Finally, after watching enough episodes of “Hoarders,” I felt the time had finally come to purge. It’s amazing just how much stuff can amount in the first couple of years of having a child. But at some point, you have to let go, if for no other reason, you don’t want your kid bringing those TV cameras to your home.

1. Make the commitment.
In all honesty, I’ve been saying for over a year that I needed to have a yard sale. But it’s a lot of work, so I found excuse after excuse not to do it. Finally, I talked my church into having a multi-family yard sale, and since I was one of the organizers, I had to pony up and participate.

2. Set the date and advertise.
If you put it out there, you’re more likely to follow through. So set the date, advertise with your friends, put it on Craigslist, and don’t forget to make the signs. The brighter the paper with thick, black marker, the better, and don’t forget to make it legible.

3. Be realistic.
For two and a half years, I had been saving all my pre-pregnancy clothes. I was going to wear them again soon, I just knew it. But after dragging down all the bins out of the attic and spending half an hour “sorting,” I owned up that it just wasn’t going to happen. Instead, I bagged 10 large trash bags of the clothes and put them in the pile to donate.

4. Not everything you have is a treasure.
When’s the last time you spent your time at a yard sale sorting through someone else’s clothes? While maternity and children’s clothes are often sought after, that neon pink blazer you just had to have may not be. Think about the space you have to sell, the time you have for people to spend browsing, and consider donating those items you wouldn’t buy again to a local charitable thrift store instead (you’ll appreciate the tax write-off next tax season). Make sure all your items have been cleaned, and be considerate with children’s toys by wiping them down with some disinfecting wipes. The cleaner they look, the better chance you have they will sell.

5. Take the time to organize.
Maximize your buyers’ time by grouping like-items together and already having prices on them. Use tables and bins to help keep them organized.

6. Be engaging.
It’s early, we all know that, but put on a smile and make small talk to your shoppers. Ask them if there is something specific they are hunting, and talk about how you used an item when they are showing interest. If you have items that could go together, make a point to mention it, and make a special “offer” to see them all gone.

7. Realize that you are not out to make a fortune.
Yard sales are places people go to get deals. Price your items fairly, and as you would expect to pay if you were purchasing at someone else’s sale. Not only will it keep haggling to a minimum, but it means the chance is greater you’ll have less to pack up and haul off at the end of the day.

Remember the ultimate goal of your yard sale is to lighten your load, with a bonus of fattening your wallet, at least a little bit.

It’s that time of year again: running around crazy to get the best shopping deals, hands worn out from wrapping gifts, and families anxious about road travel. So it’s probably not the best time to be worrying about spending money on your car.

As of this writing, my truck has over 235,000 miles. I bought it used from a dealership in late 2003 with around 30,000 miles. It’s just a simple 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. It was originally purchased to be a puppy-mobile for my animal rescue, but it’s turned out to be quite the versatile family SUV in recent years. Thanks to a few simple tips like the following, it might even see 300,000 miles.

1. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Preventative maintenance makes all the difference, particularly on engine wear. I’m religious about my oil changes and anything else my mechanic recommends. When my truck hits the 3,000 miles mark, we’re headed for date with the shop.

2. You can just drive 55. We all want to save some money on gas. If you drive the speed limit, you use less than when you go over. If you find you always need to speed to get to work on time, make an alarm clock change; don’t make your car (or your wallet) pay the price for your tardiness. And that little “cruise control,” he can be your best friend on long drives.

3. Keep an eye on your tires. Check the tire pressure regularly, particularly before and after a long trip. If they are under-inflated, your gas bill might be a bit higher. If you’re not sure, let your mechanic help you; most do it as a routine part of an oil change.

4. Go for the fresh air. If you’re not driving on the interstate, take a cue from dogs everywhere and let the fresh air blow on through. You’ll save some gas over using air conditioning. However, at high speeds, rolled down windows create drag, so you use more gas either way.

5. Pack light. So many of us use our vehicles as mobile offices and storage units. Reduce the load in your vehicle and you’ll reduce fuel consumption. The same goes for roof rack loads - carrying luggage or other items on your roof can dramatically increase your gas consumption.

