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Trust us, there will be enough ham for you to take some home.
After many years of surviving on an “artist’s” budget, I’ve learned how to maximize your enjoyment and your money during the holidays.
With seasonal celebrations now pervading every ounce of our functioning existence, let’s examine a few of these simple concepts.
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THE HOLIDAY PARTY
If you are a decent person (who is mildly involved in society in a gregarious and welcoming way), you will likely be invited to a holiday party or two. These events usually start the week after Thanksgiving and sometimes even progress right up until the eve of New Year’s.
The goal for these events is to celebrate the culmination of a year with friends, family, and associates. Even if the gathering lacks subtlety and feels awkward, remember that the host wants to share that time with you as a celebration. Try to open your mind and have fun with this very distinct format of social gathering, and look for ways to maximize your enjoyment.
These types of celebrations usually have a strong food and beverage component to them as well, which brings both value and peril. Socializing around food is an instant icebreaker, and having a free meal—albeit one surrounded by the potential of odd conversation—is of great value if you are minding your budget.
Just be wary: Free food and drink are dangerous bedfellows and lead to potentially ridiculous behavior. That being said you only live once, so…
DON’T OVEREAT; TAKE LEFTOVERS
Traditional holiday gatherings usually take place around a meal or a feast, and we have become all too familiar with gluttony that accompanies such events. It is easy to overeat when presented with such a large array of amazing options, delicious traditions, and luxury dishes, but I am here to implore you to TAKE LEFTOVERS!
The instinct in these large social gathering is to eat until you are about to burst, but try to restrain yourself and just sample a large variety of dishes. After, or even during the meal, you can make a plate to go or grab some leftovers to enjoy later.
Almost all of our traditional celebratory meals are perfect for eating again the next day cold, on two pieces of bread, chopped up with some potatoes and eggs, etc. You will feel less disgusted with yourself but, critically, still show your friends and family how much you enjoy their cooking, while creating another free (hopefully delicious) meal for yourself. This concept is decidedly easier said than done, but once you start practicing, you will find that it is quickly rewarding.
It should also be said that if someone invites you over for a big meal, you should totally feel obligated to help them with the dishes—especially if you two are genetically related.
HAPPY HOLIDAY EATING
Gifts come in many forms. A great meal and shared company can easily supplant a fancy electronic toy or piece of clothing. It might not always be cheaper, but the memory could last much longer. The trick is just trying got find out how to wrap it up with a bow.
I wish all of you the best this holiday season, and I look forward to exploring food on a budget with you in the new year.
How do you save money on holiday food? Let us know in the comments.
(Photo: mike warren)