How to Make the Holidays More Affordable

Save on a Tree

Tips from an anonymous Christmas-tree seller

Yes, you may be in a hurry to start decorating your Douglas fir, but don’t forget to negotiate a good price first. You might save 30 to 40 percent, especially if it’s the day before Christmas and a lot of stock remains. (Be sure to ask when the last shipment came in, so you get a fresh tree. If it arrived before December 10, that evergreen might not make it through New Year’s.) Don’t be afraid to ask the seller, “Can you do better?” It’s all about how nicely you ask. If you sound stubborn and inflexible, many merchants will say no—and may even mark up the price another 10 percent (prices can change, since they aren’t always posted). So keep your Christmas spirit alive and you’ll be more likely to bring home a bargain.