6. Plan your route. Have a bunch of errands to run? Make a list, stopping at the furthest point first and working your way back home. This gives your vehicle the chance to warm up, making it perform better and more efficiently after each stop.

7. Carpool. Carpooling is not only good for the environment, but it’s good for your car. Take turns reducing mileage wear and tear on your vehicles by riding together to work or running errands with friends.

8. Join your auto shop’s loyalty rewards program (if you’re lucky enough to have a mechanic with one). For every visit, I earn points towards gift certificates for future services. So far this year, I’ve been able to get a free alignment, a few free oil changes, and one free tire.

It may seem like you only save a few cents here and there, but those pennies really add up, particularly around Christmastime. Here’s hoping you and your family have a safe and happy holiday, whether you’re traveling to be with family or enjoying the season at home.

I take a lot of pride in saving money for my family. That’s why, when it comes to buying, I look not only for the best price, but opportunities to get an even lower price. Some places are easier than others, and you need to maintain some etiquette when negotiating (I hate the word “haggling”). I’ve been putting my skills to hard use over the last month as I transition my son’s bedroom from the infant nursery into a toddler Seussville. Here are a few of my tips for you to try the next time you’re shopping:

Yard Sales
Deals are harder to beat than what you’ll find at yard sales. If you show up at 7 am, don’t expect the seller to be incredibly willing to take your first offer. I find the best deals are garnered after 10 am, or when the heat index is nearing 100. Also, instead of asking for a lower price on just one item, pick several items and offer a price for the lot. I love going to yard sales closer to noon as sellers are more motivated to get rid of their stuff so they don’t have to pack it back into the garage.

Thrift Stores
Some thrift stores will let you negotiate prices like at a yard sale, but you should assume that most will not. Instead, ask if they have any specials. If you are a fan of Goodwill stores, each week you can get 50% off a particular color tag (the sign is usually posted when you walk in as to what color is on sale that week). If your local thrift store has a Facebook page or email list, sign up as you may get deals through their posts and email blasts.

eBay
I love eBay. I’ve been on the site since 1999. One of my favorite features on there is the “Make Offer” button. I’ve garnered some incredible deals over the last month through it, most at 50% off the original price. Before I make the offer, I search eBay and Amazon.com to see what other sellers are asking for the same item. For items that don’t have a “make offer,” I put the item on my watch list and wait to see if it sells. If it doesn’t, I send an offer to the seller using the “contact seller” link. Over the last month, about 75% of my offers have been accepted. I’ve also contacted sellers to get shipping fees reduced, though often times, the priority shipping is only $1 or so more than economy shipping. **Note: Be sure that if a seller accepts your offer that they create a new auction with a “Buy It Now” button. Otherwise, any purchase you make will not be covered by eBay’s Buyer Protection.** You may also look to purchase items from the same seller as they will often combine shipping on your winnings (just be sure to check their shipping description to see if they will).

My big scores off eBay: $6 for 4-in-1 game, $4 for new-in-box Matching game, and $6 for flashlight, all using the “Make Offer” button.

Half.com and Amazon.com Marketplace
It seems I will never have enough books, and Half.com and Amazon Marketplace were created just for people like me (well, probably not, but they are making a pretty penny from my purchases). The issue with these two sites is the shipping. Amazon.com Marketplace charges a flat shipping fee per item, regardless if you are purchasing more than one item from the same seller. On the contrary, Half.com charges a fee for the first item and then about 1/2 that for each additional item. For that reason, I tend to buy most of my books on Half.com instead of Amazon, but I maintain a wishlist on Amazon to keep tabs on newer listings at lower prices.

