Richelle Goodrich once said “Christmas season is like a candy, it slowly melts in your mouth, sweetening every taste bud, making you wish it could last forever” Christmas, however, won’t last forever, so you need to enjoy it while you can with family and friends as you create wonderful memories because some memories are unforgettable, remaining ever vivid and heartwarming,
However wonderful these experiences and memories are the Christmas holidays has a nasty habit of blowing holes in your pockets. After all, in the spirit of holiday giving, it’s all too easy to overspend on presents, food items, family thanks giving, traveling and find oneself the day after with a nasty case of budget hangover.
During the Christmas, we naturally want to relax and enjoy ourselves, so we are more willing to indulge in unexpected expenses and only feel the guilt later on. That’s why the sooner you start learning how to save for Christmas and the adventures that come with it, the better (and less brutal) it will be.
Remember this quote? “Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving” If you want to keep rocking around the Christmas tree without racking up the Christmas debt, be more frugal in your spending and saving this season. How? Good question. We’ve got a few tips for you right here. Keep reading on how to save for the holiday and vacation.
Tip 1. Develop a new philosophy about gift giving.
Instead of getting everything that’s on everyone’s holiday present list, limit everyone to one or two presents each—and make sure they’re meaningful. Holidays aren’t about stuff that we get; they’re about sharing time together with one another. It may be hard to explain initially to the kids why they’re not getting that new video game system or the latest in teen fashion accessories. But again, if you putit in the context of realizing a larger dream, they’ll get it.
Tip 2. Budget.
Now, setting a budget is how you become the holiday hero. That’s right, if you want to continue to be on Santa’s good list, set a budget and stick to it. You can download tools that help you budget properly.
Tip 3. Monitor Your Spending.
A lot of people overspend during the month of December and never review their expense. I’ll worry about it in January, is what they say. Here’s some advice for you in the future: Don’t Do That. Keep track of your spending as you go to avoid going over budget this month and the following month.
Tip 4. Shop Early.
Don’t wait until Black Friday to begin your holiday shopping; keep an eye out for deals all year. If you see a gift item on sale in July, By keeping your list in mind all year, you can spread out your spending and your stress (and maybe even get rid of the stress altogether).
Tip 5, Ask others to pitch in.
For holiday gatherings, rather than providing all the festive joy yourself, ask others to contribute. Making contributions speaks of togetherness and sharing—These are things we associate with the holiday season.
If you didn’t get a chance to buy early this year, keep that in mind when you’re creating your budget for the upcoming holiday season.
Tip 6. Follow the list.
Santa didn’t double-check his list out of forgetfulness; there is a reason. We overspend when we stray from the plan. Now, of course, you add your friend if you find you left them out. But once you’ve decided on your philosophy and spending limit, resist the urge to start buying every Christmas themed item you come across for everyone you’ve ever met.
