Christmas might be a time of joy, but it can be a threat to your wallets as well. From shopping for gifts and décor to hosting fancy Christmas dinners, there are a lot of expenses involved. Some of which, one might easily manage, but those who can’t, always end up in dire financial crunches only to add more debt in the end. Nevertheless, Christmas is just around the corner and if you are afraid more than being
happy – you don’t need to anymore. You can still save money this Christmas. Who says you can’t have a frugal Christmas of your own. It’s easy – in fact, to help you out, here are some tips that you can use.
7 tips to save for debt-free Christmas
1. Start a Christmas reserve
You might have a reserve for retirement, medical expenses, emergency funds, so why not have a reserve for Christmas as well? It does make sense if it would help you remain debt- free during the holiday season. You can consider depositing a little money every month in the reserve. But before you do that, calculate your average Christmas expenses and then divide the amount by 12 (for every month). That’s the amount you need to reserve every month for the year-end Christmas season.
2. Determine the costly expenses on Christmas
If we’re talking money-saving for Christmas, you have to first determine where your money goes during Christmas time.
Is it gifting? Or is it décor? Or fancy dinners?
When you know where you lose money the most, you can then try to save in that particular category. For instance, if you find out that your money is majorly spent on décor, then how about saving by using the past year’s Christmas décor? Trust me; you can do a lot different from what you have. In other words, you can still decorate differently using the same materials. You just have to be creative. Moreover, don’t you feel ashamed in reusing the old décor, it won’t destroy the Christmas spirit – in fact, you will be more rejoiced when you know you won’t be in financial crunches.
3. Always go by a list when you shop for Christmas
Going without a shopping list can be deadly for your budget. You’ll end up buying more than you should, and what you might not even need. Thus, make a list of all the things you need before going to stores and spending your entire budget. And while shopping, make sure you stick to the list – nothing extra, I repeat nothing! Additionally, it’s important to make sure that you do not shop during Christmas days. Things become really expensive in the festive season. It’s really better to shop before even if you are months away from Christmas.
4. Make use of coupons and cash back
You’re seriously missing out on a lot if you do not use coupons and cash back available to you. Many websites and wallet services allow cash back and coupons that you can use to save money. Additionally, various banks offer credit card points on purchases. You can redeem those points to shop for free. For instance, even Amazon provides coupons. Visit the Amazon App, click Programs and features, and then finally click Amazon coupons. While you are at, don’t hold yourself back thinking you wouldn’t be able to save much. Little savings contribute to huge savings in the end.
When I was growing up, this was similar to layaway. You could put things on layaway and gradually pay them off over time. Because there were four of us kids, and my parents made very little, this was something my Mom used quite a bit. Alternatively, this is like credit cards today, because back in the 90’s I don’t know if lower income people even knew about credit cards. It certainly wasn’t advertised like it is today.
5. Look for cheaper alternatives
We all have our favorite brands, but in case you think that your brand favorites are expensive and you can find cheaper alternatives, feel free to switch. It would be worth it if it allows you to save money and remain debt-free in the end. Quite honestly, growing up, we had a lot of cheaper, more affordable alternatives. From cereal, to candy in our stockings, to the clothes we wore. It has made me appreciate the things I have now and the ability to buy nicer things. We are trying to pass that appreciation on to the girls by helping them understand the things they WANT versus the things they NEED.
6. Sell old and unused items
When it comes to things we do not need, our houses are full of them. Thus, what you can do is clean your house to find out such things. Such things can be anything from old laptops, phones, blankets, clothes, and even machinery. Once you accumulate such things you can sell them off on eBay or hold garage sales for the same. The easiest thing to sell when you have children, are toys and clothes. There are resell shops in most big towns and you can purchase gently used, but more affordable things at these places. This is especially great when your kids are young and growing quite rapidly.
