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Christmas is around the corner…we can almost taste it.

But if budgets are tight, Christmas time can be a bit daunting. However, it’s not too late to get organised and and look at how to cost cut during the [expensive] festive season and enjoy a cheap Christmas.

Here are my favourite cheap Christmas tips

1. Aluminium foil makes wonderful wrapping paper for gifts. Tie with a red or green ribbon and it looks like it’s been professionally wrapped!

2. Avoid the temptations of buying more than you can afford and always make sure everything sticks within your budget limit for a cheap Christmas.

3. As for your gift list, you should really include only the people that matter most to you. For the people you work with and for any other similar categories, all you need to do is bring some homemade cookies and the problem is solved.

4. One of the easiest ways to save money and enjoy a cheap Christmas is to change the types of gifts that you purchase for others. Instead of spending $50 on a foot massage that you think your recipient might like, why not purchase a $20 home pedicure kit instead that you know they will love?

5. You should also consider making some of your presents at home. This way you can save more and your presents will be more original and creative. Every real friend will appreciate your effort and be very thankful to you.

6. Food is always one of the keys to success. If you dedicate some of your free time to cook some delicious food and invite your friends over for a Christmas dinner, they will most definitely appreciate this more than a present.

7. Important Lesson for a cheap Christmas: learn that you can’t and shouldn’t buy for everyone! There is no rule, written or otherwise, that says you should buy Christmas gifts for every acquaintance, co-worker, or branch on your family tree. Go through your Christmas list and carefully weed out those who are distant relatives, people you aren’t all that close to, and friends you seldom see for a cheap Christmas.

Do remember what Christmas is all about and enjoy your family and have a safe Christmas and New Year.

Did you know…

Most of Santa’s reindeer have male-sounding names, such as Blitzer, Comet, and Cupid. However, male reindeers shed their antlers around Christmas, so the reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh are likely not male, but female or castrati.

Ancient peoples, such as the Druids, considered mistletoe sacred because it remains green and bears fruit during the winter when all other plants appear to die. Druids would cut the plant with golden sickles and never let it touch the ground. They thought it had the power to cure infertility and nervous diseases and to ward off evil.

Early illustrations of St. Nicholas depict him as stern, commanding, and holding a birch rod. He was more a symbol of discipline and punishment than the jolly, overweight man we know as Santa Claus.

What is your best tip for having a cheap Christmas? Tell us in the comments below.

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  • Doing Christmas on a budget is best if you preplan and purchase things like bonbon crackers, gift wrap, cards, napkins, etc in the after christmas sales. Often you get them for a few cents and that saves a huge amount.

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  • I have a problem with the very first item on this list! Wrapping presents in alfoil! For one, the good alfoil needed to even attempt this costs a packet! And secondly, no matter how good the foil is, it still rips and tears. I cannot even imagine trying to wrap pressies with it. Although I do admit it would look pretty cool

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  • Just don’t get carried away with anything, really.

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  • I try and stick to a budget. I make lists of what I;m buying for each person and work my budget together with the list.

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  • Haha I wrapped some presents in alfoil last year as I ran out of paper. Worked a treat! I usually buy it in the sales cheap though and have plenty of wrapping paper

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  • I buy wrapping paper and cards at the end of the festive season when they’re on special ready for the following year.

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  • Some great tips that I would like to implement. I also love the piece of trivia at the end of the article.

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  • I limit my presents to only 3 each per person 2 small gifts and 1 big present
    and the small gifts are usually no more then $10 so then I can concentrate on the big one

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  • A few good ideas there. I’ve got taken note and cut back on people and will bake afew things for the aunts n uncles instead of buying gifts.
    Also hosting lunch so I have to keep
    An eye on the food budget

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  • I’m home making some thing this year. And yes, limiting who you buy for is a good idea especially when you have you’re own kids etc. More money!
    Although we are planning on limiting pressies for our kids to just a few good thing because we know family will give them presents as well.

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  • Christmas is pretty much sorted here. My biggest expense is for our grandson, who’s 3 1/2 and we spoil him. Food isn’t an issue, hubby is working, daughter is staying home, son is interstate, so I’ll be on my Pat Malone for the day.

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  • Good to re-read this one so it sinks in haha

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  • I already bought few presents :)

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  • With no close relatives here, we save there and most know only send e cards, so that is a saving. I use to keep a book with who sent cards as it was getting out of control and if no card for three years without a good reason, then no card was sent. As for presents my husband’s family do not do this and my siblings do not talk to me, so that saves too.
    Christmas also includes three of my children having birthdays, so yes that time of the year is well budgeted for.

    Reply

  • I am guilty of over spending and over gifting it’s definitely time to rein it in

    Reply

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