Why not try a
Thrifty Christmas? 

Whether the motivation is economic or environmental, I applaud this trend. Recently, I struck up a conversation with a bookstore customer browsing the shelves.  

“You’re having a great day!” I said, marveling at the stack of brand-new looking books she juggled in her arms. She explained that her family had agreed to a thrifty Christmas this year, buying only used items. She smiled after she said she had finished shopping and was under budget.

Many of you may think that thrift store shopping is not as easy as online three-click shopping. But my friends, the reward comes from the thrill of treasure hunting. When I see the perfect present, it’s like spotting a shooting star in a twinkling night sky. Plus, I don’t spend more than I planned thanks to the low prices and avoiding the high-end and designer brand items locked in cases.

A parody of a tune in the spirit of the season. Here's to a thrifty holiday! 

 

Have Yourself A Thrifty Little Christmas

Have yourself a thrifty little Christmas.
Don’t you spend a grand!
From now on, we’ll only shop second hand.

Have yourself a thrifty little Christmas.
Join me in a song.
From now on, we’ll hunt for treasures all year long.

Have yourself a thrifty little Christmas.
Let your wallet rest.
From now on, we’ll put our unique gifts to the test.   

Pre-Chorus/Chorus  

Here we are watching prices soar.
No more spending days of yore.
Faithful to the budget this year.
Holiday debt no more.           

Through the years, we’ve found the truth.
It’s the thought that counts.
Give a gift that won’t be returned or exchanged.
And have yourself a merry, debt-free season now.    

Pre Chorus/Chorus 

Here we are wearing recycled sweaters,
spreading holiday cheer galore.  
Faithful friends follow us this year
proud to support their charity store.
  

Through the years, we’ve all grown wiser.
Let us make a vow.
Show our loving miser side to those so dear.
And have yourself a thrifty little Christmas now.  

*Co-written Marilyn & Rico Paolino