It is so easy to get caught up in wanting to give the perfect Christmas gift and cooking the perfect meal that we often blow our budget out of the water. There are so many ways to have a wonderful Christmas without blowing your budget.
When it comes to kids, remember how quickly they move on from one toy to the next. If you feel that all of the fun is having a lot of gifts to open than wrap up as many gifts that you can but keep the items very inexpensive. As long as there is one great gift that they wanted then you will accomplish both of your goals.
Think of a simple gift but wrap it in fancy wrapping. Every year I get my sisters some very nice cozy socks from Nordstrom that I have wrapped up in their luxurious wrapping as it’s free. The sight of the box is exciting and the gift is still very nice. I also take any gifts I buy out of the wrapping (if it comes in plastic for example) and place it in a nice box with fancy tissue.
Buy items that come with a free item like perfume and body lotion. Separate the items as two gifts. You may also want to see if there is a “gift with purchase” item that you can use as two gifts as well.
When it comes to cooking, less is more. Wouldn’t you rather spend less than have left overs that you may or may not eat? When someone asks you if they can bring something tell them YES! People love to contribute food to gatherings so don’t be ashamed of it.
Why not have a contest to see who has the best appetizer? Have everyone bring an appetizer and vote on the dish. You’ll have extra food and also be adding a fun component to the evening.
Instead of Christmas cards, why not print up a lovely greeting on holiday paper off of your computer or send to a printer like Kinko’s to print for you. You can print two greetings on one page for further savings.
So think outside the box this year to find ways to save money and still have fun. More often than not it is our need for perfection that gets in the way. Give yourself permission to let go a bit and enjoy more. You will also give yourself the gift of more peace and less stress and who can’t use that?
Brigitte Martinez has been writing articles online for several years now. Her latest project is her site gas heating stoves where she offers resources to items like a ventless gas fireplace.
