5 ways to celebrate the holidays cheaper.
Christmas is almost here, the holiday we all love. Except I am broke! Seems familiar? Even when you plan ahead Christmas can be a tight squeeze on your wallet. Times are tough, but as an innovative cheapskate I present to you 5 ways to celebrate the holidays cheaper:
1. Know your budget.
These are the basics. Try not to spend more than you have in your pocket. If you have for example $300 to spend on gifts budget for $250 just in case you go overboard while feeling the Christmas spirit.
I know it is hard to say no to a good sale! But let's be smart about this. January is a long month.
You can't eat turkey for a day just to eat cheap noodle soup packets for the next 28 days. I have nothing against Noodle soup. Sometimes it's a good budget-friendly go-to resort. Yet eating it every day doesn't seem healthy. I don't think that's a good way to get in the needed vitamins and minerals. Write your budget down. That way you won't lose sight of how much you can afford to spend.
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| Always keep track of how much you have left in your budget |
2. Make a list.
The easy way to save a dime is to make a list, and just like Santa be sure to check it twice.
Write down what expenses you have to make and all the things you need to buy for the season of giving. When checking the list twice scrape off what isn't necessary. Prioritize and with the remaining items on your list check for sales in stores. Google is your friend if you need help comparing prices. Some websites have good Christmas sales that you can take advantage of.
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| Make a list that doesn't surpass your budget |
3. Be creative
Getting someone you love a gift and decorating the house does not need to be expensive. Last year I made a self-made Christmas tree using slings and paper on the wall. You could also use Pellets. I got most of my cheap decoration and gift ideas from Pinterest. They turned out lovely and it was so much fun putting them together with the family. I gave my friend a Christmas card he loves, just because of what I wrote on the inside. It is after all the thought that goes into it. Christmas is a fun time to get creative with friends and family members. I might do a D.I.Y. series on Christmas ideas next year.
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| Our self-made Christmas Tree |
4. Find a good deal!
What I mostly do is check out different websites and stores for sales. Inquiring doesn't hurt. This is a technique that is worth applying. I got my cousin of 8 years old a toy spending only $8, meanwhile, she saw that same toy for the first time in a store that sold it for $30. Big savings, same toy, same brand, same thing, huge price differences. Some stores know that you will want to do all your shopping in one place. So they take advantage of the lazy shoppers. Don't be a lazy shopper. By browsing around or going to different stores you know what other available options there are. Sometimes at a better price, alternatives. One must simply have alternatives when it comes to Christmas.
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| Sitting on Santa his lap after doing some shopping in the mall (Rotterdam) |
5. Food
Now in my country food is everything. But the economy isn't so friendly these days. Instead of Pork or Beef try using Chicken. You can create a lot of delicious dishes with Chicken. Maybe I will even put up some local recipes you could try out this Christmas. Instead of buying sweets, make your own. It can even turn into a family activity. Let the kids help make the cupcakes. Do you have any more ideas that should be on this list?
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| Christmas Salad Mom made |
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| A Surinamese pie dish called Pastei is common during the holidays. |
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