Christmas is the most magical time of year but it can also wreak havoc on your finances. Learn how you can keep your Christmas debt-free with these simple tips to have the best Christmas on a budget.
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Most of the time when you think of the holidays, beautifully lit Christmas trees, perfectly wrapped gifts, and a jolly man in a red suit come to mind. It’s exciting to think about what Christmas day will bring….unless you are too stressed because money is tight.
When all you can think about is how much it’s going to cost you then suddenly Christmas doesn’t seem so fun anymore. The idea of having a nice holiday seems impossible when you are faced with the fact that there doesn’t seem to be enough money or enough time.
A simple way to bring back that holiday spirit when your finances have got you down is to enjoy Christmas on a budget.
You can still have that magical Christmas you have spent the entire year dreaming about with these easy and helpful budget-friendly tips to make this holiday season the best ever.
Here are 12 tips for having the Best Christmas on a Budget.
Start Saving
The best way to save money for the holidays is to plan ahead. Start at the beginning of the year and put aside a small amount each week so you are prepared when Christmas rolls around. It will help you avoid that last-minute scramble of trying to come up with funds quickly.
However, don’t despair if you haven’t started saving yet for the holidays. It happens to the best of us. You can try a 30-Day Christmas Money Saving Challenge or this 30-Day Money-Saving Envelope Challenge for a fun and simple way to save for Christmas fast.
Looking for more easy ways to save money this holiday season?
- 15 Simple Ways to Save Money Every Month
- 10 Ways to Stop Buying Things You Don’t Need
- 13 Things to Stop Buying Today to Save Money
- 30 Frugal Living Ideas for Beginners
Make a list
So, just like Santa, it’s important to sit down and make a list. Sit down with a pen and paper and make a list of all the people that you want to buy Christmas gifts for.
Don’t forget to plan for extra expenses around the holidays such as meals, gift wrap, and decorating needs.
Set your budget
So, you’ve made the list, now it’s time to make a budget and decide how much you would like to spend on each person on your list.
You don’t have to buy expensive gifts for everyone on your gift list. Try and think of thoughtful alternatives such as preparing a home-cooked meal or offering babysitting services.
You could also suggest a homemade gift exchange or have a cookie swap with some of your favorite Christmas cookie recipes.
Related Posts:
- Easy Soft Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookie Recipe
- 20 Cake Mix Christmas Cookie Recipes
- 45 Easy No-Bake Christmas Treats
Sales/Discount Codes
If you can, shop on Black Friday to have the best chance of getting the lowest prices of the season.
You can also look for discount codes through RetailMeNot or visit Rakuten, to earn cash-back on your purchases just by shopping online as you normally would.
Get on email lists
I usually don’t recommend this to save money during the year because having your inbox filled with sales can be tempting if it’s difficult for you to save money.
However, during the holiday retailers usually send their email subscribers early notice on upcoming sales. As well, as providing a discount for signing up.
Make Homemade Gifts
If you want to stretch out the budget even further, how about making homemade gifts? You can find so many cute and inexpensive gift ideas on Pinterest to spark your creativity.
Shop at Dollar Tree
Head to Dollar Tree to buy your gifts. You can put together a personal gift basket very inexpensively. It makes a wonderful gift and it can cost as little as $5-$10. Ideas for gift baskets include:
- Bath and Body– Fill a basket with lotions, bath bombs, fragrance spray, soap, and shower gels
- Makeup- You can usually find a lot of name-brand makeup options such as E.L.F., and Wet n’Wild cosmetics.
- Spa- Include fuzzy socks, candles, lotion, a loofah, and bath salts.
- Movie- Grab a bucket and fill it with popcorn, candy, chocolate, and drinks.
- Cooking- Make a basket for someone who loves to cook by filling it with kitchen utensils, potholders, hand towels, and a cookbook.
- Car Care- A few suggestions would be to grab air fresheners, microfiber wipes, a window cleaner, and an ice scraper/snowbrush.
- Snacks- This idea is definitely a family favorite. Grab a basket and fill it with snacks and treats that you know your family member will love.
Secret Santa Exchange
I come from a really big family and when I was younger we would always pick names out of a hat and only buy for that one person.
A secret Santa exchange is a wonderful way to give at Christmas when you are on a budget. Instead of buying many gifts, you only have to buy one.
Things to keep in mind:
- Decide on a budget and stick to it.
- Be creative.
- Have fun and try not to stress about giving the perfect gift. Remember it’s the thought that counts.
Small gift cards
You can grab $5 gift cards for Dunkin’ Donuts or Starbucks. Include a cute coffee mug from Dollar Tree and you have an inexpensive gift everyone will love receiving.
Four gift rule
You may have heard of the 4 gift rule for your kids. Something they want, something they need, something they will wear, something they can read.
This rule is a great way to teach your kids that a huge pile of presents under the tree is not what Christmas is all about.
More Gift Guide Ideas:
- Ultimate Gift Guide for Teenage Boys
- 60 Best Stocking Stuffers for Teenage Boys
- 40 Best Gift Ideas for Teenage Girls
- 35 Best Gift Ideas for Busy Moms
- 30 Last-Minute Gift Ideas for Dads
- 55 Cheap Stocking Stuffers for the Entire Family
Pay with Cash
So you don’t overspend, pay with cash. The last thing you want to deal with after the holidays is a huge credit card bill.
Don’t forget free activities
Sometimes we get so caught up in the gift-giving aspect of the holidays that we forget that there are many free activities to enjoy during the holiday season.
Bake cookies
Baking Christmas cookies are one of my family’s favorite Christmas traditions. We love making these Double Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Look at Christmas lights
Take a ride around your town to check out the dazzling display of holiday lights.
Check events in your town
Make sure to look for special holiday events happening near you.
Every year there is a Christmas parade, bonfire with cookies, cocoa, and sleigh rides in a town near us that we try to attend. It’s a fun family tradition.
Sing Christmas carols
Go Christmas caroling or just gather friends and family together to sing Christmas Carols. A great way to get into the holiday spirit.
Make Christmas crafts
Christmas crafts are so much fun. You can string popcorn for the tree or make these Christmas snowflakes to display. They are a must-do every Christmas in our household.
You May Like:10 Cheap Ways to Decorate For Christmas
Christmas movies and treats
Get cozy with your favorite holiday shows, cookies, and cocoa.
Don’t forget about a special Christmas morning breakfast:35 Sweet and Savory Christmas Morning Breakfast Ideas
We want the holidays to be magical but sometimes it so hard getting past the financial stress that comes with them that we can’t really appreciate them. Hopefully, these budget-friendly tips will help you find simple ways to make this holiday season the best ever.
Related: 30-Day Holiday Gratitude Challenge
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