Quote:

"Gift them a class pop gift card where they can choose which kind of classes they'd want to go to, from cooking to pottery." — Jill [31:50]

Tips:

• Select classes or workshops that match the recipient’s passions.
• Group gifts can make more expensive courses affordable.
• Encourage continuous learning and personal development.

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8. Give Consumables Timestamp: [32:19]

Consumable gifts, such as homemade soups, spice mixtures, or infused oils, are practical and enjoyable. These gifts are thoughtful, reduce waste, and provide immediate use without contributing to clutter.

Notable Quote:

"Give consumables like homemade vanilla, spice blends, or infused oils. They’re useful and appreciated." — Jill [32:46]

Tips:

• Prepare items in advance to ensure freshness.
• Package them attractively using sustainable materials.
• Cater to the recipient’s tastes and preferences.

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9. Give Your Time Timestamp: [34:13]

Offering time and assistance can be more valuable than any physical gift. Helping with chores, projects, or simply spending quality time together strengthens bonds and provides practical support.

Notable Quote:

"Babysit for someone so they can go on a date night, wash someone's car, help them with their paint project." — Jill [35:05]

Tips:

• Identify ways to support friends and family during the holidays.
• Offer specific forms of help to make your assistance meaningful.
• Use these opportunities to deepen relationships.

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10. Buy Local and Handmade Timestamp: [36:18]

Supporting local artisans and small businesses not only provides unique gifts but also strengthens the community. Jen and Jill encourage shopping at local farmer’s markets, craft shows, and small merchants to find distinctive and meaningful presents.

Notable Quote:

"Buying local and handmade supports small businesses and offers unique gift options that you wouldn’t find elsewhere." — Jill [36:18]

Tips:

• Explore local events and markets for handmade items.
• Collaborate with local artisans for personalized gifts.
• Highlight the benefits of supporting the local economy in your gift-giving.

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11. Ban Wasteful Wrapping Timestamp: [39:00]

Reducing waste from holiday wrapping involves using recycled or natural materials instead of commercial wrapping paper. Options include fabric, old maps, tea towels, or reusable bags that add value to the gift itself.

Notable Quote:

"Wrap with tea towels is so sweet and cute. It’s an additional gift that you’re giving the tea towel along with whatever you’re giving." — Jen [39:00]

Tips:

• Reuse materials you already have at home.
• Incorporate functional wrapping, like wrapping with scarves or fabric.
• Avoid single-use plastics and opt for sustainable alternatives.

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Personal Stories and Experiences

Throughout the episode, Jen and Jill share their personal approaches to frugal holiday celebrations. Jen discusses her transition from a quirky, pre-lit Christmas tree to a larger, maintainable one, prioritizing essential decorations and investing in quality lighting. Jill reflects on her decision to eliminate physical gifts, focusing instead on shared experiences and meaningful interactions, which brought greater peace and joy to the holiday season.

Notable Quotes:

"Last year, we exchanged gifts but ended up returning everything. This year, we’re focusing on experiences instead." — Jill [52:26]

"Communicating my decision to not give gifts ahead of time made the entire season more enjoyable." — Jill [56:16]

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Conclusion

Jen and Jill wrap up the episode by reinforcing the importance of aligning holiday practices with personal values. By simplifying decorations, prioritizing meaningful connections, and supporting local communities, listeners can enjoy a fulfilling holiday season without the financial strain. The hosts encourage adopting these strategies to foster a more intentional and less stressful festive period, emphasizing that the true spirit of the holidays lies in shared joy and thoughtful generosity.

Notable Quote:

"We hope this has inspired you to get creative with how you meet your highest values around the holidays so that you can have a joy-filled holiday without the obligation to spend way more than you want or need to." — Jen [56:23]

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Key Takeaways

• Prioritize Intentional Spending: Focus on what truly brings joy and connection.
• Utilize Natural and Recycled Materials: Reduce costs and environmental impact.
• Emphasize Experiences Over Physical Gifts: Create lasting memories and deepen relationships.
• Support Local Artisans: Unique and meaningful gifts support the community.
• Set Boundaries: Protect your well-being by saying no to unnecessary commitments.

By implementing these strategies, listeners can navigate the holiday season with greater financial control, environmental mindfulness, and personal fulfillment.

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For more tips on frugal living and financial independence, subscribe to the Frugal Friends Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

Transcript

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

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[Dr. Laurie Santos]

And live a richer life. Here are your hosts, Jen and Jill.

[Jen]

Welcome to the Frugal Friends podcast. My name is Jen.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

My name is Jill.

[Jen]

And today we are talking about the holidays. The trifecta it's upon us. Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and then all the December holidays. Let's just put them all together. They're all together.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

January, the release of our book.

[Jen]

Oh my gosh, that's an extra holiday. But yes, we are referring to Black Friday as a holiday. Sorry, not sorry. But we're going to talk about how to celebrate frugally and it's going to contain some of the normal tips that you are looking for and expecting. But also as we are conscious consumption and intentional spending gurus. I'm gifting myself with that title now.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Wow. Guru.

[Jen]

It's going to be some of the alternative mindset shift stuff too, you know.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

So we're all craving it. We all just need the permission for it.

