Category Archives: Holidays

34 Best Family Christmas Movie Favorites of All Time

Author | December 1st, 2023 | Recreation/Fun, Holidays
Christmas Movies that are Family Friendly!

This is our updated (December 2023) list of 34 Christmas Movies that are Family Favorites. They are appropriate for children, some are animated, and some will make you laugh out loud they are that funny! 

And remember that many of these are available at your public library or on Amazon Prime or Netflix for “free!” 

Do you have some family favorite Christmas movies that you watch every year?

We do! Some of our favorite family Christmas movies are the result of fond memories from our childhoods and others have grown to be Christmas favorites in recent years as they have touched our hearts. Many … Read more »

Fun Family Christmas Traditions: 9 Exciting and Inexpensive Holiday Activities

Author | November 28th, 2023 | Holidays
Family Christmas Traditions for the Holidays. 8 Inexpensive Christmas Activities

Family Christmas Traditions can occur whether your family is large or small, and young or old. Establishing traditions can enhance relationships, evoke warm feelings and create memories that last a lifetime.

Over the years, we’ve read numerous books about the value of family traditions. They add stability to the yearly calendar as the kids and grandkids eagerly anticipate and participate in the preparations for each special event.

Our Christmas Traditions really are a “month-full” of activities and routines that we’ve established over the course of many years. Here are a few of the many we have:

1. Holiday Music / Performances

There are many … Read more »

How to Host a Beautiful Thanksgiving Potluck … and Save Money.

Author | November 16th, 2023 | Holidays
How to Host a Thanksgiving Potluck

Are you hosting a Potluck Thanksgiving or attending a large gathering for Thanksgiving? Here are lots of ways to save money and reduce stress when feeding a large group for Thanksgiving Dinner or being a guest at someone else’s event. We will also share menu ideas talk about what to make for a Thanksgiving potluck.

Hosting a successful Potluck Thanksgiving dinner

There are so many details to hosting a successful dinner: Where will they sit; what time will you serve dinner; how much help will you need; how many days will it take you to prepare; and what about cleaning all of … Read more »

Grandparent Gift Giving Etiquette? How to Stop Excessive Indulgence

Author | December 20th, 2023 | Holidays, Gifts
When grandparents give too much. A pile of white presents wrapped with red bow.

A reader wonders how to deal with a grandparent who is overly generous. Are there rules for gift-giving etiquette?

How to Deal with An Overly Generous Grandmother

One of our Free Email Newsletter Subscribers poses this question:

How have you had to struggle over members of your extended family giving too many or inappropriate gifts to your children?

A good friend of mine has a struggle with her mother-in-law giving expensive presents to her son.

My friend and her husband are on a budget and they want to teach their son that Christmas isn’t about presents but about traditions, family, and charity. But this … Read more »

16 Fun Thanksgiving Activities for Adults and Kids

Author | November 14th, 2023 | Holidays
Thanksgiving Activities for Families with Kids can be Fun & Frugal.

Are you looking for some fun Thanksgiving activities for families with kids? A few of these fun activities can really make the day special and memorable.

Even with concerns about Inflation and pandemics, you can still have a fun, safe gathering, without spending a lot of money.

The activities we plan are some of the best ways to keep kids and parents engaged and looking forward to this holiday.

If everyone or most everyone participates, the fun memories created will last a lifetime.

Whether you are a kid, teen or adult, coming up with activities to share on Thanksgiving is a very doable … Read more »

Scratch Marks on Plates? 5 Easy Ways to Get Rid of Knife Marks

Author | November 3rd, 2023 | Crafts / Home Decor, Grocery--Cooking, Holidays
5 ways to get scratch marks off of dishes.

Do you want to get rid of knife marks on plates? If you’re prepping for a party, the holidays or just want your stoneware or dishes to look cleaner and less worn, we’ve got 5 easy solutions for you.

Why Does Silverware Leave Utensil Marks on Plates?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Why Does Silverware Leave Utensil Marks on Plates?2 Five Ways to Get Metallic Knife Marks Off of Plates3 Wash Your Plates When Done4 Video Tests5 Conclusion

Do you have these gray metal marks on your dishes? We couldn’t find a silverware or ceramics expert who shed light … Read more »

Cooking Thanksgiving Dinner on a Budget! 4 Tips to Save Time and Money.

