Christmas can be a hugely expensive time of year and it’s all-too easy to get caught up in the frenzy of the season and spend more than you can afford to on gifts.
So, if money is tight this year, the first thing to do is take the pressure off yourself by being up-front with friends and family. Let them know you’re not in a position to spend much, but you do still want to celebrate with them – and here are some ideas for how you can do that without breaking the bank.
Agree an affordable ‘secret Santa’
This has been a really popular workplace tradition for many years, and more and more people are now doing the same thing with their loved ones. It means everyone is just responsible for buying one gift for someone else in the group, and you all agree the amount to be spent. That might be £10 or £20 among your friends and a bit more between your family, but it means nobody ends up embarrassed about spending less or giving or receiving fewer gifts. And it can be great fun to see how creative you can get on a budget.
Shop at local Christmas markets and fayres
There’s bound to be at least one of these near to where you live or work. Local crafters in particular often have unique gifts for sale at very reasonable prices, which means you get a good deal and your money is going back into the local community.
Forego presents for a slap-up meal
Why not agree with your friends that you won’t do presents this year, and instead go out for a meal together. You could even delay the celebration until the new year to avoid the inevitable price hikes over the festive season. And wherever you’re spending Christmas Day, everyone could contribute to the food and drink budget instead of buying gifts.
Do an activity instead of buying gifts
An alternative to having a meal is to do an activity with your friends. It’s great fun and can cost less than buying food and drink – and you’ve got memories and photos to enjoy afterwards. Lots of places install temporary ice rinks where you can go skating, and there are plenty of crafting workshops where you can make wreaths and other Christmas decorations and gifts. Or why not simply enjoy one of the winter wonderlands and festive markets that virtually every city has now, and have an evening browsing together with mulled wine and chestnuts?
Exchange New Year presents instead of Christmas presents
Suggest to your nearest and dearest that you delay the buying and exchanging of ‘main’ gifts so you can all benefit from the Boxing Day and New Year sales. You can still give a small token on Christmas Day, but it means everyone can save money and avoid the annual pre-Christmas scramble around the shops.
Give the gift of your time and skills
Have you got a skill, resource or talent that someone else would appreciate? Sometimes, your time and effort alone makes a great gift. If you have a car, you could give friends and family vouchers they can exchange for you dropping off and collecting them from parties or being the designated driver on nights out. If you love organising, you could offer to declutter and reorganise a space for someone. Or maybe give tokens for pet-sitting or childminding. If you’re a great cook, you could offer to cater a dinner or event, giving your time for free.