[Jen]

Yeah. Want less. Want different sort of stuff. So buckle up, especially if you're listening to this in the car. And let's get into it.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

We polled you all in the friend letter on the well, here's what we asked. What do you spend the most money on during the holidays? And the options were decorations, gifts, food, activities, other. And all of you buy a land slide.

[Jen]

I've never seen a poll more skewed.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

No gifts.

[Jen]

Gifts.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Just that's, that's where the money's going. The second runner up was food, but, but way trailing behind gifts. That's where the most money goes around the holidays.

[Jen]

So we're going to talk a lot about that.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Yes, we are. But first, this episode is brought to you by patting yourself on the back because more often than not, no one else is going to do it for you. Did you defrost the meat for tonight's dinner? Fill up the gas tank the night before? Put some extra cash aside for the holidays, Give yourself a pat on the back. Didn't do any of those things, but wish you did. Set yourself up for a future pat on the back by pre ordering our book. Buy what you love without going broke. It will arrive to your home early January and be packed with all the tips and information on how to get your spending back on track after the holidays. Give this gift to yourself. Pat yourself on the back for it. Buy what you love. Book. Com.

[Jen]

Yes. All right, so holidays, a couple good episodes to queue up for after this one. Episode 133, Tips for Avoiding Holiday Impulse Buying. That's a really, really good one. And then also episode 184, tips to prepare for Holiday Sales Early. So those are two good follow ups. Today we're talking about more of the savings tips for all around stuff and we're going to start with this headline from Simple Home, Simple Life of how to Simplify the Holidays to Save Money and the planet. And before we get started with this one, just another callback to the gifts because I forgot to say this, when you were mentioning the poll, there was one response on here that said gifts was their obvious biggest expense and she said or he depends on the holiday. But one of my love languages is gift giving. So it's a weakness of mine. And I want us to know that gift giving is a love language. The holidays, I think in themselves are a love language. Sometimes we can feel guilty for we feel guilty after the fact for all the spending we did around the holidays because we love the holidays. We love the feeling it gives us. And we want you to fully embrace your love languages, fully embrace the things about November and December that you love just without the guilt that comes in January. That's the only thing we are trying to get less of. So we want to give you creative tips in this episode to get the most to fill up your cups for as little as possible.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Yeah, I relate to that. Gift giving is one of my love languages as well. I love doing it. If you were to look at my where I spend money, it's food, gas, dining out and gifts for people.

[Jen]

And that's just, that's on a, you know, in a July, right.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Or a March summertime.

[Jen]

Like that's every month for her.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

I love it so much. So I'm with you. And so I think we can kind of weave in and look at how can we do this really intentionally and not where we'd have to put blindfolds on in December only to be horrified come January. And this article I thought was really helpful. We looked at a couple of different articles and this one had I thought some really a little bit unique tips and an additional perspective. And we see it in the title of Simplify the Holidays, Save Money and the Planet. Not that we're saving the entire planet. But this lens of how can we experience greater levels of peace and simplicity during this time? That can feel really chaotic. And in what ways can that both help us and our environment and the community? Because there's so much that can happen around the holidays that just isn't overall good for the environment. And that's another reason to simplify in the ways that are already going to be beneficial to us. I love the intro of this article, and I want to just kind of read off some direct quotes from it because I resonated with it so much. I imagine you may too. They pose this question, when did the spirit of the holidays go from celebrating together with people you love to buying and entertaining and having perfect decorations and doing a million things at once? The season has in many ways become a very commercial endeavor. We seem to buy trinkets and decorations and clothing and the latest technology and way too much food just because it feels like it's expected or because there's some sale that makes us feel like we're crazy not to buy. It takes an enormous toll on our wallets, our sanity, and our planet. What's the alternative to a stressful, expensive, environmentally destructive holiday season? A simple one where you buy a whole lot less, but actually give a lot more.

[Jen]

Oh, the wisdom.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

I know.

[Jen]

I love it.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

I feel so seen in that introduction. And so I think it's also what helped me really embrace some of these tips that were given.

[Jen]

Yeah. So we're. We're going to go through all 10.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Yeah.

[Jen]

Are there 10?

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

There's 11, actually. We're just going to do them all. And this is going to be the only article we explore.

[Jen]

Yes. Okay, so let is. Let us start with decor. So let's. The first tip is decorate naturally. So I think this is going to be more applicable for my friends that live in areas that actually have changing seasons. So not. Not so much applicable for Jill and I in Florida. But she is suggesting if you do want to decorate, decorate. If that's your love language, live in it. Let's get creative with how we do it. And one of those ways is to use greenery. Branches, acorns, pine cones, berries, whatever found in nature. This is awesome. If you have kids or if you're babysitting and you can gather the family to help get the decorations. What a fantastic activity. So plan an outing, she says, to a friend's woodlot. How many of your friends have wood? Lots.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

I mean, a lot of people in the north, that's. Yeah, you can find woodlots and I've.

[Jen]

Never lived in the north. Okay. Go to a friend's wood lot.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Yeah.