Author | November 3rd, 2023 | Holidays
Hosting my first Thanksgiving Dinner - what should I do?

Here’s a free email newsletter subscriber question about hosting her first Thanksgiving.

I will be cooking my first Thanksgiving Dinner for my Family and I am overwhelmed!

Help! We’ve been married for 4 years and this will be the first time I’m hosting Thanksgiving. We’ve got relatives coming from out of town. I’m panicking over the cost!

Panicked for Thanksgiving – Email SubscriberDon’t Fret over Your First Thanksgiving Dinner!

Hosting and cooking for your first Thanksgiving and you have a budget is no problem. We totally get that the thought of preparing a Thanksgiving dinner for a whole family can … Read more »

12 Interesting Declaration of Independence Facts

Author | July 3rd, 2023 | Holidays
12 Declaration of Independence Facts that you may not know!

The Declaration of Independence in the United States is one of the most revered documents in our history. It was a bold statement by oppressed men and women to gain freedom from a tyrannical English government.

No matter your political affiliation or beliefs, we should admire these courageous men who willingly put their lives and fortunes on the line to overcome tyrannical leadership.

12 Declaration of Independence Facts You May Not Know12 Declaration of Independence Facts You May Not Know

Do you know these 12 Declaration of Independence facts about this most famous document? Also, do you know the bonus answer … … Read more »

11 Fun Easter Traditions for Families: Crafts, Decor, & Activities for a Great Celebration

Author | March 31st, 2024 | Holidays, Crafts / Home Decor
11 Easter Traditions for Families - Crafts, Decorations & Activities. #EasterDecorations #EasterCrafts #EasterActivities

Are you looking for fun Easter Traditions for your family? Traditions are a type of glue that holds families together and builds enduring memories.

Fun traditions don’t have to be expensive, elaborate or logical – some can be downright silly. But for kids, having consistent events throughout the year is something that adds stability and anticipation to life.

Jellybean trails through the house are one of our favorite family Easter traditions.

Here are 11 different Easter traditions and crafts that are part of our family’s history.

Jelly Bean Trails

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Jelly Bean Trails2 Easter String Balls3 Marble … Read more »

How to Host a New Year’s Party at Home – Fun & Frugal!

Author | December 27th, 2023 | Holidays
Hosting a New Years Party that is Fun and Frugal

Are you posting a New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day party at home and don’t have a huge budget? We’ll share with you what we make to eat, the games we play, and the fun we have.

We’ve hosted a New Year’s Eve Party full of Family Fun each year for the past 20 years of so. Recently we switched to hosting a New Year’s Day Open House. 

This party tradition started years ago and doesn’t look like it’s ending anytime soon. Even though our kids are grown, they love inviting their friends and helping put on a great event.

When … Read more »

The True Meaning of Gift Giving – Reducing Holiday Gift Pressures (with grace)

Author | December 19th, 2023 | Holidays, Gifts
Reduce Holiday Gift Pressure Christmas Tree Ornaments

If you’re looking for the true meaning of Gift Giving, how to enjoy Christmas and the whole holiday season without feeling obligated to spend gobs of money. We’ve got 7 ways to overcome Holiday Gift Pressure.

We believe that gift-giving is a tangible way of saying “I love you.” But we also believe that spending lots of money means that I love you more than spending time and carefully selecting an appropriate gift.

A Reader Question about Holiday Gift Giving Pressures

I really enjoy reading about how your family enjoys holidays like Christmas without spending a lot of money (we all know what … Read more »

How to Make A Christmas Budget that Makes your Holidays Jingle with Joy

Author | December 14th, 2023 | Holidays
My Christmas Budget - Six Saving Tips to Make Your Holidays Jingle with Joy

Are you wondering how to set up a Christmas Budget for Gift Giving? We’ll share that and some other tips for saving on gift-giving so that your holidays will Jingle with Joy.

Christmas is coming, and it seems to get here faster and faster each year. And for many families what accompanies the approach of the holiday is the accumulation of lots of presents and . . . lots of bills or credit card debt.

