Holiday Savings (Thanksgiving)

Just a few ideas that might help you to have a great Thanksgiving while not breaking the bank.

Make Pintrest your friend.  Great recipes for left overs.

First of all, remember that Thanksgiving is a day of Thanks.  Not a day of "eat as much as you can in one day".  Make your holiday about being thankful.

1.  Turkey.  You do not need the biggest turkey in the store.  You do not need the most expensive turkey in the store and you do not need to get it in your most pricey of stores.  Pick the bird clean after your meal.  Divide into individual freezer baggies and freeze.  This will make several future meals.  If you freeze it you do not have to feel like you need to have turkey for 3 meals a day for the next week. 

2.  Pies.  Make them from scratch.  It's not that hard and So worth it.  Make them ahead so you are not cooking everything at the same time. You do not need to have one of every pie you can possibly think of.  Pick a few favorites of those who will be sharing the meal with you.  Again, freeze what you have left over and enjoy them at a later date, so you are not stuffing yourself just so you can get your share.  Buy your pie fillings after Thanksgiving for the next year.  They will be cheaper afterwards.  

3.  Vegetables.  Make the veggies that your family likes, you do not have to stick to tradition.  If your family doesn't like it, don't make it.  There is no law saying you have to have yams for your Thanksgiving dinner.  

4.  Decorations etc.  It's nice to have some decorations to make your homes feel festive.  You do not need to go out and spend a bunch of money on decorations and Thanksgiving themed dinnerware.  You can make many things yourself or find them at your local D.I. Corn stocks and pumpkins can be festive and fun.  You can raise your own or ask a neighbor, they will be glad to share.  Bales of hay etc. Pintrest has so many ideas that can be fun for the family.  

5.  Use real dinner ware. This will save you money. Make cleaning up a part of you celebrations.  Use washable napkins, dishes and silverware.  This will also make your meal more classy.   

6.  Make sure you have everything you need before the big day.  Running to the store wastes time, gas, and the item you need will be WAY over priced.  

7.  Make a menu, and a list of everything you need for the meal.  Get what you need a few days ahead of time.  Nothing worse than doing your Thanksgiving shopping the night before.  

Make your preparations and clean up part of your celebrations   

Happy Thanksgiving. :)