How To Have A Merry Christmas On A Budget
Nov 25, 2022
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Christmas is one of the most significant and meaningful holidays of the calendar year for those of us who celebrate it; a magical time when families come together and share food, gifts, laughter, cheer, and memories to brighten up a cold and gloomy winter.
However, as the holiday has become increasingly commercialized over the course of the last century, for many of us – especially those with children to think of – Christmas has begun to lose its sparkle. Instead, as inflation rises and the cost of staples such as food and fuel soars, Christmas has become an additional financial burden that has the potential to lead many people into debt, thanks to the unconscious pressure to provide a glittering ‘material’ Christmas for our nearest and dearest.
However, if you’re finding the prospect of the approaching holiday a little overwhelming, and feel yourself succumbing to festive stress, try not to worry. There are several helpful money-saving tips and techniques you can use to help you prepare and enjoy a magical Christmas, while sticking to a budget.
Read on to find out more.
- Know Your Limits
If you have ever found yourself wondering, “How much do Americans spend on Christmas?”, the answer, based on research, is “More every year.” In fact, average American Christmas spending on the big day currently works out at well over $1,000.
If spending that kind of sum will prove too much of a strain for your bank balance, the first step you should take is to work out what you can reasonably spend for each aspect of your Christmas prep. You can then set a limit that you know you must not exceed.
If you want to be really prepared, you can also make separate small budgets to stick to; for example, the amount of money you would ideally like to spend per person, or for the decorations and your Christmas meal. This will help you keep on top of your spending and ensure that you don’t go into debt getting ready for the big day.
- Don’t Cave In To ‘Obliged’ Gift-Giving
Gift-giving at Christmas has a long history, dating back to Ancient Rome. However, where in previous centuries small but meaningful gifts of items or money were to be provided for loved ones, children, and those in need of charity, the commercialization of the holiday has altered the custom over the last century. These days, many of us to feel obligated to buy gifts for everyone from extended family to neighbors we barely know.
However, if it’s vital that you keep your Christmas spending to a strict budget this year, it’s important that you resist the pressure to give in to obligated gift giving. By restricting the giving of gifts to your closest circle of friends and family, you will find it easier to keep to your budget. While this may be difficult for some, remind yourself that “It’s the thought that counts.”
If there is someone you would like to give something to but can’t afford it, write them a thoughtful message instead, or bake them some cookies. That will be just as meaningful a gesture as buying them a present that they may not even end up using.
- Focus on Quality Not Quantity
If you’re worried that your children’s letters to Santa contain an abundance of presents you can’t afford, don’t feel pressured to buy everything on their list. Instead, focus on the most important items – the ones that will mean the most to them. While you may feel pressure to shower your loved ones with presents, the truth is that the quality, thoughtfulness and significance of your gifts is far more important than how many you buy.
- Hunt For Bargains
A great way to keep to your Christmas budget is to search for as many discounts, bargains, and special offers as you can. If you have coupons or credit card rewards, use them too!
You should also try and take advantage of promotions such as Black Friday deals and even Amazon’s Christmas bargains page. Don’t forget to frequent your local stores as well, while you’re at it; you never know what unique deals you may discover. Thrift stores are also a good place to shop for gifts; just because the items they stock are ‘preloved’ doesn’t mean they are not worth gifting.
- Focus On Making Memories
It can be easy to forget, what with all the retail hype, but the most important part of Christmas should be spending quality time with our loved ones and making precious memories to cherish for years to come. There’s no doubt about it; creating heart-warming rituals and magical experiences is a guaranteed way to give your family a gift they will always appreciate.
Whether it’s curling up together in front of crackling flames to read ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas, building a gingerbread house together, making your own Christmas decorations or going for a festive walk in the great outdoors, there are so many free ways to make treasured Christmas memories that are worth more than any gift.
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