My family’s Christmas celebrations are split up between festivities that take place on Christmas Eve and those that take place on Christmas Day.

I did get some things from my wish list last night. (Those gifts include Hallmark Barbie ornaments. I’ve told you before I collect Barbie dolls.)

But a good bit of what I got last night was restaurant gift cards and cash. My in-laws weren’t able to mall shop this year because they both have medical issues and can’t get out and about like usual. As a result, our Hallmark ornaments (my husband always gets some science fiction ornaments) were ordered over the phone; and many of the other gifts presented to various family members last night were catalog, on-line or QVC orders … or cash

There were some after-Christmas sales fliers in the newspapers yesterday and today. I expect another pile in the Saturday papers. Don’t toss those newspapers yet, just pull aside the fliers you want to review tonight and send the rest to the recycle bin. Most retail stores are closed today anyway.

This break in the shopping hours will give me time to think about and plan what I’d like to do with my Christmas cash. Besides, I haven’t yet seen the pile of goodies from today’s stack of gifts (everyone is still sleeping).

I don’t want to waste my money on impulse purchases. I want to use it on things I really need or would really like – but otherwise can’t afford or would never think to buy.

I’m sure that’s what you would like to do with your money too.