Christmas is getting closer, so now is the time to start preparing! But this can be an expensive time of year, especially if you’re working on a student budget. Luckily, though, we have a few festive money-saving tips to share so you can enjoy a merry (but thrifty) Christmas without breaking the bank.
1. Put Your ‘DIY’ Hat On
Don’t worry if you haven’t got a homemade hat ready. All we mean is that you can save a lot of money by getting a bit crafty at Christmas.
There are lots of things you can make yourself rather than buying them from a shop, including presents, decorations and cards. It might take a bit of effort, but the personal touch is a nice addition to a yuletide gift!
(Photo: George Hodan)
2. A Hearty (But Inexpensive) Feast
You might be tempted to get all of your Christmas dinner supplies in one go. But you can pick up some bargains by shopping around. It’s also worth checking your cupboards before you buy food, as you might find some of what you need lurking at the back of the pantry somewhere!
(Photo: Blueberry pancake/Shades0404)
3. Plan Ahead
If you’re travelling this Christmas but haven’t worked out the details yet, now is the time to act! Whether you’re taking a festive break or going home to see family, the sooner you make travel arrangements, the less expensive it will be (especially if you’re not driving yourself).
4. Budgetary Negotiations
Sitting down and negotiating a budget might not be the most festive of activities, but when you’re planning a thrifty Christmas, but you still want to exchange presents with friends or co-workers it’s a good idea to set a limit.
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This is especially the case if you’re doing a ‘Secret Santa’, as it’s almost as bad to be the person who splashed out more than anyone else as it is to have underspent by a lot!
Gift giver: ‘Yup. The gift was the ribbon.’
Gift receiver: ‘Hmm. You really shouldn’t have.’
(Photo: asenat29/wikimedia)
5. Memories, Not Money
It’s hard to deny that Christmas has become a festival of commercialism, which is a long way from its origins as the birthday of a bloke who famously forsook material wealth.
But you can buck this trend by focusing more on creating joyful experiences and happy memories this Christmas. Have fun with friends and family, visit someone who you’ve not seen in a while, or volunteer to help someone.
None of this has to cost much, so it fits in with your thrifty Christmas plans. But if you’re thoughtful about it, a little bit of time and effort could mean far more to the people you’re with than any expensive gift.