Introducing my very first guest poster by Jack Reed on Frugal Holidays.
The most awaited festival of the year is almost here but you don’t seem very happy. You have been a reckless spender throughout the year and now you are wondering how you can celebrate Christmas with your loved ones. Worry not! Although Christmas is getting too much consumer-oriented each passing year, there are still countless ways you can employ to enjoy the charm of this blessed day even if you are financially strapped.
So here is how you can enjoy a frugal and in fact, meaningful Christmas this year. After all, the beauty of this day is not about how much you spend but connecting with life around you.
1) Make your own Christmas gifts: Buying gifts consume a major chunk of your expenses during this festive season. Why not make the gifts yourself this year? Be creative and you will be able to save up a lot for other necessary expenses. Baked cookies, home-made chocolates, hand-made woolen clothes; the list is endless! (Sandy’s note: I LOVE home made food. I’ll take good food as a gift any day)
2) The frugal Christmas tree: Christmas trees can be quite expensive, especially if it’s a live tree. Make your purchase from a large discount store where the cost of the tree will be reasonable. Go for a smaller cheaper tree as it will anyhow last for just a few days. The best option is to settle for plastic trees as this is most economical and can be used year after year with no extra cost. (Sandy’s note. I’m on a big snowflake kick…don’t forget the paper snowflakes)
3) Budget friendly decoration: Visit the thrift and pound stores to purchase some frugal Christmas decorations. Do not go for lavish decoration as this is quite unnecessary and will only lighten your wallet. Keep the theme of your decoration simple. This is a great time to make use of your old decorations. Try to be innovative. Cut your old cards in a pattern and hang them on the walls and windows, use ribbons to decorate plain white candles or make paper chains from colorful magazines.
4) Analyze the expense for Christmas dinner: Carefully plan out the cost of the dinner. The cost would depend on the number of guests you are inviting. If you can’t help inviting many of them, ask them to share in the preparations. This is a great idea as it will split the expense of the meal among the guests and won’t pinch your pocket heavily.
5) Cut your shopping spree: Most of the people spend recklessly shopping for Christmas. A frugal shopper knows his budget and spends accordingly. You don’t want to end up in debt after Christmas, so limit your expense and try out dollar stores or local discount stores. You can get all items here at a heavily discounted rate, and oftentimes no one will be able to tell the difference between brands and items from thrift stores.
Plan and list out your expenses and spend only what you can afford to. Throw a Christmas party on a tight budget; it is not at all difficult. All you need to do is to be a little determined to stick to your budget and you will be able to celebrate a frugal, yet wonderful Christmas!
Author-bio: Jack Reed is a financial writer with Oak View Law Group. He writes on a variety of personal finance topics with a special focus on debt related issues.
Sandy’s Take: I love the holidays but I think people go way overboard on gifts. I would much rather get an inexpensive or free gift that took a lot of thought or time than vs one that is expensive but not at all in line with my lifestyle. I end up feeling guilty and like an ingrate that I don’t use or want the item. I also feel bad that someone wasted their money. To me, time is one of the most precious gifts, especially for elderly family members that don’t often get visitors or company. Even us young-ins love time related gifts (babysitters, etc).
What was the best free or nearly free gift you’ve ever received?
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