If you are looking for electronics, I highly recommend Back Market for anything your family wants for the holidays relating to electronics. Back Market takes electronics that others may have traded in for upgrades and refurbishes them to like new, and sells them to consumers at a much lower rate. I have several iPads from them and they honestly don’t have scratches, dings, or anything wrong with them. They look brand new. They typically come in some sort of packaging from the brand, so you can easily make your family member happy as well as your wallet.
7. Lastly, make use of some Christmas hacks
Reserving the most important for the last, make use of money-saving Christmas hacks.
– Go for handmade gifts – Starting from handmade Christmas cards, to cake, and cookies.
– Opt for Giftcards instead of spending heavily on Christmas gifts.
– For Christmas dinners, encourage everybody to bring in dishes or wine.
– Send e-Christmas cards. Some websites allow you to send them for free. One such website is this.
– Sing Christmas carols, play poker and other games, as a part of fun Christmas traditions instead of going out to expensive and fancy places.
Finally,
Well, that’s it. Now you’re all ready to save money and be debt-free this Christmas. I hope this festive season brings lots of joy, happiness, and prosperity to you and your family!
Let’s begin with a gentle reminder – You have to enjoy Christmas, not stay afraid of it because of the usual heavy Christmas expenditure (that you have become accustomed to over the years.) Even though yes, Christmas expenses can be frightening when they can shake your budgets like a strong earthquake – but it doesn’t mean you cannot change it.
Remember, the rule is to control your finances, and not let the finances control you. This year can be a good start – plan a financially affordable Christmas that is also fun and joyous. If you don’t know how to, what am I here for? I’ve got 15 solutions waiting just for you.
15 effortless ways to plan a fun and frugal Christmas on a budget
1. Set your priorities
If your idea is to have a bunch of lavish but affordable Christmas dinners with a house stuffed with guests, here’s the bitter truth, you cannot have it all. You have to pick what’s important for you, is it the budget or time spent with extended family?
The point is, you have to keep your priorities straight. Ask yourself, what do you want more? And then begin accordingly.
2. Plan a budget for Christmas
From dinners to décor to gifts, Christmas involves some heavy expenditure. Just to make sure you don’t overspend, it’s a sagacious idea to create a budget for Christmas according to the limit you can spend on each category.
3. Start making a shopping list
You’ll be needing a bunch of things to plan your Christmas evening, so start making a list. When you are done, and go out there shopping, ensure you stick to your list. Make sure you do not shop extra and only buy those things that you need.
4. Think of some frugal Christmas traditions
Think which Christmas traditions can be frugal and enjoyable at the same time? Make a list, as these will be the activities you can opt for doing in the holiday season. My recommendations – Christmas carols, watching lights and decor around your city, and baking sessions with your family.
5. Think of affordable places you can do during the season
If you have to stick to a tight budget, the last place you’d want to end up is in a shopping mall. That being said, several events take place during the Christmas season all around the world, and depending on where you live make a list of some of those events that happen near you, and filter out those that meet your budget.
6. Create a reserve for Christmas
If you don’t want the blow to be hard, it’s wiser to start a Christmas reserve. Every month reserve a little portion for Christmas expenses. They can be used to fund your Christmas expenditure or cover up the extra expenses – if there are any.
7. Think of affordable gifts
This is probably the one area our budget goes out of hand. If it is the same story every year, consider other gift alternatives. For instance, if you are a good baker, you can make cookies and chocolate hampers. It would save you a lot of money.
8. Shop second-hand
Remember, there’s no shame in buying second-hand things if it saves you from financial troubles in the end.
9. Plan gift-exchanges games
You must be wondering, since when gift exchanges began being frugal? Well, they can be, given that there are specific gift exchange games like Secret Santa and The White Elephant.
10. Do your homework – list down all the websites where you can get discounts and cashback
Most people are naive enough to let go of some great deals that could have helped them save money. Don’t be one of those. Make a list of all the websites, wallet services, and card points that can help you save more.
11. Look for Dollar tree in your city
They are a chain of retail stores in America that sells goods for as low as $1. You can get some amazing décor and Christmas items for cheap.
