Wood crackling in the fireplace, a warm cup of eggnog, and perfectly wrapped presents under the Christmas can put anyone in the holiday spirit.
But if you find yourself a bit strapped for cash this season, don’t stress about it. Christmas is not about spending all your money on material things. Don’t get me wrong! You can still exchange gifts with your loved ones.
But you don’t have to HO-HO-hope you win the lottery just so you can afford to buy gifts for everyone this year! No matter how you decide to celebrate the holidays, here are some nifty ideas to keep Christmas beautiful without breaking the bank.
1. Give Less Gifts
There’s no rule that says you have to buy everyone in your life a gift. So, consider buying a present just for the most important people in your life or use the 3-gift rule. If you feel guilty about not getting anything for some family members and friends, get a lovely holiday card or bake cookies for them.
It still shows you’re thinking about them without spending an extravagant amount. And if there are too many kids in the family, buy smaller gifts to fill your family’s Christmas stockings. The great thing about stocking stuffers is that you can put anything you want like someone’s favorite candy, small toys, or glow-in-the-dark stickers.
2. Drive through Twinkling Neighborhoods
There’s no need to drive all the way to a festival of lights because sometimes the best ones can be found right in your neighborhood. Every year, many Christmas lovers spend weeks decorating their houses with twinkling lights and holiday decorations. So why not take a nice drive or a walk around one of these twinkling neighborhoods. It’s free!
3. Decorate a Gingerbread House with the Kids
Working with a limited budget? Host a gingerbread house decorating party for all the kids in the family. It’s a great way to bond while you help them decorate their houses to the nines. You can use candy canes, peppermints, chocolate chips, and sprinkles of various shapes and colors. And since most parents are too busy to bake a gingerbread house from scratch, save yourself some trouble and get an edible gingerbread house kit on Amazon. Here’s one from Dylan’s Candy Bar that’s almost too cute to eat.
4. Buy a Gift as a Group
Group gifts are perfect for when you’re on a strict budget as they allow several people to contribute towards one big, expensive gift that’s actually worth the money. Since several people are contributing, you don’t have to worry about buying the cheapest Christmas gift just can find. So, consider calling your siblings and going on a group gift for your parents.
5. Make Presents
There are so many gifts you can make that are one of a kind and actually useful. You can make a DIY body scrub, a honey facial mask, or frugal Tiramisu Mason jars. And if you don’t mind spending extra time in the kitchen, you can make a gift basket full of holiday cookies, yule log cake, or Christmas tree brownies.
In Conclusion:
The holiday season is usually stressful, but it’s definitely easier when you’re not racking up credit card debt buying presents for everyone! So stick to your budget and have a merry and financially stable Christmas!
