Last year we saw tips on how to budget shop like a pro.  In light of recent economic trends, when people have a more immediate need to watch their spending, let’s try any number of these alternatives on Black Friday while we switch the paradigm to Buy Nothing Day.

1. Don’t go shopping, for anything
2. Stay at home, relax
3. Play with your kids, spouse/partner, friends
4. Play board games
5. Call up that friend you’ve been meaning to call during the holiday season now
6. Make cookies, decorate with your family
7. Enjoy hot cider
8. Sit by a fire
9. Sing carols
10. Volunteer (soup kitchens, your favorite organization, neighborhood groups, churches, schools)
11. Make Christmas wreaths with your friends
12. Make Christmas cards and ornaments
13. Decorate your Christmas Tree in a timely (not early) fashion with said homemade ornaments

Let’s use this year’s economic cautions as a reminder for what really counts at the holidays: Loved Ones, not Stuff.