How To Celebrate Christmas Without Going Broke 8 Steps

An alternative is to skip decorating and just rely on the Christmas cards you receive, a table tree centerpiece and the Christmas napkins to do enough of a job suggesting it’s Christmas time. Reuse old decorations. Use a fake tree so that you don’t have to buy a live one next year. Make your own decorations. These are both a form of getting involved in self-sufficient crafts and a way to save money. Do a turnabout and donate decorations you’ve over-indulged in from previous years rather than upgrading to new ones. Give them to a charity store or a charity organization. Simplifying is about having less but getting more enjoyment from what you do have.

Stick to your budget. [3] X Research source Many people make a budget and then use it as a guideline. Instead, use it as a mandate, a necessity, a stricture. Stick to what you say you’re going to spend. It feels good to be virtuous. Choose to stay away from the stores when they’re crowded. The pressure created by last-minute shopping in crowds can be intense and cause you to buy things that are more expensive than you intended just to escape the place faster.

Here are some suggestions for crafts that you can experiment with if the urge hits you: A wine-cork trivet using the leftovers from wine bottles and a little glue. A pet collar using a little bit of extra fabric. A bracelet with hearts or a necklace with beads. A scrapbook or a sketchbook using an old game board. Some bath sachets and bouquets made of fragrant flowers and herbs. Some great homemade ornaments.

Buy a donation gift. This consists of a gift that keeps on giving through a reputable charity that promises to deliver the item you buy to those in need. Buy an animal, seeds or other item for a family in need in a developing country through a charity. Donate this gift on behalf of a family member or friend and give them the details of how their gift is helping others to lead a better life. [5] X Research source

It’s a good idea to ask for mains, desserts, and other courses to ensure a good balance. Don’t specify the recipe, just the course. Don’t forget the vegetarians, gluten intolerant and any other special dietary needs. Have children set the table and clear away as part of their contribution to the Christmas helping spirit. Give serious consideration to a restaurant meal. After buying all the different types of food and spending hours in the kitchen, a restaurant meal may prove cheaper and kinder on everyone who is usually responsible for preparing everything.

If you’re not religiously inclined or church-going, or you’re not a believer in Christianity but follow secular Christmas traditions, this is still a good time to think about your spiritual, community and humanist values. Think about how to make Christmas time a meaningful and connecting event.