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Christmas is a truly magical time, but the one thing that causes concern for many people is the amount of money it will cost. You could run up hundreds of pounds worth of debt, or you could get thrifty this festive season and still have a wonderful time.
Here are some great tips that I just know you’ll love:
Use Discount Code Sites – Instead of going shopping and buying things in person, don’t be afraid to shop online and use discount code sites. Wherever you plan on shopping, always check for a discount code first by typing something relevant into a search engine. Lots are bound to come up! You might get a nice discount or free shipping.
Write a List and Don’t Veer off Track – Write a list, so you know exactly what you need to buy. Include presents for everybody (try to be conservative), Christmas decoration ideas, food, and anything else you might need. Stick to this list and don’t go overboard.
Make Your Own Cards and Gifts – If you can make your own cards and gift, then this will save you a bundle of money. A handmade gift looks much more thoughtful than a bought one too. You could cook a delicious Christmas treat or make a pretty piece of jewellery, for instance.
Donate to Charity – Instead of spending all of that money on cards, donate to charity instead. Tell everybody that you’ve done it in their name, so they know that you thought of them. This helps the environment and should earn you some good karma.
Cook Christmas Food from Scratch – Instead of buying pre packaged Christmas food, make your own. Make your own mince buys, Christmas pudding, and anything else you feel brave enough to try. You’ll save a lot of money on your Christmas shop, you’ll just need to put some effort into cooking. There are plenty of recipes online. If you usually cook dinner, be conservative with the amount of people you invite. Oh, and tell them to bring a bottle of their own plonk to save you spending hundreds on booze.
Agree to Stop Buying Presents for Family/Friends – Now that you’re older, why don’t you and your family/friends agree not to get one another anything? You’ll be glad you did when the bills come through in January! Meet up for Coffee or go out to dinner instead and spend some quality time enjoying the company of one another.
Do a Secret Santa – If you can’t stand the thought of not buying presents, set up secret santa instead. This way, you’ll only have to buy one present for one of your friends. The way it works out, everybody will get a present, you just can’t choose who you receive it from or who you give to.
Don’t be afraid to be careful with your money when the festive season arrives. You’ll still have a great time with the ones you love, and you won’t resent any of it come the new year!
