Holiday Bash on a Budget

Choose the music

Innumerable options exist for creating your holiday party soundtrack. Some radio stations play Christmas music exclusively, as the holiday nears. On the Internet, you can find many radio stations that allow you to stream music for free. If you want to select the artists you listen to yourself, take a trip to your local music store and check out the special displays featuring holiday music. You can choose compilation CDs, or special Christmas albums from your favorite artists. Give your kids a treat and buy a Christmas collection by Mickey Mouse, the Chipmunks, or another of their favorite characters. If you don't have time to make the drive to the store, download your music from iTunes or another online seller. You can even pick your music, song by song.

For extra-special holiday cheer, make your own music by including caroling as part of the holiday fun. There's bound to be a musician somewhere in your crowd. You can print the lyrics out, in case someone doesn't know how a given carol goes, then gather around a piano or fireplace to harmonize. Christmas carols are usually easy to remember and sing, so kids of almost any age can join in.

With your budget, food, decorations, guest list, and music in place, you're ready for the year's best holiday party. Sit back, enjoy your time with friends and family, and have fun!