12. Do Christmas shopping beforehand
Prices go up the sky heights during Christmas. Thus, it’s any day better to shop before the holiday season. In fact, refer to the list you made, and see which of those items can last till the end of the year.
13. Start saving wrapping sheets
This is something you have to do way before. Every time you get a gift, save the wrapping paper to reuse it. But, make sure you pull it off gently, without cutting and damaging the paper heavily.
14. Ditch the credit card
If you don’t want to become a sob story in the end, then don’t use your credit cards. It’s the worst thing you can do to yourself. Thus, consider paying through cash or debit cards.
15. Plan affordable dinners
Christmas and dinners go hand in hand. Thus, make a list of restaurants that would fit your budget. These are the ones you can go to for a fun and frugal dinner with your friends and family.
Christmas is a time of giving, and we don’t want you to miss out on the joys of the season because you’re worried about money. That’s why we put together this list of 15 easy ways for you to have a fun and frugal Christmas on a budget. From affordable dinners to ditching the credit card to shopping beforehand, there are plenty of tips here that can help you save money while still enjoying all the festivities. Plus, many of these tips can be applied no matter what your budget is. So tell us, how will you be more frugal around Christmas this year? We would love to hear from you!
Christmas is not just about celebration; it’s about feeling joyous and peaceful from the inside. However, sometimes we end up complicating the festival only to be stressed in the end.
For instance, hosting a dinner for a lot of people might make everyone happy, but the host not so much, given that a lot goes into the preparation – the mental and physical exhaustion, and the stress? Don’t get me started on that.
That defeats the purpose of Christmas, doesn’t it? So how must one make it right?
Well, going for HYGGE Christmas ideas is the answer. You can consider Hygge as the way of life that emphasizes simple, cozy, and comfortable living. In this article, I am going to discuss some of the ideas that would make you content from the very soul of your being. So, here’s to a celebration that makes you feel alive.
20 HYGGE Christmas ideas
1. Christmas yard camping
If you’re not all in for proper forest camping, you can definitely go yard camping for a night. There would be no problem with sanitization, food, or water– it will all make it very comfortable camping that you would genuinely enjoy. For us that live in warmer climates, this would be doable without having to worry about the cold and snow. You might need a heater for those living in colder climates.
2. Getting yourself Christmas themed snacks
Love snacks? We all do – So, why not pamper your taste buds with Christmas-themed snacks to make them feel like Christmas too. For instance, Christmas tree waffles, Santa cupcakes, cute Christmas cookies, and so many more. You can find plenty of recipes on Pinterest and YouTube. Our favorite is to make homemade chocolates into fun shapes and add sprinkles on them. But, if you’re too lazy to make them yourself you can even find plenty of options in the shops around you.
3. Making snow angels
If you have kids, this would perhaps be the most fun-filled activity for them. Make snow angels and snowmen; you can even decorate them with Christmas decorations to make them look like Santa. Again, if you live in a colder climate, this works but for those of us who aren’t able to do this unless it snows randomly.
4. Doing Christmas family photoshoots
Having Christmas photos in your albums is MANDATORY! Doesn’t matter if you click them every year – every Christmas is different. Thus, every Christmas has to have some memorable photographs.
5. Go to a local Christmas festival
If you’re blessed to live in a town that holds numerous Christmas events, like music concerts, movie nights, or even a “Meet the Santa” event, then go ahead. If you do not, you can still go to nearby Christmas events to have a great time with your family.
6. Go out for Christmas light-seeing
If you believe the beauty of Christmas lies in Christmas lights, this is something you cannot miss.
7. Making sweet family videos
Christmas videos can be great documentation for your kids when they grow up. In fact, you too can always go back to old videos every Christmas to relive the memories.
8. Pajama jamming
We’d all go to work in Pajamas if we could – you cannot deny, they’re most comfortable to wear. Thus, have a pajama party as a family – sing and dance your heart out.
