Saving money during the holidays might be a refreshing change in your life. Most of us are used to spending all money we’ve got and after the holiday season, we are so depressed and so miserable.
This year I suggest you relax and enjoy the season and do not worry about paying bills off as soon as the holidays are past. Here are a few tips for saving on holiday traditions.
1. Opt for a fake tree
If you are looking for an excellent way to save your money on holiday traditions you should opt for a fake tree. Of course, there’s nothing better than the smell of fresh pine, but it’s so expensive to buy a real tree every year. A fake tree you can save and use for years to come.
In addition, fake trees are easy and quick to assemble, they are less messy. If you miss the scent of fresh pine, you can buy and burn some tree-scented potpourri or tree-scented candles.
2. Make your own wrapping paper
During the holiday season the wrapping paper can get more expensive, so if you want to save your money why not make your own gift wrap? Take plain white paper, a stamp set, and make a really festive wrapping paper!
If you don’t have a stamp set, you can buy it, and then you’ll have it on hand for years to come. A big roll of white paper will last you for a few holiday seasons, as well as for a few craft projects in between.
3. Save on gift-giving
There are many great ways you can save on presents giving. You can ask your siblings, cousins, friends, or colleagues to split up the costs of presents for parents, friends, and your boss.
Another way to save on gift-giving is homemade presents. And the most important thing to consider when you are buying gifts – one or two nicer or more expensive presents are usually preferred over three or four smaller and cheaper presents.
4. Save on greeting cards
Of course, sending greeting cards is one of the most important parts of the holiday tradition, but you can change a bit this tradition, especially if money is tight. Instead of paper greeting cards, you can send electronic greeting cards. You can save a considerable sum of money on stamps, especially if you have a lot of relatives and friends.
5. Skip candles
I like to burn scented candles, but recently I found out that candles could be surprisingly expensive, especially during the holiday season. I want to suggest you one excellent way to scent your home for the holidays.
Take a small pot, and then add a little water, a dash of cinnamon, and a drop of vanilla in it. Leave it sitting on your stove on low heat, and the aroma of the holiday will fill your home all day long! Don’t forget to watch that the pot doesn’t dry out.
6. Have a cookie swap
What are the holidays without baked goodies? You might say that buying all the ingredients can get expensive, so why not organize a cookie swap with your relatives or friends?
Just divide all the cookie recipes up and now you have a bunch of tasty cookies at less than the price. It’s one of the best ways to save on holiday traditions!
7. Save on gas
You have no idea how you can save on gas, right? If you live close to your family, relatives, or friends and when the holiday season arrives, it’s time to gather at your parent’s or grandparent’s home for some turkey and pie, so why not carpool with other relatives or friends if you have longer than twenty minutes to drive?
In this way, you will save on gas, especially if you have numerous family outings over the season.
8. Don’t go to the theatre
Around the holiday season, most people go to the theaters, but if you want to save your money you should skip this option. Instead, you can see which programs your local library, church, or other community schools and centers are hosting!
If you don’t like any of them, why not organize one with your friends or neighbors? Especially children will like to get involved with putting on some sketches. It will be a fun activity for everyone!
These are all my tips for saving on holiday traditions. Would you like something to add? Share your thoughts, please!