Yardsellr/Danny & Kate
I just recently got introduced to Yardsellr (or Danny & Kate - same inventory on both sites). It seems like a Craigslist/eBay hash up. You buy the items outright. You may pay shipping on some items, others the sellers may ship for free. But when you make a purchase, the site charges you a fee (they call it a “slice”) for the purchase. Where you get the savings here are on Photons (called “parent points” on Danny & Kate). I still have not quite figured out how to get more, but they award you a few when you log in and do other actions on the site. Additionally, if you mark an item as a “Love,” you may find that the seller gifts you photons to help toward your purchase. My best score off of there so far has been a Dr. Seuss T-shirt for my son for $1.75, that was using photons I had and with the site getting their slice. There are not quite as many items available as eBay as I belive the site is still getting traction. They also run “block” specials where they will multiply your photons toward a purchase in that particular block. It does require that you wait for their emails to get a good deal. My main gripe about this site is that the photons run out. You either use them or lose them.

Woot.com
There is no telling what you will find on Woot.com from one day to the next, and if nothing else, you’ll enjoy reading the narratives with their items. I’ve scored two different sets of Dr. Seuss floor puzzles for my son at the cost of just one. You can sign up for their emails specifically for kids items, shirt of the day, and five more categories. There is a flat shipping charge with each order.

Essentially, if you’re willing to make the effort, you can almost always get a lower price on items. Remember, it never hurts to ask.

When you’re pregnant, everyone tells you your life is going to change. You know that, but are thankful for the nine months you get to prepare. However, there is no instruction manual given at birth, and you are on your own, save for all the wise and knowledgeable people who are so happy to share their wisdom and advice without you even needing to ask.

My son was a miracle for me, despite all the complications with the pregnancy and postpartum. Every moment I held him, I knew that he was a blessing. I took great pride with every milestone, dreaming of the grand future he has before him. So when his daycare teacher told me at nine months old that he might need to be evaluated for developmental delays, I was a little taken aback. He was my perfect child, how could anything be wrong?

As it turns out, that first conversation was the best thing to happen to us. Six evaluations and nine month later, our son was officially “developmentally delayed” and identified as having Sensory Integration (SI) Dysfunction. We’re on a different road than we set out upon, but now have the knowledge and resources to do the best we can for him. I’m hoping that sharing our story and how we found help can be a resource for any parent who has been wondering about their child but may not know to take the first step.

1. Accept that there may be a problem. When I was pregnant, I had 36 (at the last count) friends on Facebook that were also pregnant and having babies. In following their child’s progress, I sort of compared where my son was. I knew that children don’t all develop at the same rate, but having my son’s teacher notice he might be delayed was a key indicator we needed to seek help.

2. Seek help. This is probably the hardest part. Where do you find help? Luckily for us, the daycare was able to point us to Babies Can’t Wait, a state-run and funded program in Georgia for early intervention for infants and toddlers. The initial evaluations are free, and the therapy sessions are done on a sliding scale based upon income, so most services are low-cost or can even be free. As part of Babies Can’t Wait, my son will transition more easily into the PSI (pre-school intervention) program with our local school system at age three. So check to see if your school system or state offers a similar program. You may also talk to your pediatrician for referrals to specialists.

3. Start reading. There are thousands of websites and magazines available online to read on most any development delay or special needs diagnosis. Something Special Magazine is one of my new favorites. Books are also easily found on Amazon or Half.com. One of the best recommendations I got was for the book series, Your Out of Sync Child. It really helps to read what other parents have endured and get recommendations.

4. Find some support. As a working mom, I found that there are next to zero support groups available. Most all MOPS take place during work hours, and even fewer special needs support groups are available on my schedule. So I turned online. While I did find a few message boards, I found the greatest support when I finally opened up and shared my son’s story on my Facebook page. Messages poured in, and, as it turns out, one of my friends from my early childhood has a son with the same dysfunction. Now I not only have a safe way to vent, but can also learn other things to do to help my son and my family cope.

5. Take time for yourself. This is probably one of the best pieces of advice I’ve been given. Being a parent is stressful enough, but adding special needs increases the stress. We try to keep the balance between parents, and don’t hesitate to call on the grandparents when we know we need a good break. We leave a very detailed list of our son’s routine and needs behind to try and make for an easier time for whoever gets to babysit.

