Cut back to save money at Christmas
Getting ready for Christmas is exciting, but it can also be distressingly expensive, especially for lower income households. The costs of food, toys, and gifts will often leave a gaping hole in the family budget. Fortunately, though, there are some simple ways to cut these Christmas costs down or even to get free stuff from charities. Below are some great ideas for saving money or tips on getting assistance, while still giving your family and friends a fabulous time this Christmas.
But for those who you do want to buy Christmas gifts for, be generous. Always try to do this, as many of us have been blessed and fortunate in life, especially when compared to other countries and parts of the world. It has, and always will, make people feel better when they give to others and try to be kind. And the Christmas season is a great time to do this…though always try to be generous and even surprise people year round.
And even if you can't afford gifts at Christmas, just be nice, kind, thoughtful, and considerate. After all, that is the ultimate gift to give others...year round.
Only give Christmas presents to nearest and dearest
It's hard to know where to draw the line with Christmas presents, as there is “pressure” to give to many people or always reciprocate. If you decide not to give to your colleagues or say neighbors (or even some friends), for instance, you can be sure they'll give to you, and then you'll feel obliged to buy something for them in return. But there's a simple way around this, and just consider cutting back.
Just tell them in advance that you're not giving Christmas gifts this year, and it is a simple solution to that problem. You don't need to give a reason, and they'll probably assume it's because don't have the time in your busy life or maybe you have other priorities with your money.
Toys can be particularly expensive, so if you've previously given to the children of friends and relatives, consider giving a single gift to the whole family instead this year. It could be home produce or something else home-made, costing nothing at all. Frankly there are very few people I give Christmas gifts too.
Be kind and show gratitude
I am a huge believer in this. This is free to do, and anyone can do it, no matter their income. Be kind to others, whether they are people in your life or strangers. Say thank you, be considerate, and treat others kindly. It can bring people together during the holidays. Stay calm, do not fight, argue, or create drama. This should of course be done at Christmas, but also year round.
If you are lucky enough to get a Christmas gift (as no one is entitled to anything in life), say thank you. Show gratitude. Even if it is not exactly what you wanted (or maybe you did not want it at all!) say thank you, as it is the thought that counts. Then, if worse comes to worse, you can always return and /or exchange the gift after the holiday, but I can't say how important it is to just say Thank you and appreciate the present.
Apply to free charities
If you are low income, or in a financial crisis, than apply for charities for Christmas help. There are many programs out there for free or cheap Christmas toys. The goal of many groups, most of which rely on donations, is to ensure kids, seniors and the less fortunate have some holiday joy.
Charities they can give free toys, food boxes, hot meals, and more. Or some, such as thrift stores, sell gently used Christmas toys at a low price - over 50% or more savings off retail. What is given out will depend on donation levels as well as the volunteers who are out there. The application periods will usually be in the fall months. Locate gently used toys at thrift stores.
Cut down on wrapping paper
If you're not careful, you can find yourself spending almost as much on gift-wrapping as on the Christmas gift itself. But again, there are ways to avoid this and to cut back. Choose the cheaper wrapping papers and use them sparingly or, if giving several parcels together, present them all in one gift bag instead. Save money on labels, too, by making your own out of a spare card, paper or packaging.
Give your time at Christmas
If you can't afford to give any gifts, then give your time. There is no cost to do it, and anyone can do this. I think this is honestly a more meaningful gift to give someone. It is more thoughtful, considerate, and meaningful to me anyway. Even though, sadly most Americans are so materialistic they may not feel the same way and may laugh at it or look down on it. (see our grateful comment above!).
Anyhow, a low income family can give their time as much as someone who is well off. Maybe write the recipient a basic card saying what you will do. Maybe babysit their kid(s) one night. Or walk their dog, or wash their car or run some type of errands. Or maybe cook them a meal...really anything. There are countless ways to give some time to someone as a Christmas gift.
Instead of giving Christmas presents, give fun, experiences and games
Ensure all your gifts are comfortably affordable, even those for your nearest and dearest. A modest but well-chosen present is much more welcome than an expensive but inappropriate one and will demonstrate the care you've put into your choice.
Besides, you can provide fun of other kinds for them, too, such as games, sing-songs and family walks or bike rides. Anyone can save money during the Christmas holidays by just giving family, friends or loved ones their time. Home-spun fun like this can bring a special, magic touch to Christmas.
Make your own decorations
Cut back on expensive decorations this year to save some money. You only need a few to set a room sparkling, and one decorated room is all you need to celebrate the season. In fact, if you enjoy craft work, why not make your own trimmings instead, using materials you already possess? Browse the internet for simple but effective ideas, from decorated candles and glitter-sprayed logs to home-made tinsel and paper lanterns.
Use websites to compare prices or get rebates
When doing online shopping, there are free rebate sites to use as well as comparison shopping tools. Between the two services you can not only maybe get the lowest price for what you are trying to buy, but also a rebate site will even give you cash back.
The services will always be free to use as well as simple to figure out. They can be an effective, quick solution for saving money, and shoppers of all incomes, backgrounds, races, and religions can save money.
Make your own food or meals, or use a pantry
Home-produced food, both at Christmas and Thanksgiving, tends to be much cheaper than the ready-made versions you can buy in the shops, and fresher, too. Look online or in a recipe book for guidelines for making your favorite winter dishes. Making a meal at home can help you and your family save as much as 30% vs. a takeout meal or ready to serve meal.
Then shop around for the ingredients, seeking out the cheapest versions to cut back on your holiday expenses. Look for sales and use coupons as well, and shop smartly. If your items require baking, put them all in the oven at the same time to minimize cooking time; this will save on energy consumption, too. If your income is low enough, then free food pantries near you may be able to provide the holiday groceries and ingredients you need.
Send your cards electronically
Christmas cards can be a major expense, especially with the added cost of stamps, so don't buy them or cut way back on the number you do buy and/or send. One solution to cut back is to send Christmas cards electronically instead, for free. Use one of your photographs from the year, such as a snapshot from your holiday, or go outside a take a picture of the winter scene. Or sign up for one of the free e-card websites, including Punchbowl or American Greetings.
Alternatively, use your artistic skills. Perhaps draw a picture, scan and upload it, or use a drawing app on your computer. Then just email your picture as an attachment to your seasonal message.
Conclusion
Once you start thinking outside the box, you'll find all sorts of ways to cut costs at Christmas. The holidays do not need to break the bank, and you can save money. Just avoid buying anything you can do without, and let your natural talents serve instead. It's as simple as that.
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