Print ArticleIf you're dreading the upcoming holidays because you are low on funds this year, don't worry yourself to the point of not being able to enjoy the magic of Christmas as there are many fun and creative ways to still celebrate the season while on a strict budget.
Christmas Shopping Early
As we know, Christmas falls on the same exact day every year and essentially, we have eleven whole months to prepare. Following this line of thinking, it's easy to be able to afford gifts for everyone on your list if you start shopping as early as possible. Most of us have the obligatory gifts to buy each year for co-workers, bosses, the postman, the nanny, or the children's teachers, and all of these can quickly add up, eating a large hole in your budget. But, if you start looking for sales, deals and bargains early, you'll find that come December, you won't have to be in a panic or simply unable to afford everything you need.
Dollar stores are perfect for finding small treasures that can be used to create wonderful gifts with everything from wicker baskets to house wares to candles and potpourri to figurines and ceramics. Collect these inexpensive items throughout the year storing all of your purchases in one easy to find place. This is also a great idea to avoid being empty handed when those unexpected events pop up like a co-worker's retirement or a forgotten birthday.
Have a Grab Bag
For families with more than a few people, or for offices as well, suggest having a grab bag where everyone draws names and each person only has to buy one gift, also getting one in return. Set a reasonable amount so no one has a hard time meeting the minimum and make it clear that handmade gifts are also welcome. For the largest of families, instead of individuals, have it set up so each family buys for another family. Even children can get in on the fun and have their own Secret Santa or grab bag.
Christmas Decorating on a Dime
Here are a few easy Christmas decoration tips that are very inexpensive to make and also fun to do:
Frosted windows: Make your own frosty, snowy windows with two simple ingredients, beer and Epsom salts. For every cup of beer, use one tablespoon of Epsom salts and then apply to the windows using a paint or craft brush. The mixture will drip before it dries, so be sure to cover the windowsills or frame if they're made of wood. To remove, use a mixture of ammonia and water, which will also help to get the windows sparkling clean.
Glass bowls: A plain glass bowl can be transformed into a beautiful but simple decoration by adding a few cheap, glass ball ornaments with the hooks removed. Group ornaments of like colors together, or mix them up for a festive look. Add some coordinating ribbon in the bowl, or wrapped around the outside, or a few sprigs of greenery from the Christmas tree.
Shop at home: Take a "shopping" trip around the house searching from top to bottom for items you can use to decorate for the holidays. Look for things such as vases, candles and candle holders, tablecloths, silk flowers, or anything you can use to create a centerpiece for the Christmas table or add to a room's décor. You just may be surprised at what you find in the attic or basement that you forgot you had.
Tea light holders: Beginning in the early fall, start saving your glass jars, mayonnaise jars work great, to turn them into candle holders for the holidays. Be creative and line the jars with peppermint candies, nuts, colored marbles and stones, or even sand before putting the tea lights inside. You can also decorate the outside of the jars with ribbons and bows tied around the jar's neck.
If you still have some money to spare, you can always relax and do some ornament Christmas shopping online? There is so much to choose from these days, with many choices of nativity ornaments, Christmas trees, and other indoor and outdoor decorations. After all, you will deserve some relaxing shopping if you have kept well within your budget.
Christmas Shopping Early
As we know, Christmas falls on the same exact day every year and essentially, we have eleven whole months to prepare. Following this line of thinking, it's easy to be able to afford gifts for everyone on your list if you start shopping as early as possible. Most of us have the obligatory gifts to buy each year for co-workers, bosses, the postman, the nanny, or the children's teachers, and all of these can quickly add up, eating a large hole in your budget. But, if you start looking for sales, deals and bargains early, you'll find that come December, you won't have to be in a panic or simply unable to afford everything you need.
Dollar stores are perfect for finding small treasures that can be used to create wonderful gifts with everything from wicker baskets to house wares to candles and potpourri to figurines and ceramics. Collect these inexpensive items throughout the year storing all of your purchases in one easy to find place. This is also a great idea to avoid being empty handed when those unexpected events pop up like a co-worker's retirement or a forgotten birthday.
Have a Grab Bag
For families with more than a few people, or for offices as well, suggest having a grab bag where everyone draws names and each person only has to buy one gift, also getting one in return. Set a reasonable amount so no one has a hard time meeting the minimum and make it clear that handmade gifts are also welcome. For the largest of families, instead of individuals, have it set up so each family buys for another family. Even children can get in on the fun and have their own Secret Santa or grab bag.
Christmas Decorating on a Dime
Here are a few easy Christmas decoration tips that are very inexpensive to make and also fun to do:
Frosted windows: Make your own frosty, snowy windows with two simple ingredients, beer and Epsom salts. For every cup of beer, use one tablespoon of Epsom salts and then apply to the windows using a paint or craft brush. The mixture will drip before it dries, so be sure to cover the windowsills or frame if they're made of wood. To remove, use a mixture of ammonia and water, which will also help to get the windows sparkling clean.
Glass bowls: A plain glass bowl can be transformed into a beautiful but simple decoration by adding a few cheap, glass ball ornaments with the hooks removed. Group ornaments of like colors together, or mix them up for a festive look. Add some coordinating ribbon in the bowl, or wrapped around the outside, or a few sprigs of greenery from the Christmas tree.
Shop at home: Take a "shopping" trip around the house searching from top to bottom for items you can use to decorate for the holidays. Look for things such as vases, candles and candle holders, tablecloths, silk flowers, or anything you can use to create a centerpiece for the Christmas table or add to a room's décor. You just may be surprised at what you find in the attic or basement that you forgot you had.
Tea light holders: Beginning in the early fall, start saving your glass jars, mayonnaise jars work great, to turn them into candle holders for the holidays. Be creative and line the jars with peppermint candies, nuts, colored marbles and stones, or even sand before putting the tea lights inside. You can also decorate the outside of the jars with ribbons and bows tied around the jar's neck.
If you still have some money to spare, you can always relax and do some ornament Christmas shopping online? There is so much to choose from these days, with many choices of nativity ornaments, Christmas trees, and other indoor and outdoor decorations. After all, you will deserve some relaxing shopping if you have kept well within your budget.
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