A Five Star Holiday on a Budget

We're nearing the end of what I have officially dubbed the best holiday ever! Five Stars all the way, and it didn't cost me a month's salary and I didn't need to cram into my swimsuit. Several people will have maxed their credit cards in order to purchase a five star vacation package for some exotic destination this Christmas holiday. Not me. I stayed in the comfort of my home, with the people I love and did all the things I enjoy for the past two weeks.

It's been incredible! I'm not saying I wouldn't have enjoyed sun, sand and surf, but I certainly didn't need them to experience a peaceful, relaxing and fun-filled holiday. My new philosophy, one that I've been mulling over for about six months, is this: If I can't pay cash for something right now, I don't need it right now. Thankfully, nothing big has happened, no real emergencies, or my new philosophy might have been put to the test. But, there has been a new fridge, the twenty-four year old predecessor died. There was a furnace repair, a car tune-up and don't forget the Christmas shopping. I held fast to my new mantra. The best test was ensuring my children and I had a memorable holiday. We did!

Visits with family and friends, toboggan parties, free public skating, a movie night, pjs and a fire... the list goes on. Maybe one year we'll try an all inclusive, five star holiday in an exotic locale, but probably not. I don't think I could give up Christmas with my parents, my brother's family and my Grandma. They've all taught me to appreciate the comforts, nope scratch that, the luxuries of home.

How was your holiday?