Having a Christmas budget may seem to be a damper on your holiday spirit. However, it doesn’t have to at all! You just need to cut corners and shop smarter – which is totally possible, even during the holiday season. Read on to find out how you can set a Christmas budget and actually stick to it this year!
1. Create sub-budgets for every area of your holiday shopping. Food, gifts, decor, and activities are some of the common segments of Christmas spending, but you should decide on categories that work for you. Having separate budgets for each area makes it easier to avoid overspending. In the end, if you have some money left in one section, you can add it to another where you are about to go over. {How to start a Gift Closet}
2. Pay close attention to sales ads. This works for food and gifts very well. A Christmas budget can be lengthened if you are find good deals on items you need. Combine sales ads with coupons when possible to save even more on your spending! {Check out our Hot Holiday Deals as we will help you as much as possible to save money this holiday season!}
3. Find free things for your family to do. Activities during the holidays may include decorating the home, caroling in the neighborhood, watching the Christmas parade, and driving around to see the Christmas lights others have put up. Try to do those that cost nothing for your family, except maybe the price of gas to get there and back.
4. Consider homemade gifts for many people on your shopping list this year. You will still need to purchase supplies, but they can be a softer blow to your Christmas budget than individual presents for each recipient. Plus, the supplies can go a long way. Popular homemade holiday gifts include sweet treats, clothing, accessories (scarves, hats), and cards. {Check out our gifts in a jar series.}
5. Turn the Christmas dinners you are hosting into a pot luck. This means less for you to buy, as each guest will be bringing a dish. Coordinate with everyone before the meal, so you know who is bringing what.
6. Purchase gift bags over wrapping paper. Sure, wrapping gifts can be fun, but once the paper is torn and wadded up, it cannot be reused. Bags and boxes, on the other hand, can last you through several holidays. Collect the bags your family receives each year so you can cut down on the miscellaneous spending related to gifts. {Easy way to save on Holiday Decorations.}
Having a Christmas budget shouldn’t make you feel like a Scrooge. You can still enjoy this precious time with family, exchange gifts, and provide meals that everyone loves. Just use these tips to make sure your wallet isn’t crying into the new year!
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