Are you ready for Christmas?
I was asked by a friend at TAFE to write a post on money saving ideas and tips for surviving Christmas.
I survived last Christmas fairly well un-scared from the financial burden the silly season usually inflicts on me. Every year I would detest the actual day for the terrible strain it placed on my conscience and wallet, even to the state of making me completely ill and writing the whole day off, as was the case in 2007.
Last year was stress free. I had lunch at mums where a chef was arranged to cook for everyone. Presents were capped at $50 for kids (there are 5 that I had to buy for) and realising they all prefer money to gifts they don’t generally like, cash it was. Money was a fantastic option really, as even if we did set a limit for presents, I could in no way stick to it as I always wanted to get that little extra.
No presents were given to adults except for my mum and Robert, my boys and boyfriend Tony. The day was excellent – no stress and as I had been putting little gifts aside for the boys during the year – there was no great financial shocks. Secret Santa was the theme for Tony’s family, so we only had to buy 2 presents for them – capped at $20.
I only sent out about 10 Christmas cards – choosing only older relatives and loved, but not often seen, friends. I had purchased the cards at the sales 11 months earlier – quality cards at a discount price. (Same deal for wrapping paper).
My best tips for an easy and wonderful Christmas with a little leftover Money 4 Jam are:
Decorations, Wrapping and Cards:
- Don’t decorate with expensive things!!!
- Use your children’s artwork, or create your own on plain paper and use pretty (dollar shop) ribbons. No need to buy expensive ribbons and bows to decorate your packages, if you hunt around you can find the cheap stuff that will be just as pretty!
- Buy at the Boxing Day sales and store for next year
- Swap decorations with friends if you are sick of your old ones
- Cut up old Christmas cards to make wonderful gift tags
- Invest in a good quality artificial tree after Christmas – when they go on CLEARANCE SALE! Buy good quality because they will last many more years.
- Collect ornaments adding to your collection each year each ornament is more special because of it. Don’t try to get all your tree ornaments in one year.
- Decorate your house by bringing the outside in, using painted pinecones (gold and silver works a treat with matching bows).
- Remember to pop in some family pictures for cards to grandparents and also phone them the night before Christmas to save stress on the day.
Food:
I have a friend who religiously pays into a Christmas Hamper fund, and this works for her. Every year I tell myself that I will put aside just $10 per week and never have. This year I have managed to save $500 with the leftover money from my weekly budget. That has only been in the last few months too. Each Friday – my banking day – I clean my wallet out and what I have left over goes into different envelopes; one for Christmas, one for present buying and one for something special for me.
- Don’t go stupid on food buying. Sure it’s nice to have some special items, but left over puddings and cakes stored in the freezer for months gets pathetic. OK, I’ll throw them out.
- Stock up while non-perishables are on sale, just an extra can or box here and there. If you end up with too many bargain buys, make up hampers for those who could really appreciate it.
- I like the idea of everyone bringing a plate instead on one person having to do the lot
Entertainment:
- Hire Christmas DVDs – so much cheaper that going to the movies
- Take a drive around town, or another town nearby to see their Christmas lights. It’s simply breathtaking some of them. I always love seeing the lights – so magical.
- Get out the board games or cards, the kids will love spending time with you and also beating you.
- Go to the local carols and sing, sing, sing!
- Have a family gathering to decorate the tree, wrap gifts, or bake treats
- Make a Christmas book about your own family! Include Christmas photos from previous years, traditions, holiday snaps and favourite recipes
Presents:
- Write your list, cut it back, start shopping early and always compare prices
- It such a short time till the “C” day, and if you can put aside $100 a week from now on (being November) that’s going to help
- I’m not a great fan of homemade gifts. Kids love to make gifts, so for them I would suggest they concentrate on wrapping paper, gift tags, cards, decorations and baking. They can also do a voucher book offering free services like foot massage, cleaning, car washing, babysitting etc. My son Jake gave me one and I didn’t want to rip the vouchers out as I loved the gesture so much.
- Easy gifts are movie tickets, shop cards, lottery tickets, wine, hampers, home grown produce, potted plants/herbs and homemade treats
- Don’t forget to get in early to arrange secret Santa, no presents for adults and price capping so friends and relatives are forewarned
The most important thing to remember for Christmas is be good to your folks and don’t be pressured into spending your money foolishly.