[Jen]

To gather stuff. And. Yeah. Do a walk with the family. Local farmer's market, leftover, you know, greenery, scraps on the floor or whatever. Whatever you guys do in the north.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Well, here's the thing. We have stuff in the south we can use. I have a plethora of pine cones on my property. Jen, if you want to decorate with pine cones this year, I got plenty. And I also love to lean into the more tropical Christmas vibe or, you know, the tropical fall vibe. So I will take fronds off my little palm trees and gather up my pine cones. And you can actually make some fun wreaths with sticks. I know you're probably thinking Pinterest fail, but there are some really awesome ideas. But not to mention, you can also go to thrift stores and do swaps with people. There's a lot that can be done with just ribbon from the thrift store. Right. There's so much that we can kind of think through about how to make something feel really festive without a lot of supplies or materials or spending a ton of money or buying a bunch of new stuff that's eventually going to go in the trash. So, like LED lights and ribbon and brown packaging paper and whatever's on your property can actually go a really long way. So just know you can be festive, but you don't have to spend a ton of money.

[Jen]

I'm thinking dehydrated oranges are just beautiful decor. Put them up on a string, like, put them around places, and that's very Florida, and that's very natural. So, yeah.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

The next tip along those same lines is to decorate intentionally. So putting efforts into not just purchased items of decor, but thinking this is more of a mindset shift of how can I set up my home to accommodate the vision of what the holidays mean to me? So they give an example of maybe it's pulling out board games or puzzles or decks of cards, making them more easily accessible. Actually, as I'm saying this, I'm remembering I did this last year around Thanksgiving. I got super into puzzles, and Eric's parents were in town, and we had other people visiting, and we set up a table with puzzles. And you would be amazed. Maybe you wouldn't be if a lot of you out there are puzzlers. How much people just walk in and gravitate towards a puzzle and then just start talking and chatting and having tea and eating the cookies that you made and. And no one's Worried about what's happening on the television or on their phones. We're just now gathered around a puzzle because I put out a puzzle like that was the activity and the decoration and the thing to accommodate and bring forth connection and hygge.

[Jen]

That crazy feeling very in line with what we talked about in our frugal entertaining and hosting that it. It doesn't have to be elaborate or expensive. It can be a couple bottles of wine and a puzzle.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Yeah. And songs. I have kind of shifted my own vision to or understanding of kind of decorating to an entire aesthetic, not just visual. How much putting music on and the type of music you choose shifts the environment. It's something I've learned recently. Now that our home is done and we're having people over, how it feels when I forget to put on music versus when I've got some low kind of cocktail hour music, some Frank Sinatra going. It totally shifts the environment, makes it much more pleasant and enjoyable. So you pick the playlist, you set the tone in the environment with the sounds. That's decorating too.

[Jen]

And I think it's so there are so many more options. So much easier to get creative around these holidays versus Halloween. When we were talking similarly about, you know, the Halloween holiday, like you can have a screen from any streaming service with a yule log. I do think for Halloween they are coming out with like spooky scapes, which I really like.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Spooky sounds.

[Jen]

Yes. That's another holiday. But yeah, so like there's your visual and then your music is on and you're and your puzzles up like good to go. I love it. I love it. All right, so the next is where we venture, start, start venturing into gift giving. And I don't love this one as much, so I'm going to alter it a little bit to be one that I actually really, really love.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

You have the prerogative.

[Jen]

Yeah. So three is send E cards. And so this is a more sustainability focused blog. So they want E cards because of its sustainability factor. But also. But instead of buying and sending a gazillion impersonal cards and standard impersonal gifts, a very simple card with a very intentional, thoughtful note is going to mean so much more than a tin of popcorn or a tin of cookies or a mug with a packet of hot chocolate, no matter how cute it looks to DIY on social media. A really heartfelt card. Where you have gone and what I like to do. I still send Christmas cards. I will. We'll take a family photo in October. October And November. And then we'll get a one page just like from Walgreens card with our family's photo on it, but then adding some like a sheet of cardstock with an actual letter on it where you've taken the time to think about this person, what they've done all year. You've gone to their Facebook to see what, like what they've been thinking, what they've been posting to really tell them about your life, their life. Congratulations, condolences, all these things to sum up your guys year, whether together or apart. How much would that mean for you to receive something like that? Would you rather get that or a mug you'll never use with hot chocolate that you didn't need?

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Right.

[Jen]

You know, like it's. It is so meaningful and keeps. It fosters this connection with our family that we may not have time or bandwidth to invest in physically, but this is something small we can do and you can avoid the stores. And I think the only con to it is that your hand might get tired.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Yeah. When we feel like what do we give somebody who has everything or we just feel the obligation to buy something but it's not actually a thoughtful gift for them, then this words are a gift. Like I keep. I am a minimalist. I throw everything out. What I do keep is cards that have been encouraging and kind. Yes, that is, I'll keep people's words because that means so much to me. More than, yeah, potentially a mug that I've got too many of already. So something to consider. It may not be the solve for every single person on the list, but it could be the simplicity and the actual meaningfulness that we're really trying to get at this time of year.