Is there a way to break the cycle of obligatory gift-giving and the weight of January’s debt regret?

Our Christmas Budget Doesn’t Include A lot of Gifts

Sixty-six percent … Read more »

Giving Money As A Gift: Is it Better to Give Cash or a Present to Kids?

Author | December 13th, 2023 | Holidays, Gifts
Gift Giving presents under a christmas tree.

Gift Giving for Kids, it’s an age-old question. Should we give our kids money for Christmas or should we just give them presents? You might be surprised by our advice to this family!

Question About the Holidays and Gift Giving for Kids

I have your three books and have read about the MoneySmart Kids System that teaches kids to manage their own money; I have a question regarding giving money for holidays (to your children). Do you give money to your children for holidays or do you have a rule to not give money?

Our Strategy with Gift Giving for … Read more »

Christmas on a Small Budget—30 Ideas For A Magical Holiday

Author | December 12th, 2023 | Holidays, Gifts
A great christmas on a small budget

How can you have a Magical Christmas and an extra special Christmas on a small budget if your bank account is less than enchanted?

We all want to make Christmas a special time of year for our kids and other family members. But we don’t want to wake up in January with huge credit card bills and a large dose of Christmas regret.

It really comes down to time versus money. If you don’t have the money to buy every present you want to give, then you’ll have to invest some time to make the magic happen.

If you can involve your spouse … Read more »

Great Holiday Entertaining on a Budget—Food, Fun, and More Festive!

Author | December 7th, 2023 | Holidays
Holiday Entertaining on a Budget doesn't have to be boring or costly!

Holiday Entertaining on a budget does not have to be boring! But does the cost of hosting a fund holiday party overwhelm you? These days with smaller groups of people getting together, you can save some money, and still put on a great event.

Here are 4 inexpensive ways to host holiday parties this year that are fun, frugal, and full of holiday cheer.

We just attended a holiday party at a friend’s home. It was a pot-luck (of sorts)—some people brought nothing. The hostess provided a small turkey, drinks, and some dessert.

Annette cooked up a huge pot of turkey barley soup. … Read more »

How to Cook a Turkey Like a Pro: Video & Tutorial

Author | November 21st, 2023 | Grocery--Cooking, Holidays, Recipes
How to Cook a Turkey-Step by Step Directions for Saline Bath, Stuffing & Lacing, Searing & Tenting; and Cooking.

If you want to learn how to cook a turkey that is perfect every time, learn from Annette. She is a pro and has had lots of practice over the past 35 years. Annette has cooked more than 120 turkeys. In this video, she shows you her “secret” process to defrost, stuff, sear and cook a delicious roasted turkey every time.

7 Steps to Cooking a Great Thanksgiving Turkey

Print the .pdf Directions for Cooking a Turkey Here

Cooking a turkey is a simple task if you follow these steps!

In this video, Annette shares her secret method to … Read more »

Fun Family Tradition Examples: For the Holidays and The Whole Year

Author | October 24th, 2023 | Holidays, Recreation/Fun
Fun Family Traditions for Christmas, Easter, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Halloween and more.

Are you looking for some new and fun family traditions?

Whether your family is large or small, young or old, establishing traditions can cement relationships. It can also evoke warm feelings and create memories that last a lifetime.

Over the years, we’ve read numerous books about the value of family traditions.

These habits and rituals add stability to the yearly calendar as the kids eagerly anticipate and participate in the preparations for each special event. Traditions don’t need to be expensive or elaborate to be memorable.

We hope our most enjoyable ideas will provide the impetus for you to create your own family traditions. … Read more »

DIY Halloween Party Games, Crafts & Food Ideas for Fun Harvest Festival

Author | October 17th, 2023 | Holidays
DIY Homemade halloween. A scarecrow, a jar of candy corn and a pumpkin shaped cookie.

Are you looking for some Fun Homemade Halloween party games? We’ve assembled a great list to make your party a frugal and fun success. We started with 13 games, but the list keeps growing. We’ve also added some crafts and fun food ideas.

