Holiday advice for MEGS

If you're a MEG (married or engaged), the holidays are a joyous time to celebrate the meaning of Christmas together and being thankful for one another.  But sometimes there are issues that need to be discussed that were never an issue before you were a MEG.  So before you new MEGS get blindsided, Yaptos wants to help out for next year.

1. Alternate family holiday get togethers - for example, Marc and I had Thanksgiving this year with my family and we're doing Christmas with his family.  Next year, we'll swap it. Less hurt feelings. But if there's a way to celebrate on both sides for both holidays, even better.
2. Include "Christmas gifts" in your budget!  There is less hair pullage when you actually have money saved for the holidays.
3. A friend of mine saves all of her change in a big jar throughout the year.  When it's time to go Christmas shopping, she takes it to the bank to exchange it for bills and uses that for extra money for Christmas gifts.  Genius!
4. Who gets a gift this year? Write down a list of family and friends and based on your budget, how much are you going to spend on each loved one and what you're going to get them.
5. Budget for holiday cards and stamps if you do this.  Consider DIY cards to add a more personal touch or go with a photo card.  With various discounts, Marc and I got 40 holiday cards for $16 at Walgreens! Hollerrrr!
6. Go Christmas shopping either early or on a weekday. If you're someone like me that despises huge crowds to the point where you lose your Christmas spirit, I highly suggest you take this advice.

Marc's advice:

1. If you are like my dear, wonderful betrothed and hate crowds when you are shopping, I highly suggest shopping online.  Very often, depending on what you are shopping for, you can buy things without worrying about sales tax.
2. Focus more on practicality of gifts.  The newest toys might be nice for only the next year or so before they are upgraded or replaced.  (Ahem.  Apple.)  Practical gifts will be appreciated infinitely more so.
3. Google 'how to wrap a Christmas present' if you don't know how.  I did.  And it's done wonders (my fiancee loves me that much more)
4. Split up the shopping between the two of you.  Its saves you energy and headaches.  Eiffel and I shopped together this year and I made the declaration of never wanting to do that again.  Eiffel agrees.

On top of all of this, do not lose sight of the real meaning of Christmas.  We hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!  Be safe, and enjoy the time with your loved ones!