6. Have hope. So much more is known about special needs children than it was 20 years ago. One of my support people was telling me about her 27-year-old son who has SI dysfunction. He has graduated from the top of his class at a prestigious college and lives on his own, though still can’t stand brushing his teeth (a common symptom of SI).

Remember, you are not the first parent to deal with a special needs child, and you won’t be the last. Take advantage of all the resources available to you, and one day, you could be the one giving the advice and comfort to a parent in need.

I’ve always joked with people that I have a type A+ personality. As soon as I found out I was pregnant (I was 10 weeks along), I immediately took to arranging the nursery. I had everything ready just the way I wanted it, complete with clothes stocked in a dresser, before I was six months pregnant.

Now that my son is a walking, almost talking, toddler, I wanted to change things up for him. But given that I live on a budget, completely re-outfitting his nursery was a no go. So instead, I rearranged the furniture in our living room to make him his own play area, re-purposing items we already had, making it a very low investment for his hours of fun (and my sanity).

1. Play with space.
It took re-arranging three times before I made the perfect space in the room. I found that picking a corner and making that the start place brought everything else together. We now have a distinct division between Mommy and Daddy’s reading and relaxing area and Doodleland.

2. Don’t focus on a theme.
I was obsessed about the nursery. I picked a sage green and teddy bears as the theme, and I spent endless hours at thrift stores and on ebay purchasing everything just right to match. I started out with the same goal for the play area, but after several days of scouring realized I was not going to find a coordinating everything that I wanted. I set my sights on Dr. Seuss, primarily because we have a beautifully framed print (from the Dr. Suess wall calendar) that was gifted to us for a newborn present. So I picked colorful storage baskets to match the print, and am working to get a second print done. Little touches I do with love, he’s much too busy to notice.

3. Repurpose what you already have.
We already had a corner bookshelf, so I put all of his board books and a few toys on the shelves, making sure to place the easier-to-destroy books on top to be used for story time. We had carpet remnants that are working great for protecting the hardwood floor, and a small hamper that has been repurposed for storing stuffed animals.

4. Make it self-service.
Repurposing our coffee table not only gave additional storage, but put our little Doodle’s toys within reach. I did purchase three CD storage boxes from Target to help categorize his toys (they turned out to be the perfect length of the coffee table). In addition to the toys, he has a snack dish on top of the coffee table, which is just a cheap and colorful dog food dish purchased at the dollar store (for cheap plastic, it has held up very well through all the banging, throwing and chewing). Now he can not only get toys when he wants them, but help himself to snacks and juice, too. It’s never too early to start building a little independence.

5. No rules, just play.
We have a wide variety of toys in the play area (all but one purchased through yard sales or thrift stores). And while we know certain things are supposed to work a certain way, we leave it up to the little one to decide how to play. Just recently, we learned that footballs go in nesting boxes, rockets (are stuffed) inside tugboats, and sorting rings in the dog’s water bowl. Additionally, I make sure that the TV is off as much as possible so he can use his imagination without interference.

The bottom line is that everyone in the family should have their own space in the home, not just their bedroom. By sharing our living room with our son, we’ve created a real family room, where we can share memorable moments as he makes new discoveries and reminds us a thing or two about the joys of childhood.

Thanksgiving is upon us. While this is a time to sit with family and reflect upon our blessings, it is also a time when retailers pull out all the stops to get your Christmas shopping business.

As I’ve previously written, I survived a Black Friday in person back in 2002. I have since kept my shopping to online to perserve my own sanity (and physical safety). Here are my tips to help you stretch your budget this Black Friday.

1. Make a list and stick to it.
Now is the time to get those high dollar items that you’ve been wishing for but couldn’t afford. However, don’t let yourself get sucked into making purchases of things you hadn’t thought about or don’t really need. You can very quickly blow your budget if you spend more money on additional purchases you hadn’t planned. Leave the plastic at home and only take cash, you’ll find you’re more motivated to make choices on the spot when you have a physical purchasing limit.

