How to achieve anything
How to save money with a budget Christmas
Categories > Money Saving > How to save money with a budget Christmas
Christmas (and/or the holiday season) is one of the most stressful and expensive times of year for most people. Here are some helpful hints to save you money this holiday season.
Cut back on the Christmas gifts
A couple of years ago, we made the decision to go completely gift free. With a large (and still growing) immediate family plus many friends and colleagues, even purchasing small gifts for everyone important in our lives was easily adding up to hundreds of dollars. And for what? When we thought about it, we most valued spending time with our loved ones, not giving or receiving token gifts.
If going gift free is a little too extreme for you, decide on your own reasonable budget and stick to it. One inexpensive yet lovingly chosen present that is meaningful (e.g. a favourite book) is worth far more than all of the most popular Christmas gifts put together.
Have a smaller holiday meal
Big holiday meals can be fantastically expensive. If you do still want a traditional roast dinner, consider alternative and cheaper cuts of meat such as beef brisket or pork shoulder. And there's no reason to go over the top with side dishes, desserts and snacks - just a few family favourites is more than enough.
But why not try something completely different this year? I'd much rather sit down to a simple curry (a family specialty) than a lavish turkey banquet. And I think the best part of the day is sitting around in the evening with snacks, relaxing and enjoying the company - you may find a big meal is not even required.
Stay in on New Years Eve
New Year is one of the most expensive holidays to go out. And in my opinion, one of the most over-rated ones as well. Save some of the edible (not to mention drinkable) gifts you may have received at Christmas, then stay in and have your own celebration! You'll probably feel much better the next day as well.
Finally, plan for next Christmas now
Buy everything Christmas related in the post Christmas clearance sales. Non-perishable items such as decorations and gift wrap will keep indefinitely but even many Christmas food favourites (e.g. chocolates, nuts) should easily keep until next year. Check the best before dates before you purchase just to make sure then stash everything in a cool, dark place.