The holidays are all about joy, love and making memories—not maxing out your credit card! Ditch the pricey presents and embrace the magic of thoughtful, creative and fun ways to celebrate. Here are some tips on how to keep the season merry without going into debt.
1. Skip Store-Bought
Gifts that can’t be wrapped are often the most memorable. Plan a cozy night in with friends and family, grab some blankets, pop some popcorn and have a holiday movie marathon. Or gather the crew and go on a holiday light tour around town. Host a cookie-decorating party or make your own hot cocoa party with all the fixings. No matter if you’re with friends or family—or both—these are the experiences you’ll remember long after the season is over, not how much was spent on presents.
2. DIY It
Homemade gifts have a way of making everyone feel special–and they’re even more appreciated if your kids help you. Whip up some goodies like gingerbread cookies or make holiday fudge and wrap it up in cute, festive bags. Why not simply layer the ingredients for hot cocoa in a mason jar and tie a ribbon around it?
Consider a simple craft project. Make ornaments with friends or hand-paint all your holiday cards. Personalized touches show you care and cost next to nothing. People will appreciate the effort over another store-bought knick-knack.
3. Not All Presents Fit Under the Tree
Why go big on spending when you can go big on meaning? Put together a “Favourite Things” package such as a handpicked playlist for your music-loving friend, a homemade recipe book for a self-taught chef or a photo album capturing memories with your bestie. Plan a local day trip to somewhere your kids love or give them each a “Yes Day” regarding the games your family plays and what you make for each meal.
4. Host a Secret Santa Exchange
Instead of breaking the bank to buy for everyone, suggest a Secret Santa or gift swap with your friends, extended family, workplace or older children. Not only will this save everyone money, but it adds an element of surprise and makes gift-giving more exciting. Draw names, set a spending limit (get creative with a $5 or $10 max) and see what funny, thoughtful or quirky things people come up with.
5. Stick to a Budget
Set a budget that works for your family and think of it as a fun game to see what ideas you can come up with using the amount you have set aside. Add some friendly competition with friends or family to see who can find the most creative, low-cost gift. You’ll be surprised how freeing it is not to worry about spending too much, and it’s a good feeling knowing you won’t face any post-holiday financial woes.
6. The Gift of Time
Offer your time to help a friend or family member out. Maybe it’s babysitting, pet-sitting, helping them organize a room or even giving a free home spa or movie night where you bring treats and cozy blankets. Make personalized coupons as gifts, such as a coffee date or ice cream on the beach, on you. These coupons for time together are especially great gifts for your kids to give their grandparents, aunts and uncles. Often, a fun adventure can feel more thoughtful than anything you’ll find in a store.
7. Free and Festive Activities
Check out what’s happening around town. Holiday parades, tree lightings, carolling and local markets are often free or low-cost and full of holiday vibes. Bundle up and check out the lights, enjoy the music and soak in the season with your family and friends.
8. Make New Traditions
If some of your current traditions are costly, it’s time to create new ones! Start hosting a yearly brunch with homemade waffles and hot cocoa for your extended family and friends or create fond family memories by picking up some inexpensive crafting supplies so everyone can make a piece of holiday décor that can be brought out year after year.
Remember, the holidays are about togetherness and celebrating. Use these ideas to reduce the stress around how much you spend and get to making those important Christmas memories your kids will cherish for years to come.