Halloween and the Fall can make for some really fun homemade Harvest party games. We know some people are squeamish about taking their kids out “Trick-or-Treating” so why not borrow some of these ideas. We’ve used variations of some of these for our kids’ birthday parties.

They work great as carnival-type booths or as party games for a small … Read more »

10 DIY Non-Scary Halloween Costumes that are Easy, Cheap & Fast

Author | October 10th, 2023 | Holidays
10 non-scary, cheap, family friendly halloween costumes.

We’ve got tons of ideas for non-scary Halloween costumes that are easy and cheap to make.

Have you thought about Halloween costumes for you or your kids yet? Does the cost of costumes scare the fun out of Halloween for your family?

Planning for Halloween Takes the Cost out of Costumes

Halloween will be here before you know it. And costume-loving families know that putting together a unique and inexpensive costume takes some planning and some time.

The earlier you start, the more complete and creative your outfit will be—plus you’ll have more time to find great deals.

We know it may sound strange, but … Read more »

Great Fathers Day Ideas: Serving & Teaching Your Kids to Work

Author | June 7th, 2023 | Housing, Holidays
Fathers Day building memories and things with your kids

The typical Father’s Day celebration is to wait on Dad, hand, and foot, hand him the remote control, and let him do whatever he wants for the entire day.

Try a Different Kind of Father’s Day

This Father’s day we’d like to encourage Dads everywhere to have a different idea or outlook on the day. We’re challenging you to make it a day when you serve your family. Instead of being served, give your time and love to their wife and kids. And in doing so, you’ll receive much more in return. 

There is no better Father’s Day present to receive than to … Read more »

Cute Valentines Day Date Ideas That Are Inexpensive & Fun

Author | February 1st, 2023 | Holidays
Creative Valentines Date Ideas Couple standing in front of Love statue kissing.

Are you looking for some cute Valentine’s Day Date Ideas that don’t cost a lot of money? We love the idea of celebrating Valentine’s Day and those precious relationships that you have in your life. But we look at Valentine Recreation a little differently . . . are you surprised?

Valentine’s Day falls on a different day each year, but it’s a good time to get your husband to do something more romantic . . . especially after watching the Super Bowl last week.

Valentine Recreation with Thought

Love is not based on how much we spend, but how much we spend time … Read more »

Dressing Up for the Holidays for Less: Holiday Party Outfits Savings

Author | December 6th, 2022 | Holidays, Clothes
3 sparkly holiday blouses—red, silver and green, hanging on hangers.

Holiday party outfits can be expensive, and everyone wants to look fantastic for the holidays. How can you get a great Holiday look without spending a fortune of money? We’ll share how you can dress up for the holidays with a minimal cash outlay, and look fabulous in the process.

Reader Question About Holiday Clothing Expenses

I know that I’ll be invited to several holiday parties this season and will need to get dressed up. And there isn’t money for new clothes right now. But I want to look good, and not put a balance on my credit card. What should I … Read more »

Stores Open On Thanksgiving Day – Black Friday Shopping [2021]

Author | November 10th, 2021 | Holidays
Thanksgiving Day Shopping Stores open and closed.

Are you wondering whether your favorite stores are opened or closed on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday? Check out the list below.

This year is going to be very different with some HUGE players taking a step back and staying closed on Thanksgiving Day. Walmart, Best Buy, Target and Kohl’s are among the most notable ones. But keep reading to see the entire list of 57 stores.

Another big change has been the stores releasing Black Friday pricing and starting sales as early as Halloween.

There are deals to be found, they may not only be on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

List of Stores … Read more »

7 Black Friday Secrets & Strategies

Author | November 21st, 2019 | Holidays
Black Friday Secrets & Strategies!

Are you looking for Black Friday Secrets and Strategies to jumpstart your Christmas shopping and savings?

Are you looking for the Ultimate Black Friday Cheat Sheet of Sales?

If so, keep reading – we’ve got lots to share with you.

it’s time to put our gift planning into high gear. One great way to do that is to make a list of all of the people you are planning on buying gifts for.

To find the Best Black Friday Secrets you’ll need to start researching early using sites like BlackFriday.info, BFads.net, BradsDeals, Hip2Save and Fabulously Frugal.com. Get the links below.

Then check some of … Read more »