A lot of us are feeling the crunch this year.  Not just because of the market, but just in general.  Scaling back on what you are spending doesn't have to spoil your spirit of giving this Christmas season.  There are many gifts you can give that cost little or no money.

This is a quick list of a few ideas:

Free (Okay, so it will cost you some of your time, but you will be well rewarded for it): 

Help an older person put up their Christmas tree and decorations

Clean or run the vacuum for them

Go to their house and bake with them

Watch a movie with them

Wrap their gifts

Watch a Christmas movie with them See my blog post with movie recommendations. http://activerain.com/blogsview/304344/Christmas-Movie-Classics-Recommended 

Ask an older person if you can pick something up for them at the store during inclement weather  You're going out anyway, this will only take a few extra minutes.

Bring their mail and paper to the door during snowy and icy weather

Shovel their walk

Help them organize a closet

Offer free computer help - More and more seniors are getting computers.  The connections are often on the back of the tower and it is hard for seniors to get down on the floor if something comes unplugged.  This is something that would take you or me a minute to do.  Also, they may have a computer problem that is something you can fix.  It is admirable that many seniors are willing to learn what a lot are too intimidated to try.

Help them with yard work

Volunteer to serve food at a Mission or other shelter

Low cost options:

Drop off some baked goods to their home- muffins, pumpkin bread, loaf of bread from Panera.  You can get that for under $3.

Cook some meals, eat with them, put the leftovers in the freezer

Invite your neighbor over for a meal

Bring them some magazines to read - Seniors in care centers welcome the reading material.  Often, you can drop off your magazines when you are finished with them.

Well, I came up with more free ideas than low cost ones.  That is a good sign.  What are some of your ideas for low cost or free gifts for Christmas?  I'd love to hear them.  Many of the items listed are things you can do as a family.  What a great way to show the kids that they can make a difference at any age.  You will be rich and have a full heart if you only do one thing on this list. 

God Bless and Merry Christmas!

Mary Richards  816-853-9698  mary@kcmoves.com  www.kcmoves.com

Reece & Nichols Realtors