9. Decorating the Christmas tree together
It’s a tradition we all love to be a part of, after all.
10. Doing Bonfires
A bonfire with some yummy snacks and a family to bond with! How can Christmas and winter get any better than this?
11. Keep the gatherings small. It’s better to restrict it to the immediate family.
If you want to keep it simple, and stress-free, go for a small gathering. Even if you need to visit somebody, do it before Christmas day.
12. Host a movie night
Movie nights can never get boring. However, if you do this all the time, you can perhaps invest in a projector to make it different this time – projectors can be affordable too.
13. Bake Christmas cake together.
We all love Christmas treats – but perhaps the most we love is Christmas cake! Not only eating is fun, but making it too. Only this time, do it with your family.
14. Talk about your lost loved ones. Keep them in your memory this Christmas
Our lost loved ones might not be here with us, but they are in our hearts. So, let them be a part of your celebrations – pray for them, say what you want to.
15. Play Christmas pickle
Trust me; your kids will enjoy this game a lot. It’s easy – just hide a pickle ornament in a tree. The first one to find it will get a gift.
16. Have a karaoke night.
Singing is always fun – doesn’t matter how you sound. Ergo, nothing can be more enjoyable than a crazy karaoke night.
17. Play a holiday puzzle
Puzzles are always interesting to solve. Only this time, you can do a Christmas-themed jigsaw puzzle with your family.
18. Tell Christmas stories
Going back to those memories is a sheer delight after all. Tell your family all your crazy Christmas tales!
19. Make a Christmas card for each other.
It’s the sweetest thing you can do for Christmas!
20. Lastly, share some laughs together
There’s no Christmas without laughter! So, feel free to share some jokes, make each other laugh – make the night memorable and worthwhile.
This is it. This is the recipe for a simple yet fun-filled Hygge Christmas time! Which one would you pick? Feel free to let me know in the comment section. Merry Christmas!
Some people are special – they are the genuine ones who care about you, and make life worth living. We all have such people around us and we genuinely acknowledge and appreciate their presence and efforts. Sometimes we communicate it with words, sometimes let gifts do the talking.
But when it comes to gifting, picking one can be extremely perplexing. So we ask ourselves all sorts of questions – would they like it? Would this item be of use to them? Etc etc.
But what we do not ask ourselves – how much waste a gift can create? How severely would it affect the environment? In fact, these are the right questions you must ask before gifting someone. You wouldn’t want to harm the environment when you should be its knight in shining armor.
So, if you seem to agree and wish to do something good for the environment, here are 50 zero-waste gift ideas you can choose from.
50 Zero-Waste Gift Ideas
A set of reusable kitchen tools such as steel straws, steel spoons, knives, and forks.
Hand-made soaps and shampoo bars to meet their skin and hair goals.
Organic cosmetics such as lip balms, body scrubs, and then moisturizers
Home-made cookies and chocolates packaged in cane boxes, not plastic sheets for wrapping
Dry fruits to make sure they remain in the best of their health.
Tote bags made out of cloth to carry all the essentials in style.
Organic bamboo cutting boards.
Netflix subscriptions for them to Netflix and Chill after a hectic day at work.
Amazon Gift cards to shower them with things they have added to their card for a long time.
Money envelopes, to help them select the gift of their own choice.
Ecards that can be sent over mails. In fact, it can be highly budget-friendly as some websites allow you to send e-cards for free.
Reusable dental kits including wooden toothbrushes, organic toothpaste, floss, and steel tongue cleaner.
Spa gift vouchers to make sure the receiver says goodbye to stress at once.
Concert or movie tickets.
A set of candles. Or jar candles that they can use as planters later.
Recycled notebooks.
Steel and copper water bottles to keep drinkables cool and also for the well-being of our environment.
Coffee mugs (However, if you know your friend has plenty, skip it.)
Earphones – one of the gifts that people would actually use.
Nimble portable chargers. They are eco-friendly and also made out of recycled aluminum.
