Easter Savings

As with all holidays, Easter can get expensive. It is important to remember that it doesn't have to be expensive to be fun for the family. After all, it is really just another reason to spend time with those you love and to be grateful for the things you have in your life.

In our family, we do almost every holiday as a shared event. This helps in so many ways. No matter who chooses to host the meal at their house, everyone brings something to share. It makes it less expensive for the host or hostess and also much less work. We also have been known to do some pretty non-traditional holiday meals. What's wrong with a cookout for Easter if the weather is good? People love to get outdoors and throwing hamburgers on the grill with some salads, chips, and a light dessert is certainly less expensive than a big, fancy dinner.

What about those Easter baskets for the kids? Well, kids are going to be excited if we are excited. There are many recipes online for homemade goodies including some non-edible things like clay or jewelry. These things cost less and are often appreciated more than material goods. How about a photo of the child with someone special in their life? Another thing that children tend to enjoy are coupon books that will allow them to have a friend over or stay up late on a special night. These are easy to create and a note from the Easter Bunny can assure them that he has checked it out with mom and dad and the coupons will be valid.

Whatever you decide to do this Easter, keep in mind that it isn't how much you spend, rather how much heart goes into the holiday. Be creative, have fun, and most importantly, set a good financial example for those around you. Happy Easter !!