🍋 No Elf, No Problem: Stress-Free Holidays Ahead! 🧝‍♀️🚫

It’s Monday again. It’s terrifying we get one of these every week, no matter how much we hate them. Let's put a peppermint stick in your coffee and enjoy this somewhat festive Monday newsletter! ☕ 

In Today’s Lemon Mommy:

• How to Use Your Credit Card Points to Make the Most of Your Holiday Shopping 💳

• ‘Tis the Season! Grab These Winter Necessities for Your Little Ones to Keep Them Warm ❄️

• You’re Not a Bad Mother for Avoiding Elf on the Shelf this Year 🧝

• Fool Proof Gifts All of Your In-Laws Will Love This Christmas 🎁

💳 Get a Credit Card

If you don’t have a credit card yet, this is the best time of the year to get one. Sign up now to get a referral or sign-up bonus and start saving those points!

✈️ Travel for Free or Cheap

Check your points and miles to see if you can get a discount on flights, rentals, hotels, and upgrades! 

Pro Tip: Points go further when you book in advance, so snag those deals soon!

💲 Check Your Travel Rewards Portals

Most credit card companies offer their users deals through their affiliate travel companies. Book a trip through your card and get an automatic discount on a trip.

💵 Use Cashback to Buy Gifts

Use a credit card that offers cashback when you buy Christmas gifts, then select ‘pay with rewards’ when you pay your bill. It won’t cover all the expenses, but it helps!

🎟️ Don’t Throw Out Your Coupons

You’re probably used to immediately throwing out coupons from your credit card company. Before you toss them, make sure they’re not full of discounts on what's on your list. 

Pro Tip: If a company offers you a discount, buy a gift card with it!

🛍️ Start Racking Up Rewards for Next Year

If you don’t have as many rewards as you’d like, that’s okay! This is the perfect season to start racking them up!

⌛ It’s Time Consuming

Coming up with a new and clever spot for your children to find their Elf every morning isn't worth the loss of sleep and the addition of stress, even if you are splitting Elf duty with your partner. Instead of doing Elf on the Shelf, invest your time and energy into your traditions.

✅ It Doesn’t Teach Accountability

While your kids might behave better in front of the Elf, let’s be honest: they’ll figure out the Elf isn’t spying on them. Instead of letting the Elf take over the naughty or nice classification, teach your children the importance of accountability and honesty this season. 

👍 It’s Okay to Say No

Keeping the magic alive during the season is a full-time job. It’s okay to say no to a few things, including Elf on the Shelf. You might miss out on some holiday magic, but we’re sure you can find more of it in other activities.