Christmas On A Budget

Christmas is drawing ever closer but what if you don’t have the cash to splash this year? Take a look at this quick guide I’ve prepared to ensure you have a fantastic Christmas on a budget that suits you!

1. Secret Santa

You can do this with friends, or family, or both for that matter! Secret Santa is a great way to spread some Christmas cheer without going over the top with gifts. It’s always the same situation “If I buy him her then I’ve got to get something for him…” blah blah blah. Well forget it. Ask who wants to participate, put all the names in blank envelopes – seal them up and hand them out – simple and inexpensive!

2. Set A Budget With The Boyfriend

Chat to your boyfriend and agree on a budget to spend for Christmas. If you don’t have much money this year then explain this and set a price that you can both afford. It’s important that you both stick to this though, as going over your agreed amount will only make your partner feel awkward – even if your gifts are thoughtful and/or expensive.

3. Don’t Send Christmas Cards

Despite lots of people thinking they’re nice – I think Christmas cards are totally old fashioned. What’s the point of sending a Christmas Card to someone you see all the time or chat regularly to on the phone or Internet? Only send Christmas cards to the essentials like your Aunt in Australia – anyone else – a simple text or call will do…we’re now in the 21st century!

4. Think Carefully

Little thoughtful gifts mean so much more than expensive ones. A simple photo collage of you and the person or a scrap book of memories are more likely to be a winner this Christmas. Best of all, it’s the thoughtful things that tend to be most inexpensive! Panic shopping last minute will lead you to over-spending simply because you want to compensate for your lack of preparation – be prepared, save your cash!

5. Remember The Sales

If you buy for your girlfriends then why not get together and agree not to buy each other gifts, but organise a girly outing to the sales right after Christmas. You’ll save so much money and you’ll get to spend the whole day with them…you can’t really ask for more than that at Christmas, can you?