Scaling up your holiday preparations

All we hear in these tough economic times are gloomy predictions about how the American consumer will have to scale back on holiday purchases and preparations this year. For many – perhaps even most of us – there is no choice about this in the broad sense. It is simply out of the question to spend as much on the holiday as we did in the past.

But that does not mean it’s impossible to do one or two truly special things that even represent scaling up for the holidays. And if you shop locally for at least a few of your holiday items, at independent stores, and at church, school and community fairs rather than at big-box stores and malls, you will be giving back to local businesspeople and institutions, helping to make your community’s holidays more merry and bright, too.

Here’s how.

First of all, dream. Think about holiday traditions that you love the most and choose one that you will enhance this year. For some, it might be sending the truly special holiday card. For others it is serving a truly luxurious holiday meal. For others, it is giving a beautiful new ornament to your sweetheart to hang on the tree.

Next, strategize.

Begin by reviewing last year’s holiday in your mind. Then follow Santa’s well-worn advice: Make some lists and check them twice. And network with friends.

Ask yourself what was left over from 2007’s holidays. If some holiday cards remain unsent, use them for the new people on your list or trade them for a friend’s leftover cards. If you send the 2007 cards to some people on your list, you can still enjoy buying a new card this year, and you will need fewer of them. If possible, purchase the new cards in a local, independent shop.

Think about last year’s holiday meal excesses, too. Did you bake a cranberry bread, fruitcake or holiday cookies, only to receive loads of these baked goods from friends? This time around, have fun planning with friends any baking that you plan to exchange. This will save money for all concerned, which may then be spent on a special food or beverage to serve at your holiday dinner. At some point during the holidays, consider serving lobster to support our local lobstermen and women.

Look for your Christmas tree ornament at local craft fairs or at shops that sell the work of Maine artisans. There is no better way to find a unique gift for your sweetheart. Often, items you purchase at crafts fairs help to support the church, school, Grange or other organization as well as the craftsperson.