Steel straps for Apple watch.
Buy your friends e-books if they are avid readers.
Kindle Paperwhite for them to make a switch from paper books to digital books.
Buy a kindle subscription for them.
Gift Video games that come in sustainable packaging options.
Nutella and cookies kit if you know they unconditionally love the combo.
Send them food. However, ensure that the packaging is also eco-friendly. For instance, encourage the restaurant to pack it in brown paper.
Face packs for some top-notch skincare.
Organic bedding – For a peaceful and cozy sleep
Silk pillowcases and scrunchies to help someone with the hair of their dreams.
Cushion covers – People rarely gift it, and it can really be of use to the people you are gifting.
Ceramic vases – they are eco-friendly and can be a great addition to up the home-décor.
Plants – Not only are they a blessing for the environment but one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give someone.
Oxidized Jewelry.
Backpacks – Go for the ones that are made from recycled materials.
Baby shampoo bars and Baby water bottles if you are gifting to children.
Clay set – another sustainable gifting option for kids. (Once again, be mindful of the packaging. If you cannot find it in one, prefer buying loose clay, and then work on its packaging.)
Silicon phone covers – They are any day better than plastic transparent phone covers. You can even go for hard-matte phone covers.
Recycled colored pencils for kids.
Jewelry making kits for kids
Cute planters for somebody who loves gardening. You can even gift them flower seeds as well.
Make a heartfelt video for someone you care about.
Cane mirrors for someone who loves home décor.
Electric diffusers.
Stainless steel lunch boxes and containers.
Reusable makeup removing pads.
Glass food containers.
Make a self-portrait for somebody special.
Handkerchief set – Beware of the packaging.
Green tea sets (Make sure they’re tea leaves, not tea bags)
Finally
Well, don’t you say now that you don’t know what to gift the people you love. I gave you plenty of options to choose from. However, be mindful of the packaging materials after choosing your gifts.
Everything about Christmas is worth smiling and being happy about. The Christmas lights, decorations, carols, gifts, and whatnot. However, there’s still one exception that can make you sweat despite the merriness and joyfulness of Christmas – The expenses. Christmas can mean overspending.
But not anymore! Wondering how? Read along to find out.
30 smart tips to save money during Christmas
1. Gift experiences
You cannot always gift materialistic things, you can also gift experiences. For instance, a go-kart experience for your kid! This is my number 1 ask of people gifting our girls, not just for Christmas, but for everything! An experience and time spent with the gift giver is far more important a memory that will last much longer than the toy or clothing item ever will!
2. Regift
Have a lot of gifts that remain unused and unopened? Feel free to gift them away. There’s no shame in that. As someone who always gets a ton of extra PR gifts I can’t ever use, this is one of my favorite ways to gift. I usually don’t open the item, or if I do, it’s carefully and barely used. It’s the perfect way to gift someone something that would normally sit around and take up space collecting dust!
3. DIY gifts
You can make Christmas cards, mixtapes, cookies, and cakes to gift someone. Even handmade cards are great DIY gifts!
4. Send out E-cards
Some websites allow you to do that for free! A few I found and have used before include 123cards and JibJab.
5. Make use of coupon codes and cashback
Don’t let them sit idle. The same goes for gift cards! These are money baby and you can use them just as you would use cash!
6. Shop Christmas essentials on Amazon
Retail stores tend to loot customers with heavy prices during the Christmas season! Instead, shop on Amazon.
7. Buy Amazon gift cards
Let people decide on their own what they want this Christmas. This works amazing for people you don’t know so well, or those who are extra picky! You can also get amazing deals if you buy them constantly throughout the year.
8. Pay attention to money-saving deals
Don’t turn a blind eye to deals that can help you save bucks. Watch out for sales, offers, and deals. Don’t hesitate to shop beforehand if you find a good deal.
9. Don’t shop last moment on Amazon
You might have to pay extra shipping fees to get the purchases sooner if you place the order late during Christmas days.
