Christmas will be here before you know it. It can be such a joyful time of celebration, singing, family, delicious treats, lights… you get the idea. But for others it can be a very stressful time involving a fight with the checkbook. Even if the fight isn’t before Christmas, there are the bills that come in January and cause all sorts of stress.
So how do you avoid the headache and stick to your budget so you can enjoy Christmas this year? I’ve got some great tips to help you do it:
1. Make a list – Write down all of the people you are going to buy present s for this year. This list will help you not only get organized in shopping, but will allow you to set your budget (see below!). Are there some people you don’t have to get gifts for? Perhaps a group of people on that list could get some homemade goodies instead of little gifts that add up? If there are a lot of kids in the family, talk to your family members about maybe only buying for the kids. You could skip adult presents or do some sort of Secret Santa exchange where everyone gets to pick one or two other names.
2. Set a price for each person on your list – It is OK to limit your spending! In fact, it’s a good thing to do. Sure, your family will love the gifts you pick out, but the most important thing is spending time together and showing that you care about them. Besides getting fewer or less expensive gifts, you could consider helping them with a project, baking cookies or other goodies for them, etc.
Our extended family started a tradition several years ago where we all pick a charity and make a donation. Then we all share who we donated to and why it is special or important to us. Being able to share with others can be so much more fulfilling than a pile of “stuff,” especially if that “stuff” includes items that you are going to end up storing in a closet or throwing out. After all, Christmas is about giving, love, and kindness. Perhaps even instead of donating to a charity you and the whole family or a group of friends can find a place to volunteer. That doesn’t cost money and can still have a huge impact.
3. Stick to your list! – When you do your shopping, keep your list with you. You know, that list with each person’s name and the amount you can spend on them. If you spend a little less on Susie, maybe you can spend a little more on Joe, but it’s MUCH easier to stay within your budget if you have your list with you and know where you’re at in your spending at all times.
What about next year? If your budget was a little tight this year, or if you hadn’t set aside anything to prepare for the Christmas shopping season, we suggest you be sure to put a line in your budget for next year’s Christmas shopping. If you plan on spending $600 next year, then each month you’ll put $50 into your savings account (or periodics account, which is best!) so you will have the money handy this time next year.
Tags: budget, Chrisstmas, Christmas shopping, money tips
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