[Jen]

And one tip, to save your hands from arthritis, on the back of our Christmas card, I will write what everybody in our family kind of their biggest accomplishment or change for the year has been so that I don't have to write that to everyone in the writing part. I can just focus on them. And it's not like an 8 by 10 sheet of paper. It's a 4 by 6 card stock. Not even fully filled. Right. But mostly filled. That's what I'm thinking.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Yeah. The fourth one on here is say no. You know this one, we're just giving you all permission. Again, you do not have to go to every holiday party you're invited to. You don't have to host a huge holiday party if you don't want to. You don't have to say yes to everything. You can say no. You can Be the keeper of your calendar and decide what you want to prioritize and what is going to be just too much. You do not have to burn yourself out this time of year. I recognize that can be easier said than done, especially when you've got a lot of people in your house and maybe your kids have their own schedules, but whatever's within your control that you can say no to and potentially opt for the more meaningful things. Whether that is just getting simple coffee with friends in the morning or going on a walk or hosting a card night. Getting together with people in some of these ways where you can do a couple of things at once, hang out and write your thoughtful cards to other people. These are the types of things that could be even more appreciated than these larger gatherings that can feel chaotic and obligatory.

[Jen]

Yeah, I think some of the easiest things to say no to are those gifts at the office that everybody goes in on or like the white elephant gift exchanges you that have like the $30 limit that you don't really want to participate in stuff like that. Like that is stuff we take for granted. Those are easy no's. Way easier than saying no to your friend's Christmas party that might have.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

You want you to go to that. Yeah.

[Jen]

And like bringing a dish to share. Right. Like we want to say yes to expenses like that. And no to the. To the less meaningful ones. So it's just finding. It's finding the easy no's first.

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[Jen]

I love this one. Give a repurposed gift. I am so about used and repurposed gifts. I think they're in style. I think they are great. They are not tacky. You can give a tacky gift? Absolutely. I think you're more likely to give a tacky brand new gift than you are a repurposed one. So instead of adding to the all the new I get so many things from my sweet mother in law who loves giving gifts and she gets everyone the same thing. And by the end of the holiday I have at least 10 or 15 items that I know I will return or donate. Like, don't do that to people. You know, like she's I love her and she's sweet so she can do whatever she wants. But you're not everybody's lovely sweet mother in law so you don't have that excuse.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Yeah, I love this for kids too. And toys. I was just thinking about this recently, how annoying it is when you give a brand new toy. It's all wrapped up and then you gotta spend the first 10, 15 minutes just undoing all those zip ties and twist ties and finding batteries that doesn't exist. When you give a toy from the thrift store that you wash down and you already have the batteries in it once it's unwrapped, bada bing, bada boom. That puppy can be played with.

[Jen]

Or from Facebook Marketplace. We're not talking about just people's discarded toys to the thrift store. We're talking Facebook Marketplace, ebay mostly. I would go Facebook Marketplace though. That's my favorite place to find gifts.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Or the thrift store.

[Jen]

Yeah, yeah. You spend more time unhooking toys than kids do playing with so much time.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

You got to have the X acto knife and the scissors and it's just ridiculous. Then the kids over it by the time you're done with it. And then you didn't remember the batteries because you didn't open it up and realize which kind of batteries it needed. So I'm over it. I don't even have kids. I'm over it.

[Jen]

But batteries are a great gift for Christmas because you always forget them.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

That's so great. Okay. Number six is give experiences. So instead of all the stuff that we've just talked about, we don't need or want giving something that can add enjoyment and connection. So whether that's giving movie tickets or a bowling pass or spa treatments or yoga classes or park passes, that's a fun one. Like, if you live near a state or national park, rock climbing adventures, museum tickets, ski lift tickets, a sporting event, a concert. Obviously these range in price points, so there's a lot of different options there. It also could be an invitation to set a certain time aside to do something that you've wanted to do already. Like, let's plan a day to do the farmer's market together or to go on that walk at that free park we've been talking about doing. Actually planning to do the thing and setting aside the time, whether that is in these next couple of months, to just celebrate and enjoy each other doing something meaningful that you're both gonna like, or you're deciding this is what we're gonna do and how we celebrate come January. February.

[Jen]

Yeah. Something that I was thinking that might be a cool alternative. If there is a white elephant gift exchange you have to participate in, maybe we can wrap this in a value too. So instead of just giving a gift card for Chipotle, we're giving a, you know, kind of like a lunch on me card where you take the person to lunch at Chipotle or whatever.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

You're, like, auctioning yourself off. Like, this comes with me too. Boo.

[Jen]

Yeah, right. Could be good or bad.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

I'm giving this year. I'm giving.

[Jen]

Must you want to be careful who's in the. In the gift exchange?

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Obviously the whole Christmas package.

[Jen]

Do it in a safe space. But yeah. So something like that that meets an additional need instead of just like a one off. I'm making so flat. She is.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Because, Jen, this year I'm giving you me.

[Jen]

That's so.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Aren't you so excited?