10. Shop on Dollar trees
Dollar trees are discount variety stores throughout the USA and Canada. You can get good products for as low as $1.
11. Save wrapping paper
Got a gift? Don’t just throw away the wrapping paper. Instead, open it with ease to use it again.
12. Go for wrapping paper alternatives
Don’t have used wrapping papers? No issue, you don’t need to buy new ones when you can settle for thin wrapping rolls or brown paper rolls. You can also decorate them with stickers for aesthetics. A fun thing which became popular last season was the Japanese style of gift wrapping called furoshiki, which uses fabric to store, carry, and wrap things. They are a specific size, but you can google the size and use any fabrics, or scarfs you want to gift or have on hand as the gift wrapping. It becomes a gift that keeps on giving!
13. Shop cheap Christmas tree decorations
If you are not at all in for using old Christmas tree decorations, at least do not buy decorations from high-end craft and stationery stores. Instead, buy them from the Dollar Store! You’ll get them at dirt-cheap prices and they have cute options always!
14. Save on dinners
If you are hosting a Christmas dinner, try to encourage your guests to bring one dish per family. There’s no shame in that – the wise ones will understand the stress and hard work one has to go through during dinner preparations. This also gives those of us who don’t always cook the ability to contribute something to the table when we otherwise wouldn’t be asked.
As Amazon reserves some portion for itself for every sale, some sellers on Amazon list their products higher to make up for their loss. Thus, you can get the same products cheaper at the seller’s website. You can also do a free store pickup or free shipping if you get it direct from the store versus on Amazon.
18. Go to a mall for a Santa experiences
If your kids love Santa, there’s no need to hire one for them. Instead, take them out to a mall. Malls have Santas dressed up to entertain kids for free.
19. Head to Shutterfly for coupon codes
If you’re looking for great money-saving deals, you can rely on Shutterfly coupon codes. Just register on the website, and you can get amazing coupon codes from time to time.
20. Stop gifting adults
Just ask yourself, how many gifts that you got during the years on Christmas remain unused? I bet there’d be plenty. But that’s not just you. So, stop gifting adults if your acquaintances share the same mindset. If you do decide to gift them, maybe a small gift card and a coffee cup is sufficient. Nothing extravagant is needed.
21. Go for boxed Christmas cards
You can find such boxes in Target. Since they are in bundles, you can get several for cheap. You can continue using them for years if you still have some left to give. These take up less time and energy, thus maybe you will get them in the mail on time!
22. Gift meaningful gifts
Instead of shopping for something expensive for someone, gift them something meaningful. For instance, if your partner loves reading books, gift them one. A gift card to their favorite store is also a meaningful gift that shows you care.
23. Buy an affordable turkey beforehand
You don’t have to buy one from a lavish store. Don’t fall for the packaging and store aesthetics. Especially this year, the shortage of many things will cause for increased prices and higher demands, therefore shop early!
24. Book tickets in advance
Have to be elsewhere for Christmas? Book your tickets beforehand – before ticket prices soar to new heights during Christmas. A little note about this one — have patience and understanding as many people in the service industry are overworked and getting very little pay.
25. Don’t borrow on Christmas
If you can manage the expenses through savings, don’t add loans. You’ll also have to pay interest. The same thing goes for spending all of your paycheck and not putting anything into savings like other months. Now is not the time to skip on your future!
26. Do a secret Santa
Doing a Secret Santa means buying gifts for one person – not everybody. Hence, lots of money-saving. Another tip is to set a limit on the amount spent for the person. It allows people to get creative with their gift giving or to let people pick one gift for that dollar amount.
27. Start money-saving early and create a reserve
Reserve a little money for Christmas every month to prevent the financial blows later.
28. Invest in an artificial Christmas tree
They are cheaper and they won’t destroy the Christmas vibe, but help you save money. Plus, they don’t make a huge mess and require watering, adding to the stress of Christmas.
