Spread Cheer to Your Christmas Budget

Did you know that the average American is expected to spend more than $850 on Christmas shopping?1 But no matter how much you plan to spend, if you’ve put off preparations until the last minute, it can be difficult to keep things from becoming both hectic and expensive.

Fortunately, you can make decisions right now to help you avoid personal and financial stress in the coming weeks.

Deck the Halls Without Breaking the Budget

Between the tree, trimmings and twinkle lights, turning your home into a winter wonderland may seem like an expensive item on your to-do list. But a little creativity can help you share more joy for less jingle.

What you need to do:

• Check your attic, closets and other nooks and crannies for tucked-away decorations before you go out and spend money on new ones. Check your wrapping supply too; then buy only what you need. (Tip: At the end of the season, check your supplies as you put them away and set a calendar reminder for the next season, such as “Buy gift tags” or “Need more red ribbon.”)
• Gather Christmas-colored bowls and vases or clear jars from around the house and fill them with candles, seasonal fruit, brightly colored holiday candy, holly branches or pinecones.
• Skip the store-bought décor for your Christmas tree and make it personal by using small children’s toys or even family photos as decorations.

Be Deliberate About Shopping

Before you leave the house or go online to shop, take time to thoughtfully consider whom you’re buying for, what you’re buying and how much it will cost. This will help you avoid last-minute impulse purchases that can sink your Christmas budget.

What you need to do:

• Make a list of everyone you want to buy for along with a general idea of the gifts you would like to give them.
• Do a quick search online to see the average price of the items and note the prices on your list. Also consider online neighborhood garage sale websites. There are likely great deals within a short driving distance.
• Make sure your Christmas budget can take the impact; then search online or call ahead to see which stores have your items in stock, and shop with confidence.

Manage the Menu to Save Money

If you’re making last-minute meal preparations, you don’t have time for long hours in the kitchen or several unplanned trips to the grocery store — which can wreak havoc on your bank balance. Instead, try to keep it simple this year.

What you need to do:

• Save fancy dinner preparations for another time, and consider serving a classic entrée, like turkey accompanied by your family’s favorite side dishes.
• Make it potluck to give your family and friends a chance to show off their favorite holiday dishes. This saves you effort, money and unnecessary stress in the kitchen.
• Keep desserts inexpensive and creative by adding Christmas decorations to simple desserts like easy-to-bake brownies, sugar cookies or cupcakes.

Use these ideas to keep the last-minute rush from ruining your budget. Enjoy a very merry and budget-friendly Christmas celebration with your loved ones.

1http://www.businessinsider.com/holiday-spending-american-consumers-2017-11