[Jen]

I expect it because you're contractually obligated to me. The next one is to give learning. So this is an interesting one. Definitely for a certain person, I guess, but again, maybe it's an experience thing too, but online learning classes from Skillshare, Udemy, a class from a local college or university, an art class. Here we have a lot of glass blowing classes because this is a big hub for that Cooking classes.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

You say that like you're not sure who this would be for. But this is a hobbyist. This is somebody who already has a lot of things. They're into a lot of things. Like I've talked with a lot of people I'm remembering last year who were talking about their in laws or their parents. People of kind of a more wise generation who have what they need. They've already got a lot, they're into a lot. But there might be this desire to like learn a new skill or refine their skill. And this was a recommendation I gave to a couple of friends of there's this like class pop thing that's nationwide where you can just give a class pop gift card and they can choose which kind of classes they'd want to go to. Anything from cooking to pottery to woodworking to bird watching to whatever.

[Jen]

And again, good way to meet like the family value. If you're looking to give your in laws or a parent or an aunt and uncle, like something maybe a, you know, a pottery class together or a sip and paint or something.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

And that's something you could even go in on that could be a group gift. Right. Like if sometimes these classes can be more expensive. Like if all the adult children are looking for something to give parents, that could be something. Yeah.

[Jen]

Obviously it would have to be something you all want to do and are excited about. But yeah, if it is, then yeah, I'll give it.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Of course there's also the tip of giving consumables. So whether that's homemade cookies, muffins, soup, frozen casseroles, assorted tea packs. I actually love the soup and the casseroles idea. Like give an actual meal. Who doesn't want that? Who doesn't need dinner?

[Jen]

I don't chocolate in their fridge and freezer, but give me chocolate.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

So a lot of times we'll roll our eyes at the consumables thing. Like there's so many cookies, we don't need more cookies. So okay, don't do cookies. Recently people have been given giving homemade vanilla. Vanilla is super expensive, but you can make it relatively affordably if you start now. You're listening to this in November. Start now, Purchase a vanilla bean, couple of vanilla beans, vodka, let it sit for the next two months and don't drink it. Pour it into tinier vials and give vanilla. You can give cocktail mixtures, come up with different herbs and citrus that could be added to a cocktail.

[Jen]

I love those leftover orange, dehydrated oranges.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

People will give spice mixtures that and then recipes on how they can be used on different meats and veggies. Infused oils. I've gotten like things that I use regularly. Spice blends, oils, honey, vanilla. These are really awesome gifts. I have loved it when I've received these things. Or if you want to get into trying to make a lotion, there's all sorts of things that are consumables that aren't just cookies.

[Jen]

Just get, I mean, be aware of the price of the diy, so the more complex, the more expensive it will be. But man, I'm never going to turn away chocolate. Like a dark chocolate. Yeah, just like a truffle.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Things that don't go bad quickly.

[Jen]

I just love, I love a truffle. All right, I skipped mine. That was actually mine. But next would be. I'm back on track. Give your time. And so this is kind of in line when I was saying instead of giving a gift card to Chipotle, like give a lunch date with yourself at Chipotle, the date they didn't ask for. So giving your time is so much better and more valuable than anything else you could give. It's the gift you give somebody that has everything. They can never have enough time with you. It's the gift they didn't ask for.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Yes. I love their examples, like babysit for someone so they can go on a date night, wash someone's car, help them on their paint project. Come springtime, there's always opportunities to give of your time and help someone else with whatever project or need that they may have.

[Jen]

I feel like if gift giving is your biggest desire and your biggest joy around the holidays, if you can keep it in alignment with your highest values and realize that the people you're giving to also have similar highest values. And if you can connect those things, you're both going to be getting more of what you want. Because there is a deeper reason to why you like giving gifts. Pinpoint that reason and look for that. Not the perfect gift or not, just a general gift. Pinpoint the deeper reason and you will enjoy the gift giving so much more. Even if it's not a traditionally wrapped or bagged box.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Number 10 on here is buy local and handmade. I can't emphasize this enough. If you are going to buy and you've got people that you have to give tangible gifts to, this is another place to begin. Beyond, I mean, in addition to secondhand stores and previously owned items, this is the next best option of local and handmade to support the small businesses in your community, your actual neighbors. This is so helpful to the people around you. So whether it's gifts or decorations, going to your local farmers markets, craft shows, your local artisans, small merchants I know, I see every year on social media where these pop up shows are happening and lists of here's the local people in your community that you can be buying from. And usually it's a wide variety of stuff, really unique stuff, sparks ideas for things that I wouldn't even have thought about as what could be good gifts. This could include consumables. Buying local and handmade consumables. I love this idea, especially when looking for a thoughtful gift for that person who has everything. What do I give for them? I do have to give them something. This is where you can find your unique things and kind of tick off a lot of boxes in helping more than just the person that you're giving a gift to.

