Frugal Things - The Month of December 2020



Sale flowers on my kitchen table.

My goodness - nothing like taking almost a whole month off!  I really did not mean to.  The end of the semester is always busier and this year was no exception.  I am finally starting to feel as though I can come up for air a bit and take some time to do things other than work obligations.   I have a small bit of time off before classes start again and I am looking forward to taking a few days off and simply resting.

Here are some of the frugal things we did or received in December that were frugal:

* We ate most meals at home, making soups in the slow cooker and on the stove top, roasting meats and vegetables in the oven and cooking stir fries and some breakfast foods on the stove top.  Christmas meals included Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, green salad and fruit salad and Seafood Chowder, both served with potato lefse.

* The children made cookies, homemade trading cards and plushies (stuffed animal toys) for their friends using materials we already had on hand.  These are the only gifts we gave outside of our family other than a charity donation.

* We decorated for Christmas using items we already owned.  I did purchased two strings of battery operated twinkle lights on sale using a coupon and three bottle-brush style tabletop trees for $3 each.  The strings of lights replaced lights that did not work and were not mendable and the trees were part of a deliberate decorating plan.

* As a family, we have been playing games we already own and reading books we already own or have borrowed from the library.

* We received a crazy amount of produce and treats from parishioners as Christmas presents, these included: real maple syrup, mushrooms, farm-fresh eggs, green beans, potatoes, winter squash, carrots and beets (beetroot), cheese, beef and venison. We have very, very full freezers and our refrigerator is also very full now!  I am so grateful!  We will be using most of our January grocery budget for other things as a result.

* I mended a t-shirt, a pair of sweatpants, three facemasks, and a pair of pajamas.

* Our son went sledding with friends as free outdoor outing.  He brought a sled we already owned.

* We visited with family and friends via the telephone (text or call) or Zoom rather than in person.  Not our favorite, but it worked well and we are looking forward to being in person next year.

Overall, we did not do much during December except work, bake goodies and cook meals, and celebrate both Christmas and New Years at home.  Staying at home is rather frugal.  We are getting ready to continue with our remodel after New Years here and I am grateful that we are able to continue in spite of all the things going on with supply chains and manufacturing.  

What did you do this past month that was frugal?

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