5 ways to celebrate the holidays cheaper

The Innovative Cheapskate’s Guide: 5 Ways to Rule the Holidays Without Going Broke 🎄

By Shachem Lieuw | Story Time Productions

Christmas is almost here. It’s the season we all love... until we look at our bank accounts and realize we’re broke! Sound familiar? Even if you’re a planner, the holidays have a way of squeezing every cent out of your pocket.

Times are tough, especially with the economy leaning on us the way it is. But as an innovative cheapskate, I’m here to tell you that you don't need to sell a kidney to have a great Christmas. You just need a strategy. Here are 5 ways to celebrate the holidays without the January "financial hangover."

  1. Own Your Budget (Before It Owns You) 💰

This is the foundation. Discipline starts with knowing your limit. If you have $300 for gifts, budget for $250. Why? Because the "Christmas Spirit" is a trap that makes you go overboard. That extra $50 is your safety net.

Let’s be real: January is a long, cold month. You cannot eat turkey like a king on the 25th just to survive on instant noodle soup for the next 28 days. I have nothing against noodles, but a month of them isn't a "lifestyle choice"—it's a health hazard. Write your budget down. If it isn't on paper, it isn't real.

Always keep track of how much you have left in your budget

             2. Make a List—and Be Ruthless 📝

Channel your inner Santa: make a list and check it twice. Write down every single person and every single item. Then, look at it again and scrape off what isn't absolutely necessary.

Prioritize the people who actually matter. Once you have your "Final Cut," use Google to compare prices. Some websites have massive sales, but you’ll only find them if you aren't panic-buying at the last minute. Never let your list surpass your budget.

Make a list  that doesn't surpass your budget

  3. Get Creative (Pinterest is Your Best Friend) 🎨

Decorating and gifting do not have to be expensive to be meaningful. Last year, I made a DIY Christmas tree using paper and slings right on the wall! You can also use wooden pallets for a rustic look.

I get my best "cheap but chic" ideas from Pinterest. It’s more fun to build something with the family than to buy a plastic tree that costs a fortune. I once gave a friend a simple card, and he loved it more than an expensive gift because of the words I wrote inside. It really is the thought—and the effort—that counts.

Our self-made  Christmas Tree

                       4. Don't Be a Lazy Shopper 🔍            

Inquiring doesn’t cost a cent, but it can save you hundreds. Stores count on you being too lazy to check the shop next door. They’ll hike the prices because they know you want to get everything in one place.

I once found a toy for my 8-year-old cousin for $8. The exact same brand and toy was being sold in a "fancy" store for $30. That is a massive price difference for the same piece of plastic. Browse around. Look for alternatives. Having options is the only way to keep your power as a consumer.

Sitting on Santa's lap after doing some shopping in the mall (Rotterdam)

  5. Master the Holiday Menu 🍽️

In Suriname, food is everything. But with the economy the way it is, you have to be smart. Beef and pork prices are skyrocketing, so pivot to chicken! You can make incredible, festive dishes with chicken that feel just as special.

Instead of buying expensive imported sweets, bake your own. Turn it into a family tradition—let the kids help with the cupcakes or the Pastei (our local holiday favorite).

Pro-Tip: My mom makes a legendary Christmas Salad, and we always have Surinamese Pastei on the table. It’s about the flavor and the company, not the price tag on the meat.

Christmas Salad Mom made

 A Surinamese pie dish called Pastei is common during the holidays.

What are your holiday hacks?

Do you have more ideas that should be on this list? I want to hear how you're beating the system this year. Drop a comment below!

If you want more tips on how to live a high-quality life on a realistic budget, subscribe to Storytime! I might even do a DIY Christmas series next year if you guys are interested.

Until next time, stay smart and stay festive!