How to keep the spirit of christmas without the commercialism

Decorating for Christmas is great fun and exchanging gifts is a large part of the holiday, but many people would agree it has become far too commercial. Here are some tips to help you enrich your time together as well as saving money and adding your own personal touch to the festivities.

Remember the spirit of the season by giving thoughtful gifts.

1. Choose a charity: Why not suggest to the adults in your family that each donates to a charity of his or her choice. You can then open an envelope around the tree, read aloud the literature describing the charitable aims, and the children learn something at the same time. And don't forget that tax deduction, which effectively lowers the cost of the "gift."
2. Pick a person : The pressure to come up with ideas and spend your hard-earned money often takes the fun out of Christmas. Why not limit the gifts for the adults by choosing names out of a hat and only buying for one or two members of a large family. That way you can spend a bit more and get something really special.
3. Make a homemade gift: Nothing says it better than when you take the time to make the gift yourself. Homemade preserves and baked goods such as fudge, decorated cookies or a gingerbread house are always appreciated.

If you are willing to be adventurous and stay away from the traditional stores, you can save a small fortune on decorations — leaving you more to spend on presents. Scour sales advertised in local papers throughout the year, especially from September onward.

1. Dollar stores: Dollar stores are packed with inexpensive festive offerings for almost all your holiday decorating needs.
2. Garage sales: In the warmer weather, think ahead to the holiday season when checking out garage sales. Look for seasonal tablecloths, candleholders, strings of lights, ornaments and artificial trees.
3. Fabric and craft shops: Watch for sales, usually just before and after Christmas, as well as end-of-line or old-stock bins. You should be able to pick up glitter glue, fabric remnants (a piece of red cloth to cover a small side table, a piece of velvet to embellish a cushion or a holly print fabric to wrap up a present), shiny ribbon and shaped scissors. You may also find decorations at 50% to 70% off the full price.

Get the family involved in the preparations and approach Christmas as a family activity. Be creative and get back in tune with the spirit of Christmas.

1. Recycle old decorations: Pile inexpensive glass ball ornaments into a bowl or basket to decorate a windowsill or shelf.
2. Cut out paper snowflakes: Fold a square piece of white paper in half, then in half again. Now fold the square into a triangle. Cut out shapes along the outer edges of the triangle. Open up the paper and you have a snowflake. Tape to windows or hang as ornaments.
3. Make Christmas oranges: Using double-sided tape, stick a strip of festive ribbon around the circumference of an orange. Repeat the other way, so you have a ribbon running vertically and horizontally all around. Push whole dried cloves into the outer skin of the orange and place in a bowl, or hang up using a looped ribbon.
4. Fill a bowl: Use bright red and green apples, golden oranges and tangerines bought from a fruit market. Tuck in sprigs of holly and small conifer boughs. Include Brazil nuts, walnuts and hazelnuts, which can be nibbled throughout the Christmas season.

At the end of the day, the best part of Christmas is spending time and sharing with friends and family, not spending money on lavish gifts. Save money this Christmas and create a holiday that will be remembered.