If you’re struggling financially, Christmas can be a tough time. Presents, decorations, going out with colleagues and friends – all these things add up.
If you don’t want to spend a fortune this year, but you also don’t want to miss out, here are 8 tips for doing Christmas on a budget.
1. Find the perfect tree for you
As the symbol of Christmas, people often spend a lot of time – and money – finding the ‘perfect’ Christmas tree. In reality, you don’t need to find the ‘perfect’ tree – you just need to find the tree that’s perfect for you and your home.
If you don’t have a lot of money to spend, look for a tree that is small enough to fit in your home, but big enough for you to decorate. For example, if you’re living in a flat or sharing a home with other people, a three foot Christmas tree might be perfect for your living situation.
Another tip is to make sure to place the tree in an area that gets good lighting, so it will glow during the evening hours after the lights are turned on.
2. Decorate with ornaments that you already have
While we’re on the topic of Christmas trees, a tree isn’t the same without decorations. But that doesn’t mean you should break the bank on expensive baubles and lights.
Christmas is a time to celebrate tradition, and there’s no better way to do that than with ornaments that you’ve been given through out the years. These ornaments lend beauty and character to your tree, and they won’t cost you a penny.
If you do need to top up your collection of tree ornaments, why not make your own? Some DIY projects make great keepsakes, and if you have kids it can be a great family activity for you over the holiday season.
3. Make your own gifts
Leading on from the above, if you’re looking for a way to save money on Christmas gifts, you should consider making them yourself.
This can be as simple as baking cookies or treats and putting them in a festive container, making a home-made card, or even knitting a scarf or hat.
Not only will homemade gifts save you money in the long run, they have the added value of being unique to you, and give you the opportunity to really add some feeling to the gifts you’re giving this year.
4. Shop around for deals on Christmas gifts
Christmas is a time for giving, but it doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. If you do have a list of people you need to buy for this year, you can save money by doing your research.
Shop around for the best deals on gifts before buying anything. This could be online, at department stores, or even at local shops and vendors in your community. With a little bit of effort, you can find great gifts at a fraction of the cost.
5. Do Secret Santa instead of buying a gift for everyone
Some people have massive families, and if you need to buy gifts for everyone, it won’t be long before you’ve exhausted your Christmas budget.
That’s where Secret Santa can come to the rescue. By organising Secret Santa, you ensure that each person only has to buy one gift for another person.
Not only does this save everyone money, it gives them the chance to really put some thought into the one gift they are buying. And don’t forget to let people have a go at guessing who bought their present before the big reveal!
6. Have friends over instead of going out
Christmas is a time for celebrating with those you care about, and to a lot of us that means nights out.
While arranging nights out with your family, friends, colleagues, and anyone else who is important to you, seems like a good idea at the time, it can leave you struggling financially, especially when January hits.
Instead, have friends and family over for a night of fun activities at yours. Try playing your favourite board games, or watching some classic holiday films. It’ll save you money and create some great memories.
7. Cook your Christmas dinner instead of going out to a restaurant
Eating out at a restaurant can be costly at the best of times, but especially during the Christmas season. Christmas menus at your favourite spots usually involve a markup in price that can leave you out of pocket.
A much cheaper and more festive option is to cook your Christmas dinner at home. This way, you can tailor the meal to your own (or other people’s) personal tastes, make the meal extra special, and save money in the process.
8. Remember Christmas is about people, not things
The hype around Christmas seems to get bigger every year. It’s easy to get caught up in it, or start comparing yourself to other people, and discover later that you’ve spent more than you can afford.
That’s why it’s important to remind yourself that Christmas isn’t about spending money on decorations and expensive gifts. Christmas is about spending time with the people your love.
If you’re struggling with money this year, that’s OK. As long as you take the opportunity to spend time with those you care about, it won’t matter how much you spend.
These are just a few tips for having a happy and affordable Christmas. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to celebrate the season without breaking the bank. Have a good one!
