10 Tips for a Better Holiday

Peggy R. Anderson

Extension Agent

October 19, 2011

10 Tips for a Better Holiday

I know, Halloween is in two weeks and you’re talking about Christmas?! Yes, I am. Because it’s right now that you need to make a plan on saving and smart spending for this holiday. Wouldn’t it be nice NOT to have that shock when the credit card bills start showing up in January? For a complete spending plan and other educational information, go to www.ag.ndsu.edu/money.

Now to those tips:

1.      Establish a spending limit, including gifts, parties, cards and food.

2.      Plan what you are going to buy and stick to your lists.

3.      Shop around before you spend.

4.      Keep track of all spending and charging.

5.      Stick to one credit card, if any, and plan how you will pay off the balance.

6.      Beware of “buy now, pay later” offers; only charge what you would spend if you were to pay cash for the items today.

7.      Suggest your family participate in a pick-a-name gift exchange to reduce the numbers of gifts everyone needs to purchase.

8.      Don’t use your credit card to pay for group meals, even if you are being reimbursed.

9.      Consider making or baking a gift for the newspaper delivery person, the postal worker and other service providers.

10.  Give time instead of monetary gifts. For example, give the gift of child care, a home-cooked meal, lessons or help with a project.

And if you start planning now you have some time to make some gifts yourself. Here are some gift ideas to stretch your budget.

·         Handmade ornaments or other craft items

·         Family treasures

·         Magazine subscriptions

·         Gift certificates for your time and talents

·         Nostalgic items from yard sales and flea markets

·         Green Thumb Special; gardening items arranged in a watering can

·         Mail Bag: a bag with stamps, postcards, stationary, pens, address book, address labels

·         Beverage Bonanza: a decorative tin with hot chocolate, spiced tea and/or coffee

·         The Misplaced Box: decorated tackle box with easy-to-lose items such as tape, pins, needles, thread, pencils, nail file, scissors, tape measure

·         The Bath Basket: pretty wicker basket with bubble bath, lotion, scented soaps, loofa or sponge, headrest, etc.

·         Emergency Kit: a decorated toolbox with flashlight, candles, matches, batteries, duct tape, glue, fuses, etc.

·         Office Organizer: a decorated box or tray with calendar, paper clips, stapler, staple remover, pens, sticky notes, pads of paper, etc.

Reduce TV/Internet Time is Good for the Whole Family

Do you struggle with the kids every night to do their homework when they want to spend too much time watching TV, playing video games or surfing the Internet?

“Health experts say screen time at home should be limited to two hours or less a day unless it’s work- or homework-related,” says Saralee Jamieson, University of Missouri Extension human development specialist.

“Research shows clearly that when children, teens and adults watch more than an hour or two of TV per day, they are more likely to make unhealthy food choices and be less physically active,” Jamieson said. “Students who watch more than one or two hours of TV per day are less interested in school activities and have lower academic scores.”

Limiting time in front of video and computer screens, including handheld devices, can be a challenge for adults as well as children. “Set a good example yourself by keeping your own recreational screen time to less than two hours per day,” she said.

Tips for reducing screen time:

-Take the TV out of bedrooms. “Yes, this may mean some family members may not get to watch what they want,” she said. “This is a good way to learn about taking turns and negotiating.”

-Turn off the TV during meals and eat together as a family.

-Develop hobbies and other interests. Get involved in your community, neighborhood, school or place of worship.

-Play games with your kids.

-Do yardwork as a family or tackle household projects together.

-Socialize more. Go out with friends to see a play, attend a concert, join an organization or volunteer.

-Walk your dog; play with and care for your pet.

Schedule

Wednesday, October 19 – Burke County

Thursday, October 20 – Divide County

Friday, October 21 – 4-H Helping Hands Day in Minot

Monday, October 24 – Personal Leave Day

Tuesday, October 25 – Divide County