As we approach the holiday season your thoughts may already be turning towards Christmas and everything it entails. Most families’ celebrations are steeped in traditions that everyone looks forward to year after year, but just in case you’d like to shake things up a little bit, I wanted to share an idea with you.
Several years ago my family wanted to do something different so I suggested that the adults shop for each other at flea markets. We still exchanged gifts, but at a fraction of the price. That Christmas was different, alright. Where normally we would remove price tags, that year we gleefully bragged about how little we’d spent on the gift. We all had so much fun laughing.
Even though you’ll spend less shopping at flea markets, that doesn’t mean that less thought goes into the gifts. You should give some thought to what others might like, what they collect, or what they definitely would not want. Spending a large amount on a gift doesn’t guarantee the recipient will like it. At least this way, if they don’t like it, they don’t have to feel as guilty about wasted money.
Thrifty Fun
Because it’s thrifty, this is a way for everyone to feel equally involved in gift-giving since differences in amount spent are not as evident. It’s possible to find a treasure – something that is worth more than its price, or that will appreciate with time. You can also include “White Elephant” gifts (things you already have but don’t use) or homemade gifts.
Flea Market Christmas Decorating
Gifts aren’t the only thing you can find at flea markets, you can find some great decorations, too. You can find things to fit any decorating style, or recreate the feel of your grandmother’s house.
Christmas Games
Need a gift for one of those crazy Christmas games? Look no further than your closest flea market for something that will be the life of the party!
Record Your Memories
I think I can guarantee that if you have a Flea Market Christmas it will be one you will never forget! Be sure to take some pictures, and you might want to record the details in your Email Journal so you can relive it at future family get-togethers.
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Comments
Some great ideas, Michelle, and sounds like a lot of fun!
Author
It really is. I hope you’ll try it some time.
cute! My mom collects snowmen and I collect nutcrackers <3
Author
How fun!
what a great idea! I love seeing all the treasures in the photos you share – oh, my, how fun it would be gift some of them to someone special for Christmas! The little angels at the top remind me of a set of Christmas salt&pepper shakers my mother had for years. Wonder what ever happened to them?
Merry christmas!
Author
It stands out as one of my favorite Christmases. It seems like we laughed more than usual.