Does the thought of Christmas fill you with dread?
Rising UK and US debt: home repossessions, credit card defaults and bankruptcy will force thousands of households to rethink Christmas. When funds are low and expectations are high, it can be hard to look forward to Christmas with anything but dread.
Christmas on a shoestring budget can be an enjoyable experience if you don’t bury your head in the sand and pray for that elusive lottery prize. Simply by facing your financial situation you are halfway to solving it. The sooner you act, the more time you’ll have to make Christmas 2007 the most fulfilling Christmas you’ve ever had.
mental preparation
Take action as soon as you realize there is a problem.
Discuss as a family Never try to hide the situation from children, as this can lead to alienation. Earn their respect and get their help by including them in discussions.
Reciprocal gifts need not be a problem if you give advance notice. Potential recipients will most likely be delighted to cut down on their Christmas list and spending.
Stay positive. You are not alone.
Maximize revenue:
Casual employment offers a valuable source of additional funds in the run up to Christmas.
Sell unwanted items on auction sites. It’s a good time to change your wardrobe and order your home.
minimize expenses
gifts:
make gifts
Reuse gift bags.
‘Promise to Do’ (babysitting, gardening, preparing a meal, etc.)
Thrift stores are a great source of inexpensive gifts.
Libraries: why not reserve a rare book that you know the recipient is sure to enjoy?
Deposits can usually guarantee a weekend hotel getaway. Ideal if your cash flow problems are short term.
Make every gift really count.
food
buy without brand
Free up space in your freezer so you have room to stock up on bargains
Take advantage of special offers: 3 for 2 / buy one get one free
Don’t over buy. Unfortunately, food waste and Christmas go hand in hand. This year it’s time to break the chain.
plan ahead
Get the most out of preparing for Christmas. Get free admission to concerts and services and extend the celebrations to all of December instead of focusing on a frugal 25.
Outdoor barbecue and mulled wine. Wrap up nicely and head to your garden to listen to Christmas songs and carols.
Television plays an important role in family entertainment. Don’t leave it until Christmas Eve and then lament that there’s nothing worth seeing. Carefully read the TV guide weeks before to make sure she has enough stock.
Board games and traditional games like Charades will give you hours of fun.
Storytelling is a great way to exercise your creative talents.
Plan for Christmas Day instead of leaving it to chance. Subtle changes you make, such as the timing of dinner or the nature of the entertainment, will help establish this particular Christmas day in its own right.
Christmas on a shoestring budget can be a beautiful experience. The perfect way to discover true family ties in a non-materialistic way. have a good time
MERRY CHRISTMAS