29. Find local events
If your locality happens to host free events, don’t think twice. Ditch the fancy day-outs. Growing up, the Christmas parade was something we looked forward to each year. We got to see cool floats that threw out candy and it always ended with Santa on the sleigh. We then got to go sit on his lap and get a bag of goodies and tell him what we wanted. Give those same memories to your kids.
30. Lastly, Save for next year
I know it’s a little too early, but hey starting early can help you save more.
Merry Christmas! If you happen to try these tips, let me know how they work out for you in the comments below. Have a great time this year!
Christmas is just around the corner and seems to come faster each year. It’s time to gather the lights, décor and spread joy and happiness all around you. But something even more important is to prepare your wallets for the Christmas expenses that might create a deep hole within your pockets. Even if you are someone who likes to spend time with those you love over gift giving, you still need to plan to save gas money.
So, if you are someone who finds themselves disappointed and stressed after looking at the credit card statement at the end of the holiday season, don’t just sit and do nothing. Work on saving money this Christmas.
Not sure how to do that? Read on!
50 creative ways to save money this Christmas
1. Don’t buy anything during Christmas time.
Prices go exceedingly up, and you end up spending more than you should have. Shop beforehand.
2. Take advantage of Buy 1 Get 1 offers.
This is not limited to Christmas days, if you find such deals on arandom day – even when you are not in the mind frame to shop Christmas gifts, buy them. This will help you save money later.
3. Create a gift basket
If you have someone special to gift something expensive, consider investing in a thoughtful gift basket. Instead of buying one big expensive present, find little inexpensive ones to create a basket.
4. If you happen to have brand new and unused gift items, gift them away.
They don’t do anything other than creating space, they might as well be of use to somebody else.
5. Monitor your expenses.
Calculate how much you have spent, and how much of it is still left.
6. Look for alternatives if a gift seems expensive.
Perhaps you can get the same thing from a different store, or anything else that would be a makeshift for it.
7. Buy second-hand things.
Trust me, you can still get good-quality items at reasonable rates if you do your research well.
8. Shop at the Dollar Store.
If you happen to have one in your city, what are you waiting for? You can get good things at dirt-cheap rates.
9. Compare prices online.
If you find items cheaper there, buy them.
10. Shop from outlets.
You can get things relatively cheaper there.
11. Go for handmade gifts if you can.
They communicate importance.
12. Shop from thrift/flees stores.
Ditch expensive shopping malls.
13. Buy books and DVDs for people who love them, they are inexpensive and can be thoughtful Christmas gifts.
14. Make your greeting cards.
15. Do something different, send e-cards this time.
16. Print your own greeting cards.
They will cost you less.
17. Make use of coupons, vouchers, and cashback points.
18. Bake cookies and cakes, and gift them away as Christmas gifts in cute packaging.
19. Avoid dining at high-end restaurants during Christmas.
Go for a fun-filled home-cooked dinner. If not that, bring in a takeaway.
20. Don’t buy anything extra – even when it might be of use for you after Christmas.
Now is not the time to shop for such items.
21. Limit credit card usage.
22. Save on fuel and electricity in the months before to make up for the heavy bills in the holiday season.
23. Play Secret Santa so you wouldn’t have to gift everybody.
24. Go for an artificial tree.
They are cheaper.
25. Use last year’s Christmas décor – however, change the style.
26. Go for frugal get-togethers.
You can go see Christmas lights as a family. Or if you have gatherings, ask people to pitch in and bring a dish or two.
27. Shop in charity shops.
28. Use last year’s wrapping papers if you still have some.
If not, go for brown rolls and decorate the packaging yourself.
29. Shop in Black Friday sales.
But make sure the deals they say they are are actual deals!