[Jen]

Yeah. Something that I was thinking about that would be a really cool gift is if you know this person's size, maybe they love a certain brand. That's maybe a little higher end is if you can find that in a consignment resale thrift store, even if it's not their size, like giving it to them with a card for your favorite tailor or alterations person. Because local isn't just products. It's not just candles and lotions at the winter holiday market. Right. It's our local service providers too, you know, like alterations and so being able to support them and also giving a gift to somebody, you know, they like the brand and being like, hey, I know you like this. If it's maybe a little big or a little awkward, here's my favorite Taylor. And then it cost them what, 25 bucks to get it tailored. Whereas they would have maybe spent $50 on it if they were going to buy it, you know, themselves. And then still they probably. It probably wouldn't have fit perfectly anyway. Yeah, at 50 bucks, you know, that's cool.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Okay, the last and final one here, number 11, ban waste. Commercial wrapping paper is non recyclable burning. It emits toxins into the environment. So to save our landfills using natural or recyclable wrapping options, whether that's recycled paper bags, craft paper, scraps of fabric, newsprint, old maps, even a tea towel, you can forget the tape and plastic bows, tie it up with a pretty knot or just rope or twine or string or that ribbon I talked about from the thrift store that can have multiple uses. There's so many ways that we can wrap without buying brand new rolls of commercial wrapping paper. I can't tell you the last time that I bought brand new wrapping paper. Like this has been a thing that I've done for years. I mean, you all know us, we are the frugal friends. But around this time of year, if I do even get any shipments of things, you know, it's always coming with brown paper inside. I'll wrap it up with that stuff. I'll use old boxes. I will throughout the year get wrapping paper at yard sales and that kind of a thing. But also wrapping with tea towels is so sweet and so cute. And it's an additional gift that you're giving the tea towel in addition to whatever it is that you're giving. So chances are you already have things you can be wrapping with. And I said, go for it.

[Jen]

I started last year. I went to the fabric store like two days before Christmas, so all the Christmas fabric was 75% off. And I got, I let Kai pick out his fabric and pick out some for the baby and I wrapped several gifts in fabric and I Sarah saved fabric and I will use it again this year.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Heck yeah, Jen. Heck yeah. We're so different, but yet so similar.

[Jen]

But yeah, I will buy one roll of wrapping paper every year, maybe every other year, but I make sure that it can be used for birthdays, baby showers, Christmas, everything like it is. One wrapping paper for all.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Yes, agreed. One color. That's all you're getting.

[Jen]

Yeah. So. And I only do the fabric for my kids because I know it's coming back exactly. Like, I'm not giving the fabric wrapped gift to somebody who's going to take the fabric away from me.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Oh, I love that idea. You know what I also love? And fits for every season, every day, every episode.

[Jen]

Absolutely.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

The bill of the week. The bill of the week.

[Jen]

That's right. It's time for the best minute of your entire week.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Maybe a baby was born and his name is William.

[Jen]

Maybe you paid off your mortgage, maybe your car died and you're happy to not have to pay that bill anymore. Duck Bills, Buffalo Bills, Bill Clinton. This is the bill of the week. Hi, I'm Katherine and my bill of the week is the cancer bill near the Buffalo Bill stadium. I wasn't sure how much it was going to cost for chemo every two weeks, but turns out because of the joys of health care insurance, it is only $10,000. I looked at the actual price and it is $38,000 for the chemotherapy and the immunotherapy that goes along with it. But I only have to pay $10. So make sure you have good health insurance because it is worth it. Oh, my gosh, Katherine. There's a lot in that bill. There's chemo and a bill of savings and the Buffalo Bills. And I first want to start with Buffalo Bills. Go Bills. And I then want to follow up with congratulations, Catherine. I hope that you have completed chemo. If you haven't, I hope that you sound. You are strong and feeling good.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Yeah. I'm so sorry that you have to go through that. I am glad that you're feeling good about the amount of money that it's costing, recognizing that the insurance that you have or the sharing plan that you have is helping to cover so much. But I'm still so sad that that's where 10,000 of your dollars has to go. I agree with Jen. I hope that your treatment is going well, that it is causing the healing that your body needs, that you're getting what you need. And thank you so much for thinking of us and sharing your bill. We feel so honored that through this time of your life, you are sharing these things with us. We appreciate it. If you all listening, have a bill that you want to submit, if it's sentimental or celebratory or it's just an update on how life is going for you, or if it's about being able to save money or you're a player.

[Jen]

On the Buffalo Bills, we'd love to hear it. Yeah, on the bills.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Frugalfriendspodcast.com Bill, leave us a bill. We're ready for it.

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[Dr. Laurie Santos]

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[Alicia Keys]

Gifting is hard, but here's a hint. Give the gift of connection from US Cellular. Not sure what that means? Here's a slightly more specific hint. You can choose four free phones and get four lines for $90 a month from US Cellular. Your family wants new phones? How do we know? They told us. The good news is that compared to wrapping presents, you're great at getting hints. So take the hint and get them four free phones and four lines for $90 a month. US Cellular built for us.

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[Dr. Laurie Santos]

And now it's time for the lightning round.

[Jen]

All right. What is something you're doing differently this year for the holidays from previous years? I am so thankful that our renovation is virtually done for this holiday season. I think I'm gonna have some people over. Maybe I'll put out a puzzle. I can't have puzzles. I have an 18 month old.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

He'll eat it.

[Jen]

That'll be his food 100%. He will eat them.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

He'll stomp on it first. He'll climb up onto whatever high place you have it on. He'll stomp around on it. He'll sit down on it, he'll mess it up, he'll throw pieces and then he'll start to eat them after every part of his body and bum has touched the puzzle.

