Currently, it looks as though Christmas 2022 will see a return to normal festive activities (or at least something close to it). In many ways, this news really is glad tidings for everyone.
At the same time, it’s probably fair to say that many people are going to feel the need to tighten their belts this year. Fortunately, it is possible to have a very merry Christmas even on a tight budget. It definitely helps to plan ahead. Here are some tips to help.
Cut back on the festive drinks
Alcohol is expensive as are the various non-alcoholic seasonal hot drinks on sale in many stores. You don’t have to cut out either completely. You will, however, do your budget a favour if you keep them for occasional treats.
This may mean setting expectations with family, friends and colleagues. It could potentially mean you skipping events where you think you’d feel under pressure to drink (and spend) more than you’d like. That, however, is unlikely. People tend to be understanding of financial pressures in general and particularly so now.
If you’re hosting at home, try turning necessity into a creative challenge. Look for ways to make tasty party drinks with minimal or even no alcohol. Similarly, learn how to make your favourite seasonal hot drinks at home. You’ll probably find everything you need to know on the internet.
Go lean on the meat
The growing popularity of plant-based diets means that there’s a good chance you don’t eat meat yourself anyway. If that’s the case, then don’t feel obliged to prepare it for others, at least not to the same extent that you usually would. Likewise, if you do eat meat, then think about cutting back on it and also going for lower-cost options.
If you haven’t bought your turkey (or goose) already, then consider giving it a pass this year. If you want some form of meat, then go for something else. Basically, go for something that isn’t traditionally associated with Christmas and hence is likely to be more reasonably priced.
If you’re hosting in the run-up to Christmas or at New Year and want to serve meat, go for lower cost cuts. Be prepared to cook them for a long time at a low temperature. Prepared in the right way, they can be just as tasty as more expensive options.
Agree on present rules with adults (and possibly children)
Work out what you can afford to spend on gifts in total. Then work out how to divide that. Then set expectations wherever necessary. Again, expect adults to be understanding about this (and probably older children too).
Do this as early as you can to stop people feeling the need to overspend on presents for you. If you have any early-bird shoppers in your circle, then give them time to take the gift back to the shop if they wish. Alternatively, be prepared for them to give it to you anyway. That is their choice.
Consider buying gifts pre-loved and/or making at least some of your gifts yourself. This doesn’t have to involve major skill at crafts or a whole pile of tools. If you need gifts for younger children, you’ll find plenty of toy-making tutorials on the internet.
Once recipients get to an age where they can understand the concept of delayed gratification then promise vouchers become a practical option. These are exactly what they sound like, a promise to the recipient that they can invoke on presentation of the voucher. This could mean anything from an IOU for a gift that will become more affordable after Christmas to a service you will provide (e.g. doing a household chore that they would usually do).
Rewear outfits with pride
The fashion industry has spent years trying to persuade people, especially women, that they can’t rewear special outfits. This is simply not true. Members of the royal family rewear outfits as do many celebrities. Do it with pride yourself.
