Christmas is fast approaching, and it’s going to be a difficult time for households across the country this year.
Due to a huge range of factors, a cost of living crisis has reared its head, and many families are struggling to make ends meet. Putting food on the table and paying the bills is difficult enough at the best of times, but Christmas is a notoriously expensive time of year. As well as buying endless presents for your loved ones, you’re expected to throw lavish feasts, host your relatives, adorn your home with decorations, and keep the heating on to ensure your family and guests are comfortable. It’s understandable you may be feeling anxious about the toll the holidays are going to take on your finances.
But Christmas is not about the money you spend or the expensive gifts you buy. It is a time for being with loved ones and making beautiful family memories. It is perfectly possible to enjoy the festive season without putting a dent in your bank balance.
To help you have a low-cost, yet memorable, Christmas, here are four tips to save money this winter.
Set expectations
If you have children in the house, they might not realize that things are going to be a little different this year. They might be expecting expensive gifts and huge banquets just like all the Christmases that have come before. Sit them down and explain that money is tight and that they shouldn’t expect too much. Your teenager might be disappointed not to get the Playstation 5 he asked for but at least your family is together. Agree with your spouse and other adult relatives that you will give each other small presents this year. An expensive smartwatch is an unnecessary expense when your husband would be just as happy with a pack of Delta 8 Vapes or a pair of socks this year.
Create magical moments for children
Look back to your childhood memories of Christmas. Chances are, the things you remember are not the presents you received in those moments of magic and joy. Leaving cookies and a carrot out for Santa and his reindeer, sledding in the snow or drinking hot chocolate by a roaring fire as Christmas carols play on the radio. Fill the festive season with these kinds of moments and your children won’t need expensive things.
Get creative
Christmas decorations can be expensive, but it is so easy to make your own on a shoestring budget. Make tree ornaments and wall displays using items found cheaply at any stationery store and you’ll have a lot of money left over to spend on gifts and food. Here are some DIY Christmas decoration ideas for inspiration.
Set a budget
It’s very easy to let the Christmas spending get out of hand so it’s a great idea to set yourself a festive budget. Take a look at your household finances and work out exactly how much money you are prepared to spend on your Christmas celebrations. This will help you keep track and prevent spontaneous purchases that could set you back.
By following these tips you are guaranteed to have an amazing Christmas without breaking the bank.
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