[Jen]

That's it. That's 100% play by play of what would happen.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

And he would do it all in 10 seconds while you've looked away for just a short period of time. Yeah.

[Jen]

And you can't like change his diaper and throw the diaper away or go to the bathroom yourself because if you do and you're not watching him, he will run out the front door. I mean, we lock the front door. But the one every time. If the one time I don't he's.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Out there, I want to get out. I want to be free.

[Jen]

Outside. Outside is all he says all the time. But yeah. So I'm going to host something not intense. I already had my one intense rager for the year.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

That was the Olympics party opening ceremonies.

[Jen]

Yeah. But I want to do a little something.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

What do you think you would prioritize in hosting a holiday party? What would be kind of the main thing you would do for it?

[Jen]

Food. I don't decorate greatly. I will have the tree, obviously. So I splurged a little bit after our tree last year was definitely. I mean it's always been a little cockeyed. But this past year it was sad. So sad. Like, oh, so bent over. Like a Nightmare before Christmas tree. So that tree has retired after six glorious Christmases. And we got a big tree artificial. And it was. I got it in the week after Christmas. It was half off. It is not pre lit because I'm just paranoid that pre lit trees, once the lights go out, you know, the tree's done. So. So I'm just paranoid about that. So I got also new Christmas lights that were Half off. Cause I wouldn't have enough. Cause it's a bigger tree. So I'm gonna. That's gonna be my decoration.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Yeah.

[Jen]

And Kai wants some outdoor decorations. I couldn't. They were all gone by the time the sales rolled around. So. I don't know, we'll see what Black Friday holds for that. But that would be a. Maybe a splurge just because I mean, check Facebook Marketplace. Oh, that is true. Yes.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Yeah.

[Jen]

So food is where I like to splurge.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Yeah.

[Jen]

Not splurge, invest.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Yeah.

[Jen]

Is where.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Prioritize your spending.

[Jen]

I will put on Christmas music, I'll put on the yule log and I'll wear a red shirt. And that's it. Yeah. Wow.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Good. I'm excited to come to that party.

[Jen]

Yes.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

For myself, I think something different from years prior. So you all heard me. Last year I did no gifts. Except for Eric and I. We did exchange, however, both of us literally returned everything each other got for each other. Like I thought that we would want to.

[Jen]

Those were thoughtful gifts though. It's just the gifts weren't or.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Yeah, it was things Eric had said he wanted like a foot massager and a thing that goes around your phone. Almost like a Nintendo Switch looking thing. I don't even know what I'm saying. I don't know fully what a Nintendo Switch looks like, but it's like a remote control that wraps around your phone and can kind of like turn it into a video game thing. He hardly plays video games. He just was like, I want to play this like dirt bike game and that'd be kind of fun. So I got it all off of Facebook Marketplace because I'm like, I'm not going to spend a ton of money on this because I know what I know. He's not going to end up. He's going to find something that he's going to want to refine and want a different version of it.

[Jen]

Yeah.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Sure enough. Very true. He found that yes, he indeed does not play video games. He used the thing once on Christmas Day. And the foot massager, he wants something slightly different. But yeah, I'd rather spend 30 bucks on Facebook Marketplace to test something out to refine it so you can feel really positive about your next decision and.

[Jen]

Turn around and just sell it for the same price you got it for.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Exactly, my girl. Yes, we did. We just resold it or other things we returned. But this year I think we're learning better. I think we're just gonna not do gifts across the board. As fun as it is to Kind of open something. What we really enjoyed were the days out being able to go do something fun together. We checked out a new state park last year in between Christmas and New Year and just had a blast. And we were like, we'd rather have money to do these things and maybe go out to lunch. So I did put money aside for Christmas and I think I'm just going to use it on experiences and food. I think I'm going to do away with tangibles.

[Jen]

Yeah. That's funny because Travis and I don't exchange tangible gifts. We haven't for years. We'll. We'll do them for the kids. Cause, yeah, we just like, we like buying ourselves stuff that we really want.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Yeah.

[Jen]

And also just spending time.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Yeah.

[Jen]

So we'll get gifts for other people. But we're also not big gift givers. So we don't get. I mean that's definitely not. Our gifts are not our love language either of us. So there's no like bitterness there. We just don't do physical gifts.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

You know, last year it really did bring so much more peace and calm to the season, even beginning back in October and November to know I don't have to stress. I already. And I did. I communicated it ahead of time. I told my sister and the kids and family and friends, like, I'm not doing gifts this year, but I'm going to host a party. And I still like, I want to see you. Let's plan to do fun things together. And it made the entire time so much more enjoyable. I was actually able to engage in the activities and do the fun things and hang out with the people without the thing in the back of my, my mind, like, what am I going to get? How much more time do I have? When am I going to get to the store? I don't even know what to buy them. Everyone knew. Are they going to like it? Yes.

[Jen]

Mm. Yeah. Take away all that stress.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Yes. There's your permission.

