It’s no surprise that I’m a bit of a tightwad. My me-maw always said I was as tight as the bark on a tree when it came to money. 

The term I prefer is frugal. 

The thrill of a good deal, to me, is an important aspect of the shopping experience. 

Today I have outdone myself and in the process created a priceless family memory. 

This year is my niece Skylar’s first Christmas. Like any good aunt, I wanted to be with her the first time she met Santa Clause. (Plus, the first encounter is always the funniest.)

So I took my niece to the thrift store because the picture cost $5, which is a much better deal than $20 everywhere else. 

A picture is worth a 1,000 words. See what that good deal got for me:

  This made us all laugh hysterically. Everything about this picture screams cheapo…
My sister says Skylar will never forget her Aunt Audra now. 

Well, I’d say the day was a success. 

Her next Santa picture will be much better (aka worth spending $20) because Skylar was clearly not impressed with Santa this year.