How to Spread Christmas Cheer Without Breaking the Bank

Christmas is my favourite time of year. It always has been.

I love almost everything about this holiday. To me Christmas represents a time to be merry. It’s a time to get together with the people I love, cook, eat too much, drink too much, cuddle up by the fire, watch a Christmas movie, eat some more, drink some more….

The things that aren’t so lovable about the holiday…the inevitable tummy ache from over eating, a likely hang over from one too many drinks and a frighting credit card bill that will arrive in January just in time to intensify the post-holiday blues.

I personally am happy to deal with a food baby and a wine induced headache but I am not willing to go into debt in order to enjoy the holidays….and you don’t have to.

If you want to stay out of debt this holiday season here are some tips that will allow you to spread Christmas Cheer without breaking the bank:

Make a list, check it twice. Then stick to it!

Write down who you need to buy gifts for, what you want to buy them and how much you are willing to spend.

Do a bit of research.

Before you make a purchase do a bit of price comparison. Go online and see how much the product is at a couple of different stores. This will only take a few minutes and could save you a lot of time and money.

Hit the sales.

Every year I tell myself “I’m going to finish all of my Christmas shopping in November.” Ha. I know it’s hard to get your list in order before December hits but, with a bit of planning you can save a lot of money by purchasing your gifts during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.

Or, if you won’t be exchanging gifts with some of your family/friends until after December 26….wait to make the purchase and hit the Boxing Day sales (if you dare!)

Avoid last minute shopping.

Going to the mall on Christmas Eve Day is a fricken nightmare. Not only do you have to endure an overcrowded mall with grumpy, stressed out shoppers but, you are also more likely to overspend.

When you feel panicked and rushed you are more likely to make spur of the moment decisions. So, make plans to get your shopping done early and stick to your list!!

Use cash and debit over credit.

It is wayyyyyy to easy to spend money you don’t have when you use a credit card. So, use cash or debit to ensure you actually have the money available to make your Christmas purchases. This way you can avoid the feeling of dread when the January credit card bill arrives.

Do a gift exchange with family and friends.

This year try proposing a gift exchange with family and friends. This way you only have to buy one gift!

This idea isn’t for everyone but it definitely helps to reduce the stress of trying to find each person on your list the perfect gift and it makes it easy to get your shopping done early.

Re-gift.

There is nothing wrong with re-gifting…as long as the original gifter doesn’t find out. So, go ahead and re-wrap that peach scented candle…..(this is a joke…obviously not a good one if I have to point it out!! If you don’t get it check this out).

Remember what Christmas is really about.

Everyone has their own special holiday traditions however, one thing most of us can agree on (hopefully) is that Christmas is more about the people and the experiences than the presents….right?!?

So, get together for a drink and a meal, play a board game, go for a skate or a ski, sing a carol, decorate the tree, volunteer in your community.

The joy that comes from getting a new ‘thing’ is fleeting. Good experience and memories last a whole lot longer and will make you feel warm inside!!

I want to hear from you. Do you have any tips that you use to save money over the holidays?