We read article upon article about how to save money around the holidays (do a no-gift year, put a limit on presents, no turkey dinner) There is an overabundance of literature on how *someone* thinks you should save during this expensive holiday. But nowhere have we found Christmas prep options and examples to allow you to have a bountiful and fully inclusive Christmas while being budget conscious. Here we are, at your service, laying out specific guides to allow you to have a BIG, BOLD Christmas without breaking the bank.
Decor overload:
The holidays just wouldn’t be the same without a fully decked out home. Here are a few decorations that are cheap to make but still look classy.
Popsicle Snowflakes: The fancy step up from the classic paper snowflakes. These guys will give your home an instant festive spirit, and are oh so easy to do!
photo: agirlandagluegun.com
Pine Cone Wreaths: Scavenge away! Load up on pinecones and create a cute little wreath to hang over your door. Jazz it up with bows and glitter and things!
photo: ep.yimg.com
Tissue Paper Trees: Does your apartment not allow real christmas trees? Are you dealing with a space that is simply too small for a massive display? These could be your perfect solve!
photo: 3.bp.blogspot.com
Wrapped Doorways: This is my kind of decoration. Wrap your doors and windows like presents. Easy peasy.
photo: pinimg.com
Smelly Simmerings: Ok, so this isn’t realllly a decoration, but it sure makes the home cosy. Simmer some cinnamon, oranges and cranberries over the stove to make the entire house smell like Christmas!
photo: onegoodthingbyjillee.com
D.I.Y. Gifts:
Just because you made it doesn’t mean it looks cheap, nor does it mean it’s a pinterest fail – I promise! Give these gifts a try, and you will be pleasantly surprised with your skillz.
Heating Pad: for those winter colds, that time of the month or to keep cosy!
photo: marthastewart.com
Arm Knit Blanket: as a beautiful throw for everyone to enjoy.
photo: thebellevieblog.com
Terrarium: adding life to your home is always a plus. Succulents in a terrarium are the most low maintenance and beautiful plants you can give!
photo: 550arts.com
Soup/cookies/hot chocolate Mason Jars: don’t know what to get someone? We have the gift for you!
photo: myfoodstoragecookbook.wordpress.com
Good Old Fashioned Baking: If you have skills in the kitchen and a bit of time on your hands, putting together a little ensemble of baked goods is an awesome option to give.
photo: cupcakenbake.com
Christmas Dinner Savings:
Because a decadent full fledged Christmas dinner is one expensive operation.
Potluck it! -Don’t sacrifice a single dish because of money! Propose a potluck dinner for Christmas and ensure there is plenty of delicious food for everyone to eat.
Opt for ham instead of turkey -Turkeys are expensive, and depending on how much of a procrastinator you are, they are hard to come by. Opt for ham and save yourself some cash, headache and prep time!
Shop in advanced -Speaking of hard to come by, we recommend shopping as far in advance as possible before prices start to soar and items become hard to come by.
Plan for next week’s meals -Instead of making a decadent and expensive turkey dinner only to go grocery shopping the next day, why not ensure that everything from turkey dinner can be used in the following week’s meals? Got turkey bones? Make stew. Got potatoes, use those for shepherd’s pie! Get creative and stretch your turkey dinner spending to compensate for lost grocery money.
Do you have any other tips that will help save some coin this Christmas? Drop us a line at @VictoriaHype on Facebook