2. Scout ahead.
Circulars for most every store were in the Sunday paper, however, most also offer them on their websites. Price check your list against each store to see where you will get the most value. Also a little hint: if you got the Target circular yesterday, there was a $10 off coupon towards a Paula Deen product in store.

3. Save gas and shop online.
Many retailers offer free shipping during Black Friday and pre-Black Friday sales. Some stores, like Amazon.com, Toys R Us, Kohl’s, Sears, Wal-Mart and Target, are offering pre-Black Friday deals online now. Other brands are offering discounts through their Facebook fan pages and Twitter feeds, so make sure you are tuned in to both. So in addition to the discounts, you’ll save gas money. Paula Deen fans, you won’t want to miss the Free Shipping from the Paula Deen Store online - use Coupon code C89484.

4. Use the buddy system.
Need to get to more than one store at the same time? Divide and conquer. Grab a friend or obliging family member or holiday guest and tackle two venues at the same time. If you need to get a lot of items from one store only, the buddy system works well to split up the shopping and find everything on your list. Keep in mind that retailers often limit the inventory for Black Friday shopping so that only so many consumers will get the price breaks.

5. Keep calm.
Probably the biggest turn off to me about the Black Friday shopping experience was the chaos. Folks, Christmas is not going to cease because you didn’t grab the last doll baby for little Suzie, or the last copy of whatever blow ‘em up game is popular for little Harry (or hubby, which seems to be the case amongst my friends). Your family’s happiness on Christmas Day should not be tied to the amount or size of their gifts. So there’s no need for people to suffer physical injuries just to try and get a deal on one day of the year.

Whether you are going to beat the roosters up and head out to brave the elements and the crowds, or shop in your jammies, please remember that it really is the thought that counts. The rush of a getting a good deal only lasts so long before the bill comes. Make your Christmas (or the holiday you celebrate) last longer than the wrapping paper. Remind your family of your love for one another and the blessings you have that others do not. That is my Christmas wish for you.

Photo is of my sister, Sandra’s, beautiful home last Christmas. Our house resembles more of a Charlie Brown motif around the holidays.

This month is my sweetheart’s birthday. In his honor, I’m dedicating this blog in thanks for the wonderful partner and father he is to me and our son. These are the essential secrets to the success of our relationship. They took me about 30 years to learn, so I hope they will help save someone else a little bit of time.

1. Lighten the load. I am so lucky to have a partner that makes taking care of our son and keeping the household going a balance. We take turns with little household chores, fixing the little one meals, etc. On nights he has to work late, I like to try and make sure all the chores are done so he can just come home and relax. On weekends that I have volunteer work or fundraisers, I usually come home to an already prepared meal.

2. Don’t keep score. There’s nothing worse than having someone do something for you only to have them hold it over your head. When you truly want to show you care, you do things without expecting thanks or reciprocal actions.

3. Do something unexpected. When my sweetheart had to go away for a week of work, I took the time to get a few minor repairs done on his truck along with an oil change and detailing. Then I topped the tank off with gas. It was a complete surprise when I showed to pick him up from the airport.

4. Have a sense of humor. I don’t think there is a day that goes by that we don’t have laughter in our home, either between the two of us or when playing with our son. It keeps things interesting and tempers at bay.

5. Give a little space. He and I have a lot of varied interests. We are respectful of those, allowing each other time away from home and time in the evenings to pursue them. It not only makes us appreciate our relationship but gives us something to talk about later.

6. Take time for each other every day. At least once a day I get an email from my sweetheart with either words of love and appreciation or funny images, jokes or links. Every night that we are both home, we watch Jeopardy! together. Those minutes every day are our time, time away from the rest of the world to celebrate our inner geek and twisted sense of humor that only we can appreciate.

7. Accept that what you see is what you get. From the moment we met, there were no false airs of who the other person might be. In fact, we didn’t like each other at first, but thought the other looked good enough to keep going out. We recognize the quirks and annoyances and instead of trying to change them, either just roll our eyes or ignore them. While we each have made little changes in ourselves, they have simply been a result of our learning to live with each other a day at a time, not because someone mandated them. I have accepted that he will never accompany me to a black tie affair, and he has accepted that I will never be cooking a four course meal that didn’t come out of a box.

