"Today, I emphasize a most basic principle: home production and storage. Have you ever paused to realize what would happen to your community or nation if transportation were paralyzed or if we had a war or depression? How would you and your neighbors obtain food? How long would the corner grocery store—or supermarket—sustain the needs of the community?" (President Ezra Taft Benson)
At the time I am writing this, it is the last day of November and a cold windy day. By the time you read this two weeks from now you will have a week or so till Christmas.
So a reminder - this time of year should be joyous, giving goodwill, and doing kind things for others.
You are probably very tired and very much poorer...maybe it is time to make simpler traditions and more meaningful time with your loved ones.
I think times could become more difficult in the year ahead so take time to ponder if that is the case...what can we do? What more can you cut? How much farther can you tighten the belt?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbUdc5u9G3Q - I like what she is doing. I have done this for years, I also love to get thrifted gifts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXxZ6yZh5gM - watch this for gift giving, used things are fantastic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-AfCzFaMUE - wouldn't these be fun to gift?
As we move into the new year, you might put thrifting into your plans. I think I would be happy with any of these gifts.
I finished the Christmas stocking knit-along. This was free and I used what yarn I had in my house. The one I did this year is on the right. The one I did last year is on the left. I used off-white yarn, again using what I had in my house. This has been a fun, free activity
The sock in the center I made years and years ago. It will hold the cat toys for the kittens in it.
This will be our third year of doing advent. I thought they would be fun three years ago to do, it was something different and we loved it. So I got things from the thrift store all year and put them in lunch paper bags and put our initials on except for two days, one for my husband's b-day and of course Christmas, as it has a special treat.
We do this more frugally than getting each other gifts, which was frugal then too, it was a trip to the used bookstore but our budget only allows this right now. And you probably are thinking, if I know what is in those not much fun, but I remind you I did little things all year long and I have fibromyalgia so I can't remember. These are just small gifts, a pair of dollar tree socks, stuff that we need. Some are very funny, so fun will be had.
We read the scriptures in the morning and that is when we open that day's gift.
Even the cat's toys were thrifted. They have to wait for Christmas Day though and we too will have stuff in our socks, each of us will get a toothbrush, not exciting, and an orange, maybe an apple, peppermint sticks, stuff like that.
So have fun. It doesn't have to cost lots. Find a fun, more frugal tradition because prices sure have not come down.
If you do a little each month of the year, it won't be hard to get nor will there be sticker shock.
Missy says be wise and be frugal (it isn't a dirty word) and you can be creative and be frugal.
Tippy Longstockings says don't push yourself so hard, find time to rest, and a gift you can give yourself.
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