December is a high-cost time for many families, with presents and cards and lavish holiday spreads to prepare and share with loved ones. There are endless get-togethers, social events needing new outfits, and extensive alcohol budgets, not to mention the decorations! Nine times out of ten, you need to run out and buy another set of Christmas lights after your last set stops working or becomes too tangled to be usable ever again. If you’re wondering how to have a luxe holiday season without worrying about running up a debt that takes all year to repay, try these ideas on for size.
Shop Locally (On Their End, Not Yours)
It can get incredibly expensive buying gifts if you have family members in far-flung places. Especially if you want every present to be nestled under a tree by Christmas Day. Why not skip the line at the post office and order something to be delivered from their local area? Consider Christmas wine hampers or delicious gourmet delights as they are sure to come in handy over the festive season.
Buy Presents Throughout the Year
Are you a last-minute shopper? If so, you may want to reconsider your Christmas game plan. Spreading out your present purchases throughout the year has many advantages. You dilute the cost over multiple paychecks, you can keep an eye out for sales and special offers, and it will be easier to find the perfect present with more time to browse. Most importantly, you will massively reduce the stress of running around trying to track down gifts in the Christmas rush or worrying about whether the parcel will arrive in the post on time.
Organize a Secret Santa
A Secret Santa can be a saving grace when you have a large extended family. Most adults prefer to give and receive one thoughtful gift rather than shop for 29 presents for different people. To make it extra fun, you could suggest a themed Secret Santa, such as eco-friendly gifts. Another fun idea is to organize a Regifting Secret Santa, where everyone finds a gift that they haven’t used and passes it on to someone else.
Make Presents at Home
If we have taken anything from the pandemic, it’s the joy of getting back to the basics of spending time with family, planting vegetables, and making endless loaves of banana bread. This Christmas, why not try your hand at making some extra thoughtful home-made gifts? Your bank account will thank you, and so will your family and friends when they discover the extra effort you have put into the present. If you are stuck for ideas, consider making a batch of jam, toffee, Christmas pudding, or even some home-made soap.
Organize a Potluck Christmas Dinner
Say goodbye to the days of slaving over a hot stove to organize the Christmas dinner. Instead, make a new tradition of getting everyone to bring their favorite dish. You will need to coordinate to make sure you don’t end up with 15 desserts and no side dishes, but everyone is generally happy to contribute something to the Christmas meal. Having a potluck Christmas meal will take the pressure off your wallet and your day, leaving you to crack open a bottle of wine and relax with your family.
Remember, Christmas is all about family, stuffing yourself silly, and relaxing with a drink in hand. Try these ideas for a first-class Christmas that doesn’t break the bank.