Things to do : On the Cheap

So cheap has 2 meanings really,  low cost,  or low quality.  no one wants cheap quality,  but when it comes to low cost,  we all get excited,  just look at black Friday right?

I have been posting steps to making things work when laid off close to Christmas.

Step 2: No Parental presents.  While presents are great for the kids to open and get excited about,  as the parents,  my wife and I decided not to get anything for eachother this year.  That has proved much harder that I thought it would be.

  I don't mind not getting gifts from her,  but not getting her anything when there were only like 2 items on her wish list was a tough pill to swallow.  by doing that though,  we were able to stretch the budget a little more for some fun stuff.

We have been doing low cost for about a month now (since I was laid off) and since it is now the midst of the holiday season,  we want to be out doing things.  We obviously cant do everything on the cheap,  so I will share a few things that we have been able to.

Movie Night:

Who doesn't love some hot tea, popcorn, and a Christmas movie?  I haven't had microwave popcorn for a long time,  rather I make it on the stove. If you have never tried it,  here are a few tips.

1. DO NOT leave the pan unattended at any point in the popcorn making process.  The oil will ignite and start a nasty fire in your house if you leave it hot too long.

2. Make the recipe your own.  A lot of people will say how much oil,  salt,  and kernels to add,  and while following a recipe is a good idea,  feel free to put your own spin on it.  I always thought more oil would make the popcorn staler.  Not true,  not enough oil will cause chewy popcorn.

3. Serve hot!  There is nothing wrong with cold popcorn,  but right when you put in the movie,  or during the previews, take the 10 minutes,  and make the popcorn.  it smells good, and everyone will appreciate a nice hot bowl.

 Next,  Dinner with family. 

This is something we should probably do more often anyway,  but when we are invited for a meal,  it is nice not to have to think about cooking,  or grocery budget.  Plus I love lasagna.

Then:  Always have fun.  I didn't buy this,  but had some time to try it on.  If you cant look life in the eye and say during the hard times,  lets have some fun,  then the hard times are just going to get harder.

 

While Christmas is different this year,  it is still and always has been for us about God anyway.  He has opened my eyes to the fact that my job was not my identity,  and that when relying on him,  everything will be ok. 

Merry Christmas Everyone!

-Mitch