30. Try to gift experiences rather than expensive gifts to special people.
31. Try a side-hustle if your schedule allows.
32. Cut down Santa’s stocking.
33. Book tickets months before if you know you have to travel during holidays.
34. Go for free local outings – free outings or meeting Santa in public spaces.
35. Save on Christmas lights
Don’t decorate the whole house, but just the central parts. Don’t go for fancy decorations
36. Do a yard sale for things you might not need.
37. Go for cheaper alternatives, instead of going for branded stuff.
38. Don’t send out cards to everybody – Call them instead.
Or if you want to send them a card, do so via email or with the online card services like JibJab.
39. Don’t try to please anybody by gifting them beyond your means.
40. Don’t forget to use your loyalty points or credit card points.
41. Try to make and eat at home during the holiday season as much as you can.
You can go out for ice cream instead of dinner. It would be relatively cheaper.
42. Make a shopping list, and ensure you adhere to it.
43. Plan your Christmas meals in advance.
44. Do a casual bonfire over exquisite family dinners.
45. Use Ibotta and Ebate.
46. Create a reserve for Christmas to soften the budget blows or pay for expenses altogether.
47. Do DIYs.
If you have kids, this is the best way to give gifts that are actually from the heart and made with love!
48. Don’t invest in high-end cleaning supplies
Make use of home ingredients such as lemon and baking soda.
49. Fill out surveys and get money in return.
You can use Swagbucks and Mypoints. Use the apps Fetch or Shopkick to get points for scanning receipts and redeem them for gift cards to a lot of places.
50. Always check for coupon codes.
I hope now you’d spare yourself the financial and mental stress of spending so much during Christmas. So come on, be happy, and spread happiness. Have a Merry Christmas!
Christmas as well? It does make sense if it would help you remain debt- free during the holiday season. You can consider depositing a little money every month in the reserve. But before you do that, calculate your average Christmas expenses and then divide the amount by 12 (for every month). That’s the amount you need to reserve every month for the year-end Christmas season.
you might not even need. Thus, make a list of all the things you need before going to stores and spending your entire budget. And while shopping, make sure you stick to the list – nothing extra, I repeat nothing! Additionally, it’s important to make sure that you do not shop during Christmas days. Things become really expensive in the festive season. It’s really better to shop before even if you are months away from Christmas.
to find out such things. Such things can be anything from old laptops, phones, blankets, clothes, and even machinery. Once you accumulate such things you can sell them off on eBay or hold garage sales for the same. The easiest thing to sell when you have children, are toys and clothes. There are resell shops in most big towns and you can purchase gently used, but more affordable things at these places. This is especially great when your kids are young and growing quite rapidly.
here’s the bitter truth, you cannot have it all. You have to pick what’s important for you, is it the budget or time spent with extended family?
and go out there shopping, ensure you stick to your list. Make sure you do not shop extra and only buy those things that you need.
for Christmas expenses. They can be used to fund your Christmas expenditure or cover up the extra expenses – if there are any.
fact, refer to the list you made, and see which of those items can last till the end of the year.
make them feel like Christmas too. For instance, Christmas tree waffles, Santa cupcakes, cute Christmas cookies, and so many more. You can find plenty of recipes on Pinterest and YouTube. Our favorite is to make homemade chocolates into fun shapes and add sprinkles on them. But, if you’re too lazy to make them yourself you can even find plenty of options in the shops around you. 
tales!
the environment? In fact, these are the right questions you must ask before gifting someone. You wouldn’t want to harm the environment when you should be its knight in shining armor.
your kid! This is my number 1 ask of people gifting our girls, not just for Christmas, but for everything! An experience and time spent with the gift giver is far more important a memory that will last much longer than the toy or clothing item ever will! 
as $1.
shame in that – the wise ones will understand the stress and hard work one has to go through during dinner preparations. This also gives those of us who don’t always cook the ability to contribute something to the table when we otherwise wouldn’t be asked. 
partner loves reading books, gift them one. A gift card to their favorite store is also a meaningful gift that shows you care. 
tip is to set a limit on the amount spent for the person. It allows people to get creative with their gift giving or to let people pick one gift for that dollar amount. 
gifts.
decorations
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