As the end of the year approaches, the thought of Christmas is on everyone’s mind. The festive period is the perfect time to make memories and treat your loved ones.
Christmas can often get a bit expensive, which can cause stress. One way to combat the festive struggles is to plan early. Here are some tips to help you have a stress-free Christmas.
The benefits of planning ahead
Planning early is beneficial in so many different ways. Christmas can get a bit out of control financially, especially if you are running around getting last-minute bits. By planning early, you can set a budget for presents and food, and spread the cost across several months to make the financial hit more manageable.
Prices for certain items have been known to increase around the festive period. Planning early often means snagging a deal, saving money for creating memories and family time.
Budgeting for a stress-free Christmas
Budgeting for Christmas is the same as budgeting at any other time of the year. First, make a list of everything you need. Separate things into categories such as presents, food, decorations and miscellaneous bits.
Next, think about how much you are willing to spend on each item or category. Giving yourself individual budgets means you can adjust as you work through the list.
You’ll need to consider your financial position as you budget. Explore different payment options such as credit cards, split payments and interest-free finance for large purchases. Just try to stick to your budget and not get swept up in Christmas excitement.
Creative ways to make Christmas extra special
Finding ways to make Christmas special gets harder every year, but sometimes it requires thinking outside the (wrapped) box.
If money is a bit tight, why not try your hand at some DIY decorations? Many craft stores have kits you can buy or you can gather materials yourself to fit your aesthetic. Paper chains are easy and look effective. If the kids want to get involved, have them decorate a bauble to have pride of place on the tree.
Buying presents for people who seem to have it all can be tricky. Instead of a material gift, look for an experience instead. Book an animal experience at a local zoo or fuel their adrenaline by gifting them a skydiving experience.
Planning ahead for both presents and decorations gives you room to research different ideas, focus on sustainability and let your creativity shine.
