Christmas is the most wonderful time of year for many of us but it can also be an expensive time for many households. If you’re worried about how to afford everything this year, here are some tips to help you prepare for Christmas on a budget.
Start Early
Starting your Christmas gift shopping early means that you can make use of sales, special offers and discounts, such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday. If you’re very organised, you can even pick up some bargains in January sales and put them away until the end of the year or make the most of end-of-season sales.
Secret Santa
Instead of buying a present for every single one of your friends or work colleagues, why not organise a Secret Santa? This is a great way to give gifts among big groups and can work well for extended family too. It ensures everyone gets a Christmas gift but means you only need to buy one, which can drastically cut costs. Make sure you place a limit on the value of the gift to avoid embarrassment – most Secret Santas have a maximum budget of £10 or £20 at the most.
Practical Presents
We’ve all given or received gifts that aren’t quite what we’d hoped for. You can avoid giving presents that will end up in the charity pile by exchanging wish lists with family and friends. Asking for things you need can reduce the amount you need to spend on festive essentials such as Christmas lights and means you’re guaranteed to get – and give – a gift that’s useful and won’t be gathering dust by New Year!
Freeze Food
It isn’t just Christmas presents that can mount up, the cost of Christmas food and drink can quickly get expensive too. If you’re planning to cook a traditional Christmas dinner this year, buy your food early and freeze it to avoid paying more for fresh items nearer the day itself. If you go OTT with your Christmas food shop, you can also make the most of any leftovers by popping them in the fridge or freezer to reheat and enjoy later. Just be sure to follow the guidelines on food storage to avoid an upset tummy spoiling your plans over the festive period.
Go Handmade
Making handmade Christmas gifts will not only save you money on your present budget but it can also be a fun way to get into the festive spirit in the lead-up to Christmas. Handmade gifts are a great way to show family and friends just how much you care and there are lots of great ideas for DIY Christmas gifts online. If you’re worried about your creative abilities, then homemade treats such as cookies and cakes work just as well for a Christmas present that’s baked with love.
