Christmas is one of those things most people look forward to, but it comes with a sense of dread too. Many people end up spending a lot during this season, but there are tips from Little One Mag you can use to keep the costs low.
Every beginning of the year, you promise yourself that you are not going to spend a lot this year, but you end up spending a lot because you have to decorate the house, buy gifts, and care for the guests. You don’t have to stress. By planning and being a little creative, you have the chance of limiting these costs and stick to your budget. The following tips will go a long way in helping you with planning your Christmas down to the last penny. When January comes, you don’t have to regret spending more than you had planned.
Budgeting for your gifts
- You need to have a budget and stick to it: first come up with how much you are willing to spend on gifts then dividing the amount by the number of people you plan to buy gifts for, then weigh it down and up according to expectations and importance. If two or three gifts are over the budget, you will have to under budget the next couple of gifts.
- Suggesting a family spend limit: A secret Santa arrangement is a good idea because the holidays are about the kids. Having a spending limit for adults is a good idea.
- Shopping ahead and online: it is never a good idea to leave things to the last minute. You should start early so you can have enough time to do research online. There are many sales before the holiday season. You can also benefit from Multi-purchase deals, provided the recipients are not living under the same roof.
- Making your own: homemade gifts are a great option because they are extra-thoughtful and you don’t have to spend a lot.
- Covering all bases: there are smaller things that people tend to forget. Make sure you cover all bases to make sure your Christmas holiday is successful.
Cutting costs on decorations and cards
- Saving on postage: send free online e-cards instead of stamps which costs a significant amount. A good option is making a small donation and sending charity e-cards. It is the thought that counts.
- Getting crafty with your kids: you will be surprised at how good your kids are when it comes to crafts. They can help you make beautiful cards and gift tags (this saves you some money because they are expensive). You can make great crafts using old cards that you got last year, ribbon, and wrapping paper. The ribbon loops (these are the ones used to keep clothes on the hanger in shops) out of skirts and tops are great when used as gift tags.
Eating, drinking, and being thrifty
- Planning your meals and parties: make a list of everything you are going to need so you don’t over-buy. Have this list so you can refer to it when a good deal comes up so you can buy the item in advance. Once you get the item, cross it off your list. This applies to non-fresh and frozen items. You are going to spend less on foods when you buy them in bulk.
- Avoid panic buying: the last thing you want is having to worry if the turkey is still in date or throw away veg that has gone off. A common trend on Christmas Eve is supermarkets reducing fresh might, and this gives you a chance of getting a great bargain so you can use it for making lunch on Boxing day or making your January food budget lower.
- Buying with friends: if there is something you can save on by getting it in bulk, such as cranberry sauce that you won’t need much, consider buying and sharing it with your friends or neighbors.
- Ditching the turkey! This seems a little radical, but it is better to have chicken and other meat when it is not a huge gathering. Other meats don’t have the Christmas mark-up, and you will avoid having to eat turkey curry the entire week.
- Practicing your leftover recipes: there are a lot of great recipes to follow if you want to make the best out of your leftover. You will end up with delicious food.
- Do not lose your head in the supermarket: you need to stick to your good money-saving shopping habits even during the Christmas season. You should not use Christmas as an excuse to spend more than you need to.
You need to have a Christmas budget to avoid spiraling.
