For most people, the holiday season is one of the most expensive times of the whole year, between purchasing presents for all of your loved ones, hosting lavish get-togethers and even travelling home for the event. Here are a few smart ways that you can save a bit of money while still enjoying all that the holidays have to offer.

1. Create a budget. Long before the holiday season arrives, map out a budget for the maximum amount that you’re comfortably able to spend. Your budget shouldn’t just include gifts, but also travel fees, food, and other miscellaneous expenses that might arise.
2. Write a gift list. It’s easy to overspend if you go to the mall without a plan, but by mapping out a list of gifts for each recipient, you can stick to your budget and still purchase meaningful presents. Creating a shopping list also enables you to find the best deals on each item.
3. Send e-cards instead of traditional cards. Sure, a postage stamp coasts less than 50 cents, but if you have a large number of people to send cards to that number can quickly add up. E-cards are a free and equally thoughtful alternative.
4. Limit your kids’ lists. If you have children, limiting the number of gifts they receive will not only save you money, but it will also make them more grateful for their presents.

14 Ways to Save Money During the Holidays [Bankrate]
7 Money-Saving, Stress-Less Holiday Shopping Tips [Real Simple]
Six Tips for How to Save Money During the Holidays [Beyond Today Blog]

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/Ginny

Part magic show, part comedy set, part musical, the productions put on a Esther's Follies every week can't really be pigeonholed into any one category. It breaks down theatrical boundaries by mashing up political satire, music, and more in a single show every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night.

The theater has roots in the late '70s, when founders Michael Shelton and Shannon Sedwick through their first bash on 6th Street. Back then, it was nothing more than a haphazard hodgepodge of performances by singers, dancers, mimes, comics, musicians, and everyone in between. Although the show has more structure today, nearly 40 years later, it still brings the same level of energy and fun to the stage. Yelp reviewers award particular praise to magician Ray Anderson, who delights crowds not only with his tricks, but also with his own unique brand of humor.

Esther's Follies
525 E. 6th Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 320-0553
www.esthersfollies.com
www.yelp.com/biz/esthers-follies-austin-2

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Iwan Gabovitch

The @Compost Pedallers are on a mission to compost one million pounds in 2016. With just a few days left on their indiegogo campaign, they need our help! Watch the video and show your support!

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/compost-pedallers-turn-your-waste-into-food/x/7268741#/