It’s that time of year again, where families get together, kids are home from winter breaks from school, and parties and celebrations begin! And with that comes the gifting season. Planning ahead will help keep you from overspending during this holiday season. Here are some tips to help you stretch your holiday budget this December.
Be mindful, make lists of people who you are actually buying for this year, and list out the actually obligations or activities that you have to go to this month. That way, you don’t spend on a whim.- Keep track of sales happening this month! You can subscribe to your favorite stores and receive emails and alerts when sales are happening.
- Make wish lists. This may seem a little insincere and this is not for everyone. But, when we were invited for Christmas to my sister-in-law’s house in Palm Springs last year, we had to fill out a questionnaire for the top 5 things we needed or wanted within reason. This allowed the exchanging of gifts to be less wasteful because we could actually use the items we received, and it increased our enjoyment getting items that we wanted.
- Take a road trip instead of flying. It is more economical, gets the kids off of their electronic devices and allows for stopping at different sites which increases the memory making.
- Finding activities that are budget friendly such as playing Christmas music in your vehicle and driving around neighborhoods to see the lights with your kids goes along way in making memories. Kids care more about the excitement around them, then what they are actually doing. This will also teach your kids the value of family time together.
- If you have an amazing talent such as making Christmas bath bombs, making special desserts, signs or ornaments, then consider making something for the special people in your life. When I get home made items, I tend to cherish them more. I used to juice a lot at one time when I was recovering from cancer, and I could make the most delicious vegetable and fruit juice combinations, so when it came time to thanking my healthcare workers, I made them my special juice placed in a beautiful glass gold sealed jar and it made them smile.
- If you are hosting a holiday party at your house or asked to bring something, consider shopping at discounted food or bulk stores for your ingredients which will help stretch your budget even more.
It doesn’t matter how much you spend on items or activities, what will shape and memorialize the time the most, is making happy, positive memories together with undivided attention. Because, time is fleeting and we will never get back this exact moment in time with our loved ones again. So, make this year count: be mindful, creative, and happy and let the adventures begin!
