Christmas for just $500

NISKAYUNA - When it comes to paying for the holidays, you might wanna cry. But how do you drastically chop your budget? And who could do it for, let's say, only $500?

Kristina: "I love a challenge.

Beth: You can do it!

Kristina: I can do it, for less than 500! It's a deal!"

Meet Kristina Krawchuk. Public Relations Pro. Well-known "Spend-Thrift." Her mission? The whole holiday for a family of four, at only $500 dollars.

"You put the lights and everything on there, it's gonna be fabulous," said Kristina.

More Information:

Kristina Krawchuk's Holiday Dinner Menu  Lean Green Christmas

First, a tree for only $15 dollars at Bob's Trees in Galway. A great deal, amid a wide selection up to $120 dollars. She also picks up fresh boughs for the table. Total cost? $20.

Next stop, AC Moore, for decorations on the cheap.

"Bargain bargains bargains! We're always looking for bargains," Kristina said.

A.C. Moore crafts expert Lisa Germaine created a center piece with a hurricane lantern, that can be tailored to Christmas or Chanukah. With a 40-percent-off coupon, Kristina spends just $20.

On to Price Chopper, where turkeys were just 99-cents-a-pound. "What we want, we want like 10-pounds for four people," said Kristina.

Now, time for presents! We headed for toy store G. Willikers in Saratoga Springs to shop for a typical eight-year-old girl.

Kristina:  "I have a challenge. I'm putting together Christmas for $500.

Owner: No!

Kristina: And that's for 4 people-

Owner: C'Mon!"

Kristina picked out craft kits for making potholders and candles. Along with some books, a homemade pillow and pink purse, the tab is $75.

"So our 12-year-old-boy, we spent $85, got a lot of stuff," said Kristina.

Our hypothetical boy is getting gift cards for I-Tunes, Abercombe & Fitch clothes, movie tickets, plus the Percy Jackson book series and a homemade Yankees pillow.

"Mom" is getting a trip to a local spa, and a bundle of bath products: $80.

And Dad?

"So $29.99 we got him the Blue Tooth, and then comfy courderoy Crocs, $30 dollars. He's just over $60," Kristina said.

Now: time to put it all together, and time to tally our expenses.

With a full course meal, including a bottle of wine, The Grand Total came in at around $450. Mission accomplished....for under $500.

Kristina: "The deals are out there. The only thing you need? Your holiday spirit.

Beth: Congratulations!

Kristina: Thanks!

Beth: You did it!

Kristina: I know!!"