I work on the basis that it is never worth spending more than I can afford for Christmas. People are more important than things.
Just a few ideas for reducing the financial load.
- Many Christmas items are much cheaper in advance. My younger children like chocolate coins: these were half price in October and had a long best by date. The same applies to boxes of biscuits and supermarket pyjamas.
- Children don't need loads of presents and certainly not more than can be reasonably afforded. Some of those presents can be useful items: we often give pyjamas as part of the present. Usually they are an item which would be needed anyway.
- Children can learn to make presents or manage a small budget. We have found that pound shops can be a useful place for children to buy presents with pocket money.
- Gift labels can be made from the previous year's cards. I make these when I take the cards down. Scissors which make a zigzag edge are an advantage but not essential. A hole punch and some ribbon or wool complete the tag.
- Wrapping paper doesn't need to be expensive-it is only going to be thrown away or recycled. I have tried to make my own but my level of creativity isn't high, again, the pound shop has come to my rescue.
- Postage is expensive. Sorry, Royal Mail, but in recent years, we've sent fewer cards and more Christmas letters as e-mails. No, I haven't written the letter yet! We still send cards to people who are not on line or who might especially, appreciate a card.
- Decorations can be home made. There are numerous ideas around for salt dough and clay tree decorations. Some of the most beautiful decorations I have seen were made with evergreen boughs. We try to make our own wreath from items from our garden.
- Chicken often tastes better than turkey as well as being cheaper. If there is a turkey enthusiast, in the family, then a turkey crown can prevent waste and having "I'm trying to use up the turkey" dishes.
- Don't forget to make stock with the bones. The stock can be frozen for future use.
- Some things just aren't necessary: crackers just seem full of tack that will be thrown away in five minutes-is my middle name Scrooge?
Anyway, over to you. How do you save at Christmas?
I have some fabric bags that we use for gifts. I bought Christmas fabric cheap one year and made a bunch. I use some paper and stamps to make the gift tags. We are doing less gifts usually pj's and one or two items plus the stocking.
ReplyDeleteI know of other people who have done this-a really good idea although one I've not managed!
ReplyDeleteI buy next years cards and wrapping paper in the sales, as well as any gifts I can find. I know it means keeping them all year but it helps. We are going to make a few 'foodie' gifts this year too. Oh, and saving up nectar/tesco/whatever points during the year can really cut down on the cost of gifts in December. I also buy from October onward- as you say, it is cheaper!
ReplyDeleteYou sound very organised! I like the idea of buying gifts in the sales.
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