The gifts have been unwrapped — some may have been returned — the trees are beginning to come down and the stockings are being repacked. This is the perfect time to buy new Christmas decorations and other holiday-themed items.
Stores often have a larger stock of these items than they sold before the holiday. These leftover items begin to be discounted the day after Christmas. It usually starts around 15 percent, grows to 30, 50, 75 and finally 90 percent off. Today is Dec. 30, so we are five days past Christmas and are at, or nearing, the peak of the discounts. Most stores want these items cleared out before 2012.
Christmas ornaments, stockings and lights can be purchased inexpensively this year, stored and used for Christmas 2012. While everyone else is searching next year for reasonably priced lights or decorations, you can relax knowing that you saved a great deal on them last year.
Some of these holiday items can be repurposed for everyday uses. One year, I found a beautifully shaped stocking hook. After I added a little spray paint and removed the small metal hook, it turned into a beautiful decoration for my fireplace mantle. I paid $1.49 for the $14.99 stocking hook. Now we enjoy it 365 days a year.
Even items like disposable tableware can be purchased at great discounts. Nice, plain disposable plates, cups and tablecloths can be purchased and used for any occasion. The red plates and other tableware are perfect for a Valentine’s party. The green-themed items are great for St. Patrick’s Day or even just a summer-time barbeque. At 90 percent off, that $2.99 package of plates is just 29 cents. At that price, does it really matter what color they are?
The same plates will be going on sale again in a few weeks, back at the regular price of $2.99. The only difference is that the tiny Santas have been replaced with tiny pink hearts for Valentine’s Day.
Candy is another item where ignoring the packaging can save a lot of money. Candy manufacturers will package their products in different bags for each holiday. Sometimes, the bags will include candy with themed colors. But the red and green m&ms taste the same as the blue and yellow.
My kids get just as excited about decorating gingerbread houses in January as they do in December. The idea of buying before you need it applies to more than just pasta and rice. Saving 90 percent now is much better than paying 100 percent next year.
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