Saving for Christmas in February

Did Christmas and how to pay for it leave you all stressed out last year? Maybe you know you will be paying for Christmas even into spring. It doesn't have to be that way. By planning for Christmas all year-long you can not feel like your so pinched for cash in December.

One great way to help keep costs down at Christmas is by collecting things all year-long. There are so many freebies out there that can be used as Christmas presents. For example the L.L. Bean catalog often comes with a $10 off code. There is no minimum that you have to spend, so I like to order water bottles. After the code and free shipping they are free.

My son uses them for the gift exchange on his swim team. The gifts need to be $10 or under so it works out great and I don't have to spend $10. These would work great for any sports team gift or an athlete.

Another great way to get free presents is from Bath & Body Works. They have little freebies all year-long. Whenever they are offering their freebies, I stop in a grab one. If I bring my husband and son we get three freebies. Just grab a bag and a bow and you have a great teacher gift.

By collecting these items all year-long I am able to spend less at Christmas. Plus, I have less shopping to do at Christmas and can spend more time with my family. There are so many free or inexpensive items you can collect all year-long to make sure you save at Christmas.

How do you save for Christmas? I would love to hear your ideas.