Thank you for indulging me with this blog. I have come to truly understand the blessings the good Lord has given me. To the man who made all these realizations possible: Happy Birthday, Handsome.

Feature image by Andrea Hillis Photography

This Sunday marks the 10th anniversary of the day our whole world changed. Chances are, if you are reading this, you can recall the exact moment, sights, sounds, even smells, when you heard the news. What I remember most was the spirit of unity and the overwhelming desire to help others and find a way to heal.

In 2009, September 11th was designated a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Here are some budget-friendly and easy ways you can help others:

1. Share a cup of Joe. For many people, it’s a lifeline to get their day started. Show a co-worker, friend or your neighborhood crossing guard you appreciate them with a nice cup of coffee or gift card to your neighborhood coffee shop.

2. Volunteer as a family for one hour a week (or longer if you like). Volunteermatch.org lists volunteer opportunities in your area and those that permit children. Let your children pick where you volunteer then talk to them after about how they feel about the experience. Help them make the connection between their actions and the community.

3. Hold a food drive. Even one box of food can make a difference for a family. Pick specific items that are usually in low supply, like peanut butter, and collect as much as you can in a week. FeedingAmerica.org can help you locate food banks in your area.

4. Swap those old clothes. Times are tight, and moms are looking everywhere to save the household budgets. Share your old clothes with other moms who may need them for their families or themselves. Organize a clothing swap among your friends, neighborhood, church or school. Can’t find anyone locally? Join an online swap, where receivers just pay for shipping.

5. Cleanup the neighborhood. Take a walk with family or friends and pick up trash, weed eat, sweep, etc. to get the neighborhood looking good again. Offer to mow a yard for a neighbor who may be working extra shifts or a single mom who just can’t find the energy. Go a step further and help a neighbor with home repairs or get involved with a Rebuilding Together or Habitat for Humanity project.

It doesn’t take much to make an impact on your community, just the will to do something. Every single act has a ripple effect. Make your acts positive and honor the memories of those we lost ten years ago. Hug your families tight tonight, and may God bless the U.S.A.

Photo by Jennifer Spence Photography

Let’s face it: the first birthday is really more for the parents than the kids. They don’t quite know what’s going on, that the day is special to them. They just know they can make as much of a mess as they want to and everyone will think it is cute (except for my dear sweetheart whose OCD almost caused a panic attack from the massacre of our son’s red velvet cupcake). I fully admit that my son’s first birthday was all because I wanted to celebrate, not just his birth, but survival of the struggles we endured through pregnancy and post partum complications. I honestly thought it all deserved a weekend at a four-star resort with lots of pampering. But that was only a fleeting thought; I am, after all, the Thrift Store Mommy, so we would celebrate in style but within our budget.

1. Location, Location, Location. Just as important in real estate is where you host your birthday celebration. Cost is always a factor. Indoor spaces like Chuck E Cheese will usually run higher than a picnic pavilion at a public park. You can also check into using gathering spaces at local churches and schools. For our birthday celebration, we sought some nepotism from the grandparents by way of their dolphin tour boat. (A word of caution: If you are doing an outdoor party, have a back-up plan in case of uncooperative weather.)

2. Entertainment. How do you keep a group of kids at any age entertained for a couple of hours? There are plenty of ideas available for free online, and you can even download and print out “pin the tail” on games of almost any variety. Again, I cheated; taking kids and their parents out on my parents’ dolphin tours provided the entertainment in itself.

3. Food. As my mother raised me in her Southern ways, feeding people at a gathering has always been a top priority, and as my sweetheart pointed out more than once this past weekend, we usually have too much food. I find that scheduling a party in mid-afternoon between lunch and dinner times helps to offset food expectations (and cost). Of course you will want to have the standard cake (or cupcakes as we did) and drinks for your guests. If adults are attending, slice some cheese with saltines or veggies and some dip. You do not have to provide a four-course meal, but be considerate of the guests, especially any parents that are hanging around that can be used as your backup in event of a mutiny.

