Thrift Rich - Splurges Under 5 Bucks

Thursday marks the start of the holiday craziness.  While most people are cutting back spending this year (SSG included!) I am also making sure I take time for one or two of my favorite indulgences.  

These are a few of my tricks for when I need to pull back, refill that well of energy that gets tapped at this time of year and connect to the spirit of the holidays.  The excitement, the nip in the air and the warmth of home ... all on a budget ... and preferably without being heavily medicated.

Take a Walk or Drive

Pour some hot cocoa in travel mugs and get out your hats and scarves.  Christmas lights will be up soon but don't forget to take advantage of the peace and quiet that comes to the streets at this time of year.  One of my favorite holiday memories was driving slowly, up and down the avenues of Old Town Sacramento in the rain while listening to opera.  Four of us spent an hour rolling past turn of the century houses and only had our vantage point because of the bare trees.

Duck into that Coffee Shop

You know the one with its big chairs, whir of espresso machines and Frank Sinatra singing Christmas carols? While everyone else gets their java to chug down on their way to the mall, why don't you tuck into that chair that always beckons, sip your warm latte and leisurely read that book that's been sitting on your bedside table for longer than you care to admit.  Before you know it, it will just be you and old Blue Eyes.

Buy a Card

They're not just in Hallmark anymore.  Cards are EVERYWHERE if my local car wash is any indication.  When you spy one that makes you think of a favorite person, pick it up and spend some time writing an old fashioned letter.   Need some inspiration?  Start it out with the following sentence:

"Remember the time when ..."

I Tunes

Most songs are only $0.99.  If I'm in a funk, I'll download two or three that make me want to get up and shake it.  Two of my favorites?  "Return of the Mack" and "I Like Big Butts."  SSG can not lie!  When in doubt, go with old school hip hop ... or disco ... or Motown ... or anything else that makes you shake what yo mama gave ya.

Cheesy Chick Flicks

Dude, this works EVERY time.  It's Christmas, they abound.  When in doubt, check ABC Family, the Hallmark Channel or Lifetime.  Bonus points if any of the actresses were in 90210 or Melrose Place.  This is not the time for heavy plots or movies that make you think!  We want good old fashioned CHEESE.  Preferably of the processed variety.  

The Children's Section of Any Major Bookseller

I dare you to walk amongst The Hungry Caterpillar, Anne of Green Gables, the Little House Books or Good Night Moon and not have your blood pressure go down ... unless of course it's story hour and you're surrounded by tons of (adorable!) little monsters.  If that's the case, you have my permission to blow your budget on two Grey Goose lemon drops.  Just think of it as my Christmas present to you.

Here's to old traditions and new memories, friends and family and to making this holiday season your best yet!

SSG

P.S.  And if all of these ideas fail?  Take two glasses of wine, one long bath and call me in the morning.