When you see the endless commercials of various Christmas treats running on your TV, and you know you can’t afford them, you realise spending Christmas on a tight budget is not the easiest thing to do. There seems to always be some financial burden that comes with the festive season, making you feel left out if your pockets aren’t deep enough to splurge the average $1,232 on various Christmas cheer. But the great news is there are so many fun and inexpensive ways to celebrate the season on a budget. Here are some easy tips you can use.
Set your budget in advance
Don’t underestimate how strong the pressure will be to spend. With so many Christmas sales offers and goodies showing up, even the most disciplined shopper can yield to impulse buying. The last thing you want is to start the new year with any financial burdens. Even with a few days left, it is never too late to draw a quick budget for your spending. You should limit your Christmas shopping to how much you have saved up, how much you can spare these few days leading to Christmas, and how much you can set aside from your current funds.
Do your shopping online
You’re probably already familiar with online shopping by now, as it has become a popular shopping option for many customers. Shopping online offers convenience, saves you time, and guess what? You can also save up some cash when you shop online. If you need to buy presents for family and friends, scout various shopping platforms for seasonal deals, discounts, and so on. Don’t be surprised to find several online malls offering sale days and free shipping offers you can take advantage of. Also, try to compare different deals from different platforms and note them down before you start your shopping. For example, a quick online search will bring up platforms like Smooth Sales which offers unbeatable deals across a wide range of products.
Plan family activities ahead
Tasty and traditional family dishes are a great addition to any family time, but what makes the occasion truly special and memorable is the quality time and fun you spend together. Therefore, don’t focus too much on making huge meals. Instead, think about simple and fun family activities you can play together and enjoy. For instance, you can add board games, watch a family movie, or playgroup activities after your Christmas meal if you cannot afford expensive side dishes and wines. Start brainstorming and planning your activities and sample ideas from your family about what activities they’ll love.
Cook together as a family
Once you settle on simple meals to prepare, cook together as a family, with everyone chipping in. If you’re planning to host a Christmas party, try asking friends and family to “bring a plate” or two. In other words, anyone attending the party can come with a small pack of food, drinks, pastries, etc., from their homes. This way, you can reduce the amount you need to cook and cut down on how much you might spend.
