In today's economy, it is more important than ever for most of us to save money during the holiday season. One important thing to keep in mind and not dive headlong into "Grinch" mode is that you are not the only one feeling the money crunch. Retailers are feeling it, too and after a Black Friday that did not meet expectations, they have begun to lower prices even further on many products that may be on your shopping list. The following are ten tips that you can use to get through this Christmas without breaking the bank!
1-For families with children, the expense of filling up the underside of that tree can add up quickly. In previous years, each child in our family has gotten one big gift and several smaller gifts. This year, however, that may not happen. Instead, we will opt for one big gift for the entire family, such as the new game system, and still get the smaller gifts for the individual children. The fun is in the unwrapping, so they will feel no loss there.
2-Often, we don't realize how much we are spending a.k.a. wasting, on the wrapping. Recycled paper from last year is just as nice when it has been put away and stored properly. Another idea is to use the comic section of the newspaper for a colorful wrap, or get plain butcher paper and use your stamps and other art supplies to make it yourself. The kids will enjoy the activity as well. Gift tags are also easy to handmake and will save even more.
3-Many of us purchase gifts for people who are on the outer fringe of our lives, but we do it as a courtesy. Instead of spending on these, set aside a day for the family to bake Christmas cookies and candies. Wrap them in red or green cellophane and hand them out. Save a few for those people you forget until they hand you your gift!
4-Log in for savings! Visit sites such as Amazon.com, Overstock.com and Ebay.com for some real savings. Your favorite retailers may also be offering online savings, so sign up for their email list to get alerts on special offers. Craigslist is another place to look for bargains.
5-Regifting may have been on some peoples' questionable ethics list in prior years, but in this economy, there is no need to keep things that you don't want or won't use just for the principle of the thing. If someone on your gift list would appreciate it, let them have it.
6-Handmaking some of your presents is not only a great money-saver, but it is also a way to make your gift much more personal and special to the recipient. Personalize the items and no one will think of you as cheap, they will think of you as loving and creative.
7-Although it may be tempting, do not succumb to using credit to finance Christmas if at all possible. Every purchase made on a "buy now, pay later" basis is also on a "buy now, pay more" basis since there will be interest tacked on. Paying with money that you have now is the only way you will actually be paying the price on the tag.
8-Gather your boldness and confidence and ask for discounts in the store. You will probably need to speak with someone in management, so request someone from the beginning of your shopping/bartering. Find what you want and explain what you are willing to pay. Some larger stores, such as Macy's, will indeed grant the discount in many situations. Remember, they are feeling the crunch this year just like the rest of us and would love to sell something, even if they have to do a little negotiating in the process.
9-Focus on celebrating the season more than ever. I was almost tempted this year to do less on the decorating and entertaining, opting for a more minimalist approach to the season. Then, I remembered that Christmas is about so much more than what is under the tree. It is about celebrating the birth of the Savior and making memories with family and friends. Create more of these and the amount of gifts won't even be remembered.
10-E-cards and handmade cards will keep money in your pocket and still send the warm wishes of the season to your loved ones. The savings of the ecards will include postage savings, so this is the optimal way to go.
There are many ways that you can save money during the Christmas season and still make it one of your best ones ever. Friends, family and the making of memories are where your focus should lie, with the gifts being just one more expression of your love and kindness. Give as you are able and receive with a gracious and appreciaative heart. Most of all, have a merry, merry Christmas!