14 DECEMBER 23, 2021 RIDGEWOOD TIMES WWW.QNS.COM
Uncertainty continues into
the holiday season, with limited
travel, canceled events and
strict budgets changing how Americans
will celebrate this year.
According to a recent Coinstar
Holiday Survey, the majority of
Americans said COVID-19 will
influence how they celebrate the
holidays.
Fortunately, by thinking outside
the box and keeping a positive attitude,
you can stay healthy, stretch
funds and create merry moments.
Let these tips inspire you to celebrate
the holiday season safely and
on budget:
MAINTAIN TRADITIONS IN
NEW, SAFE WAYS
Traditions bring comfort and
hope, so rather than forgoing beloved
activities due to coronavirus
concerns, get creative. Plan a car
caravan to look at holiday lights and
have everyone keep a scorecard of
favorite houses including winners
for most creative, brightest, funniest
and overall best. Set up a video
chat and bake favorite holiday treats
in real time from afar. Relatives can
virtually tuck kids into bed by reading
classic holiday books through a
free digital video platform. These
activities are safer to enjoy and
will create meaningful memories
to make the season special.
MAKE GIFTS TO SAVE
MONEY
You can still have a wonderful
holiday even on a tight budget. A
budget-friendly option is to make it
a homemade holiday this year. Face
masks and hand sanitizer are great
stocking stuffers that you can make
and will be appreciated, especially
this year. Patterns are readily available
to make face masks and you can
find recipes online for creating custom
hand sanitizer. Another idea is
to choose all handmade gifts from
Etsy or local artists in your area, so
you can give unique presents while
supporting small businesses.
CASH IN SPARE CHANGE
Even with fewer in-person gatherings
and reduced gift giving this
season, most people have increased
expenses during the holiday season.
Cashing in spare change is a good
way to stretch your budget. Research
shows Americans with spare
change at home estimate that they
have on average $113 in and around
their homes.
These funds can be used to buy
gifts or apply to other holiday expenses.
Coinstar kiosks found at
most grocery stores are an easy way
to convert loose change for cash, a
no-fee eGift card or tax-deductible
charity donation.
PLAN A VIRTUAL GIFT
EXCHANGE
According to the Coinstar Holiday
Survey, two in five Americans who
say their holiday will be different
due to COVID-19 say they do not plan
to travel or attend in-person gatherings.
To enjoy the holidays safely,
consider a virtual gift exchange
with friends or family. Drop off or
mail gifts and plan a time for everyone
to video chat and open presents
together. Get dressed in your favorite
holiday attire to make the event
feel special, whether that’s festive
formal wear or ugly sweaters and
sweats. Then, take turns opening
gifts and feel the joy.
GIVE GIFTS WITH
MEANING
Rather than a traditional present,
consider alternative gift s that show
you care. Do you have a talent that
would benefi t others, such as tutoring
a friend’s child who is studying
remotely? Could you drop off a meal
for a senior who’s homebound? Could
you donate a snack basket for hardworking
delivery personnel? Lastly,
instead of a present, you could make
a donation in the recipient’s name to a
charity close to that person’s heart.
DELAY HOLIDAY
CELEBRATIONS
All of these ideas can help you maximize
the holiday season, but if you still
long to celebrate in person, consider
planning a gathering for later in 2021.
According to the survey, about half
said they would consider “Christmas in
July” in 2021 for in-person celebrations.
So, whether it’s a summer Christmas
event or another holiday, it’s something
to look forward to once it’s safe again.
Send out “save the date” invitations and
put your creative juices to work for a
summer get-together.
— Courtesy of BPT
HOLIDAYS
How to celebrate the holidays safely and on budget
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