15 Effortless Ways to plan a Fun and Frugal Christmas on a Budget

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!