Christmas is a time full of good cheer and festive spirit, but with overburdening costs and pressure to spend even more, the season can easily become tarnished. This year the recession has compelled many of us to reduce spending, but with these suggestions on simple ways to cut costs at Christmas it will hopefully still be a special and enjoyable time of year for everyone.
+Set a Limit on Spending+
The first step to cutting costs at Christmas is to decide ahead just how much can realistically be spent. The sooner this is done the better because it gives more time to fit Christmas into the spending plan of the household. It is much better to spread the cost of Christmas over months rather than weeks if possible.
+Gifts+
Put a limit on how much will be spent on the main present for the children and let them know beforehand this is the plan to avoid too much disappointment. Some of the savings made this way can then go towards smaller, cheaper gifts.
Arrange with family members a 'secret Santa' scheme whereby each person buys one gift for one person with an agreed price limit to avoid undue extravagance or meanness.
If you have a particular talent this can be put to use in making your own presents, especially as people often appreciate the extra time and thought that goes into such gifts. If knitting is something you enjoy then there is nothing better than a hand made sweater. For those with a talent for art then a painting or drawing, or even an artistic photograph will be very much appreciated.
If you are planning to buy clothes, try to have the nerve to wait until the last minute to buy them because many stores are now starting their New Years sales a week before Christmas.
+Gifts that Cost Nothing+
Rather than buying presents for all, there are some who would appreciate a gift in other forms. One suggestion is to pledge your time as a gift, which could possibly be spent doing some DIY jobs, or other activities the recipient would appreciate.
When visiting department stores look out for free samples such as perfumes and toiletries, which make good stocking fillers.
If you still have last years' unwanted Christmas gifts or birthday presents give them this year to those who may appreciate them. Make sure you don't return an old present to the original giver however.
+Shopping Online+
There are many savings to be found if shopping online, such as thetoyshop.com which offers many discounted goods. There are also many price comparison sites which go a long way to ensure you get the best deals for your money.
More online bargains can be found with the use of discount vouchers. Some sites have codes that when added to the checkout screen allows money off the retail price of goods. Wesites such as myvouchercodes specialise in locating these codes, and it is worth checking them daily as offers change quickly.
+Christmas Cards+
Cards are a considerable expense and one of the best ways to cut back is to make your own. Children love to get involved in this, and a child's handy work is often appreciated by relatives. If you intend to buy cards however, the best time is just after Christmas because they are usually sold at reduced prices and can be kept for the following year.
An alternative to the traditional card is an e-card which can add huge savings to the cost of Christmas. Sending a postcard possibly made from old cards will also save money, and for some receiving a letter instead of a card would be seen as a particularly warm gesture.
+Gift Wrapping+
Instead of spending a small fortune on reams of wrapping paper, save up gift bags from presents received or from shopping trips and use them instead. Better still, make your own gift bags from almost any decorative paper with strips or string pasted on for the handles.
Gift boxes can be made from old cereal boxes. Carefully take apart the glued sections, turn them inside out then glue them into the shape of the box you want.
If the look of a wrapped present is more suitable then a spare roll of wallpaper can be used.
+Gift Tags+
Gift tags can be made by cutting up old cards, or from left over wrapping paper. Cut a rectangle and fold it in half and write your message on the inside.
There are also websites that have gift tags that can be printed from the web page, the only cost being the printing paper and ink used. Take a look at mintprintables and momsnetwork for a choice of printable gift tags.
Christmas is always expensive, and for many the recession has meant cutting costs has become a necessity. But with these tips hopefully the cost of Christmas will be reduced, and instead of financial worry it will be an enjoyable and truly festive time of year.