Christmas is a costly time of year – even if we try to pare things down, we’re still buying things that we wouldn’t typically be buying. The gifts, the food, and the decorations, plus much more. Plus, it’s so easy to get carried away, and we all want our Christmases to look wonderful – so it can be easy to buy a lot more than we might have planned to. Here are some easy ways to save money and still have a Christmas that looks a million dollars. 

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

 

Use IOUs

If you want to get your loved ones a fantastic gift but are short on funds in December, keep in mind that those post-Christmas discounts will be fantastic opportunities to save money in January. You can give your friends and family little IOU cards and then purchase the right present for them in the new year. This is a wonderful way to handle the gift-giving issue, extending the excitement for your family while saving you a lot of money. Decorate the IOU, make it festive, and they’ll still have something to unwrap on the big day.

 

Have A Clear-Out

Having a declutter and a clear-out in the weeks leading up to Christmas is a good idea for two reasons. Firstly, you’ll make a lot of space for the new things that your friends and family will get you. Secondly, you can sell your old stuff and make some cash for Christmas, so you can go out and buy the things you want to purchase, such as special Christmas food and presents. It’ll make you feel good too – too much clutter can definitely have a negative effect on stress levels and happiness. 

 

Don’t Believe The Hype 

In the weeks (and months) leading up to Christmas, no matter where you go or what you do, you will be assaulted with advertising telling you what you must purchase and what your children cannot live without. The problem is that ‘must-haves’ aren’t always something that your children – or anybody else for whom you’re shopping – will enjoy. Think of them before you fall foul of the advertising, and don’t spend out on something unnecessarily, or you could spend far too much on unwanted gifts and need the services of bankruptcy solicitors in the new year. 

 

Instead of following what the TV, radio, or magazine instructs you to do, consider their likes and dislikes and use it as a guideline. Your children will like anything they are given as long as it matches their personality, and you might save a lot of money by avoiding purchasing something that is ‘on trend’ but will be ignored within five minutes.

 

Make A List And Check It Twice

Finally, be organized long before Christmas and develop a solid list of things you absolutely must have and when you must have it. You can also make a ‘good to have’ list if you have any money left over. Working out your budget and making a list of basics ahead of time can save you from overspending and allow you to have a wonderful Christmas with everything you need.

*This is a collaborative post.