December 19, 2023 - The holiday season is full of joy but can also cause some to worry about their budget. Don't stress! We have some ideas to help.

- Plan your meals this month and buy only what you need. If you are having guests over, ask everyone to bring a dish to share. Make homemade treats. They are cost-effective and yummy! You could even give the treats out as gifts.

- Need some other ideas for gifts? Try making salt dough decorations. You can provide them to friends and family. Children can help make cards with glitter, markers, crayons, and other craft supplies you have around the house. You can also try the four-gift rule: something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read. If you have a large family, try a "Secret Santa" approach where everyone is assigned just one person to buy a gift for.

- You can socialize and keep the kids entertained, too. Try hosting a dessert gathering or a cookie exchange, have a movie night at home, or arrange a toy or gift swap with friends. Each child can "swap" a gently used toy.

- Decorate with paper chains and snowflakes and make hats with cardboard or construction paper. Go look at lights, sing carols to neighbors, and have a game night.

- Most importantly, spend time with the ones you love! Remember that there are lots of ways to celebrate this holiday season.

Source: Mariposa County Health & Human Services