Spending less on Christmas - it's possible

2023 Author: Anita Thornton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 18:44

Rest assured, it is possible to give our family a great Christmas without losing all our savings. The holiday season is perfect for putting a few things in the spotlight.

During the holidays, many families put a lot of pressure on themselves and even come to forget the true meaning of the holiday. We are all obsessed with the attractive decorations, we find it hard to resist the urge to give in to various impulse purchases and we fill our refrigerators to bursting point "in case the visit arrives". And what about the stress that comes with the frenzy of buy and prepare for the busiest two weeks of the year?

And then, one day, due to job loss, hard times, maternity leave, or…a global pandemic our budget is tighter…like our heart to the idea of diminishing the extravagances of recent years. How can we ensure that the children are not affected by our precarious financial situation and give them an equally wonderful Christmas?

Christmas spirit despite everything

We have to stop believing that the best Christmases are the most expensive. Our tighter budget may make usreflect on the meaning and values that we attribute to the Christmas celebration. This reflection may encourage us to establish new rituals.

Here are some exercises to define what you really want for Christmas.

What is your most precious memory of your childhood Christmases?Often it's not a gift, but an atmosphere, a smell, gatherings, special permissions or an outing that has remained etched in your memory. Bet on it to find out how to transmit the holiday spirit to your children.

Make two lists. On the first, write down what you really like to do at Christmas, from “watching the Christmas tree lit up on a quiet evening” to “going shopping for presents”. On the second, write what you do, but don't like, either because you feel you have to or because it's been like this for years and no one has had the strength to change things (" eat my aunt Rollande's meat pie", "give my sister a present", "have a party 4 times during the Holidays", etc.). Be frank. You don't have to show the list to anyone.

Then try to see how you can change things. By having the irritants in front of your eyes on a beautiful Christmas, maybe you will better see the solutions that s 'impose.

Less money: don't panic

Even if your budget is more limited, it is possible to experience an equally magical Christmas with our family. Because the spirit of Christmas is much more than aquestion of money and mountains of gifts under the tree. The kids don't have to know your financial underbelly, but they are also able to understand that this year you will do things differently. Without revealing to them that your resources are more limited, you can simply inform them that this year, you will transform Christmas. Involve them in your family decisions about how you want to experience Christmas. If you decide to decrease the number of gifts or the amount you will pay for each, it may be good to talk about it right away to avoid excessive expectations and bitter disappointments on Christmas Eve.

Good Ideas

Bulk ideas for spending less on gifts without skimping on the fun.

• All year long, you have accumulated points on a loy alty card, now is the time to spend them on some shopping. For example, with Air Miles, you have the option of redeeming points for cash discounts at various businesses. Simply make the change online to take advantage of the Cash Air Miles option which will allow you to redeem 95 dollar points for $10 off.
• Set a set amount for each person you give a gift to and stick to it. To spoil your loved ones more, try to “recover” elsewhere by offering, for example, homemade treats to the teacher or educator. There are no small savings.
• Decrease the number of people you offergifts. You used to give gifts to your brother and sister-in-law, rather suggest that they stop practicing or even turn it into an “adult” outing during the year.
• Do you still want to offer something or are you embarrassed to arrive somewhere empty-handed? Make cheap treats, but make an instant impact like apple butter or clementine and cranberry jelly. Put everything in glass jars with a nice card on which it says "For a sweet morning, consume with croissants and lots of love".
• Giving time is probably the nicest gift ever, because everyone needs it so badly. For your tired sister-in-law, offer to babysit a full weekend, for your in-laws, become their driver to take them to the museum in the neighboring town, etc. For your children, be aware that free coupons "Have to make your bed all week", "Special permission: you can go to bed an hour later tonight", "I'm cooking your favorite dish tonight", etc. will be all the rage!
• Some couples prefer not to buy gifts at all to focus their budget on their children. Practical idea. You could simply take the time to write each other a letter that you will exchange once the children go to bed while sharing a good bottle of wine.
• Start shopping early in the year so that all paymentsdon't fall on you at the same time.
• Say no to gift exchanges. A popular practice at the office or with the extended family, know that you don't have to bend to tradition. Just say "This year, I'm passing my turn!" Back next year! » Don't feel embarrassed to decline opportunities. Make choices.
• Make gifts. Awaken your talents to reduce your credit line. Make a calendar via the Jean-Coutu.com website. Easy, fast and guaranteed effect! Craft little treasures and get the kids involved.
• Gifts to taste? This is attention that always causes a sensation. Sweet tooths or savory snack lovers, you can easily find recipes that are easy to offer.