[Jen]

Yes. Thank you so much for listening. We hope that this has inspired you to get creative with how you meet your highest values around the holidays so that you can have a joy filled holiday without the obligation to spend way more than you want or need to. And if it has, we would love if you would leave a review, a rating and review on Apple and Spotify. We especially, we love reading them, especially ones like this from D. Bravaza 90 happens to be 5 stars says besties for the Resties. I love listening to Jen and Jill. Been listening to them. I did that because there was a comma after Jen. Like they were just going to say, I love listening to Jen and then added Jill. Anyways, back to it. Been listening to them since 2018ish timeframe when I was going through financial shifts in my life with family. Jen and Jill have really helped in giving me ideas that I can change and improve on with my financial life goals that are now lifelong habits. Thank you, ladies.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Dubreza90, you've been with us since the beginning.

[Jen]

All right. You couldn't have been listening to us before 2018.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Yes. That's when we began. And we were besties. And we're still besties. I can't believe you're still here leaving us reviews. This is amazing.

[Jen]

Thank you, Deeper Hafiz.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

And thanks for not just listening to Jen. Thanks for listening to me too.

[Jen]

Yeah, that's so sweet of you.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

And thank the rest of you for listening. If you've been with us for a long time or a short time, but you've got some good things to say, you've got some good feedback to give that'll be helpful to other listeners who might want to listen to this show. Please leave us a rating and review. It helps us phenomenally more than you can imagine. That's the free gift you can give to us this holiday season.

[Jen]

Yeah. And if you don't have good things to say about us, leave the show. Find another personal finance podcast you love and leave them a five star review.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Yeah, yeah, there you go. You don't have to stick around.

[Jen]

See you next time.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Bye.

[Jen]

Frugal Friends is produced by Eric Sirianni. Well, I guess unless they leave, then we won't see them next time.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Right?

[Jen]

So.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Yeah, well, they already knew that. They're not still listening.

[Jen]

They're not here.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

They.

[Jen]

They're not Deb D. Bravas.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

No, no, it's not. They're not the. They're not the OGs.

[Jen]

Yeah. Which is fine.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Yeah.

[Jen]

We. We got to talk yesterday to our friend Andy over at Marriage, Kids and Money, and he. We've been both podcasting, I think, since 2018.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Yeah.

[Jen]

Been doing this a long time.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Yeah. We keep saying six years, but we're encroaching seven. Like we're gonna have to change that number soon.

[Jen]

Yep. And still love it, honestly.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Yeah.

[Jen]

Right. Like, we're still doing it and we are. You know, we're full time podcasters. Have the same profession as Joe Rogan.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Yeah. We are podcasters. Full time is like Loosey Goosey.

[Jen]

We are. It's. I don't do anything more than I do the podcast.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Yeah. So I still maintain a few side hustles, but this is my main hustle.

[Jen]

Yeah, I. I have a side hustle of parenting, but it's not my main hustle. It's just something I do on the side, you know, when the shift arises. Yes, I do have shifts. Right. I don't control my schedule on that.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

But they don't pay you either.

[Jen]

Nobody can have perfection.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Yeah, right, Exactly. There is no such thing as nirvana.

[Jen]

So we were talking with another podcaster in la and he was saying how it is he can't relate to people that don't have. That have never had a real job because so many. And at first that didn't click and I was like, what do you mean, a real job? And because so many people over there are just podcasters, content creators in business for themselves, like creatives, but have never had an hourly or salaried job. Yeah, and it's.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

So he was saying, like, he has. And so he likes to connect with people who feel kind of grounded and down to earth, like, you know what it is to actually have a job.

[Jen]

And then. And then we're like, oh, it's weird for us for. It's so weird for us to tell people we're podcasters. Jill won't even do it. Jill tells people she's retired. Jill won't even say honestly what she does for a living.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

It's true. People don't get it. Yeah, it's easier to say I'm retired. And it's more fun, actually, because if.

[Jen]

You don't have an hourly or salary job, that's weird.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

You know what, though? No one bats an eye.

[Jen]

That is also. I think that's where. But it's also Florida and where a lot of people do retire to.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

I also told people when I was in California, they didn't bat an eye. A lot of them were trust fund babies. So they're like, oh, yeah, I've just never worked. What's that considered?

[Jen]

Retired. Yeah. What a.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

What a strange world.

[Jen]

What a diverse world we live in.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Yes.

[Jen]

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[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Thanks so much. See you soon.

[Jen]

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[Kisan Patel]

Wow.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

What is this place?

[Kisan Patel]

Welcome to Cloud 9.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

How exactly did I get here?

[Kisan Patel]

You're a Toyota Crown driver, and only Crown drivers ever reach this level of pure bliss. The refined but elegant design makes you sit up a little straighter. It gives you a rush of confidence as soon as you're behind the wheel and a feeling of all eyes on you. That's how the Crown transports you here.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

It's pretty awesome, right?

[Jill]

The captivating Toyota Crown Family Toyota let's go places.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

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[Jill]

It's the two door coupe that was.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

There for your first drive.

[Alicia Keys]

The hatchback.

[Jill]

That took you cross country and back.

[Alicia Keys]

And the minivan that tackles the weekly.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Carpool for the cars you couldn't live without.

[Alicia Keys]

Trust Amica Auto Insurance Amica Empathy is our best policy.