Christmas can be very expensive and put a lot of stress on our budgets. Planning can help you have a frugal Christmas and skip the stress.
Christmas is a magical time, or at least it should be. It’s easy to get wrapped up in all the things you need to do and end up too busy to enjoy it. That’s why being prepared is so important.
I know many don’t want to think about Christmas before December. However, if you wait until then, you are likely to spend more money and have more stress.
A few months ago, I shared some basic things you could start doing to get ready for Christmas early. Now, as we get closer, there is even more you can do to prepare, especially if you want to save money.
How to Plan for a Frugal Christmas
Have a Plan
Planning is key if you want to have a frugal Christmas. A great way to get started is by creating a Christmas planner. It will be a great place to keep a budget, Christmas lists, and all the information you need throughout the year. Be sure to get it all filled out and have it somewhere you will see it often to remind you to stay on top of things. You can also use a simple notebook you already have on hand.
Earn Money on the Side
Saving up money throughout the year is important so that Christmas doesn’t put too much stress on your budget. One way to help build up that savings with less stress is with a side hustle. Think about your skills and how much time you have. There are so many great side hustle options out there.
Additional Information: Work-At-Home Jobs for Homemakers
Earn Money While Grocery Shopping
While grocery shopping, you can earn money to use to buy gifts. All you do is use the apps, scan receipts, or connect them to your email account, and you earn points on things you are already buying.
My two favorite apps are Fetch Rewards and Shopkick. Fetch Rewards is best for online shopping, while Shopkick is better for in-person shopping.
Watch for Sales
This is one place where planning early pays off. If you have a Christmas list ahead of time, you can watch for sales on the items on your list. Over on my other website, The Stress-Free Christmas, I share about sales each month to help you figure out the best time to buy things.
Right now, it may seem like you have all the time in the world, but Christmas always seems to sneak up on us. If you start planning and saving now, you will thank yourself later. It doesn’t take much time or work if you do a little bit at a time.
Simplify Christmas
It’s easy to get wrapped up in all the social media posts showing these “perfect” Christmases. But those posts aren’t realistic, and it’s not the stuff that makes Christmas special
Less stuff and more time together making memories will actually make Christmas not only more frugal but more enjoyable. Use the decor you already have and talk about the memories you have from the pieces, plan new traditions that are cheap or free, make handmade gifts together, and remember what is actually important.
More Christmas Tips
Need more resources to help you have a stress-free and frugal Christmas. Be sure to visit my Christmas blog, The Stress-Free Christmas. You can also find more posts to read here.
- Have a Happier Christmas Without Spending a Lot of Money
- Preparing Your Home for Holiday Guests
- 35 Amazing Handmade Christmas Gifts
Be sure to join the Stress-Free Christmas Facebook group to get more tips and to connect with others.
giulia lombardo says
Usually I receive so many interesting deal on July that sometimes I’d buy all Christmas igfts in middle of summer…but usually I start to plan list of people I want to do gifts and budget, then start take notes about things and usually do shopping for the end of November, all your tips are great!!!