There is not a wonder that times are tough for millions of families across the nation. The poor economy has resulted in added and decreased incomes. Even so, during difficult times the holidays and gift-giving events continue. Finding ways to make Christmas meaningful without breaking the bank can be less difficult than you think. One of the essential things to keep in mind is that unique time with family during the holidays can create long-lasting memories that are remembered for years to comer. One of the most fundamental things a family can do is to make and/or continue pleasurable family traditions that all can enjoy. I suggest that you start your Christmas holiday season on Thanksgiving Day. Here’s what my family does: After the meal is over and the dinner table is free of dishes, all the kids and some grown-ups gather to make hand-crafted Christmas decorations. By keeping a craft basket continuously that is added to regularly, the choices are infinite. We keep things like remnants of material, buttons, colorful pipe cleaners, ribbons and lace, construction paper, glue, glitter, Styrofoam balls and bits and pieces of stuff. The final result is often some very imaginative Christmas crafts and most are extremely cute. As the crafters work diligently to make their projects we have beautiful Christmas playing on the stereo. And after the crafting process is over it is time to find the ideal spot for showcasing them. Then it’s back to the table for a final project of the day – which is writing letters to Santa. All the children usually spends time discussing this part of the day throughout the dinner so they already have a good idea of what they want to say to the old guy. While creating the letters is fun for everyone, receiving letters from Santa Claus is simply enchanting. The good news is that genuine letters from the North Pole with a postmark from Santa Claus are not only easy to get – they are low cost. These easy ideas and more like them can result in a Christmas that is very special and one that will be remembered because it involves comfortable family time. Many of the decorations will be used for many years and the letter from Santa will become a memorable keepsake.