4. Goody Bags. Again, this is something that can be kept very simple. I purchased treat bags at my local dollar store that I filled with two little bottles of bubbles and a stuffed dolphin I purchased from an online retailer that sells in bulk. You can usually find lots of filler items cheaply at those dollar stores or wholesale lots available online. (The same are great for purchasing decorations as well.)

5. Invitations. Although our Southern Proper blogger may disagree with me on this, I do not believe there is any set standard for a child’s birthday party invitations. The dollar store has several varieties to choose from, or you can make your own on the computer. As my handwriting can’t even be read by doctors, I chose to custom make mine through an online service that printed them on thick cardstock for mailing. It also makes a nice piece for the baby book.

6. Gifts. Our son was turning one and still hadn’t played with most of the things he received from the baby showers before his birth. So we asked our guests instead to make a $1 donation to the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children. Our guests were very generous with their donations, and we didn’t have to worry about the waste from wrapping paper.

7. Thank You Notes. While it is still in the finishing process from our party, it is very important that you send thank you notes to your guests. Although my little one can’t write, I am working on using a creative font to type out his thank yous and have his handprint on the cards. It is important to teach the little ones to be appreciative at an early age so it becomes a habit when they are old enough to do it themselves.

A birthday party should be a great celebration of your child, but it should not be an event that you feel you have to compete with each year. It really does not take much to make a child happy. Just show them that they are special to you and the birthday will be much more memorable than the gifts.

I know, it’s only August. How in the world can you even think about Christmas? Well, thinking about it early is what keeps me home with my family and stress-free when the big holiday arrives.

1. Make your list ahead.
You know who the people are that you’ll be shopping for, so make that list after you’ve settled down from the holidays. Make notes next to each name of their likes or interests.

2. Start shopping after Christmas and throughout the year to save.
You have your list made, now start shopping! Those after Christmas sales are hard to beat. No one will care that you paid only 10% of the purchase price for their Christmas cards. Wrapping paper always ends up in the trash, whether you paid full price for it or not. Buy ahead for children’s attire next year. Take advantage of holiday sales and even back to school sales later in the year, putting items away to be given at Christmas. Just last week, a national chain had toys at 75% off. The sales were in store and not advertised, so the moms I know who happened upon them stocked up for their whole family.

3. When you find a good deal, take it.
About a month ago, I purchased some storage containers from a store near my home for $4.50 each. I thought they were a good deal, so about two weeks later I went back. I got to the register and found that even though the shelf price said $4.50, they had gone up to $5. Irritated, I put them back. Last week, I saw the same exact storage units in a Back to School “sale” ad for this store, listed on sale for $6 each. Now I’m kicking myself that I didn’t just buy them all at $4.50 a piece.

4. Price check online.
Everyone rushes out for Black Friday deals. I made that mistake once, and only once, about 10 years ago. Just before 4 am, I found myself outside in a line with a few hundred other people waiting to get into a store for some electronics purchases. After waiting 2 hours with my hands frozen, I got one of the last two carts and proceeded into a frenzy of bumper carts and angry mobs. It took 3 hours to check out. It was the last time I have ever physically participated in Black Friday. Now, I do all my shopping online since many major retailers offer Black Friday purchasing starting at 12:01 am. But instead of staying up late fighting a turkey coma, I shop at places like geeks.com throughout the year, where I can take advantage of sales most any day of the week at a time that works best for my sleep schedule.

5. Don’t be afraid to keep it simple.
We are all struggling in this economy. Your friends and family are in the same boat as you. Put more thought into the gift rather than just dollars. Get creative, like making a gift basket of homemade items instead of a gift card.

Christmas is not about who gets the largest or most gifts. It’s about spending time with family, something we often take for granted in our fast-paced lives.

A big thank you to the Alee Temple Shriners in Savannah for the wonderful children’s Christmas party where my son had his first visit with Santa.