One of the most difficult times of the year when you are strapped for cash is Christmas. It’s even harder when you have children with expectations. I’ve got 5 thoughts for reducing costs, making the season festive, without the usually large price tag.
1. Get Creative
If you have children or grandchildren in the house, get creative! Not only will you get to make something Christmassy, but you will also entertain and spend time with the children. The online suggestions are endless. If you are reading this, you will have internet access, so google ‘crafts for Christmas’ and you will be spoilt for choice. Some of the best suggestions I read about concerned using empty toilet rolls… like this amazing artwork caddy to organise all your pens, crayons, kokies and other stationery items…
All out of toilet rolls and other leftovers!
And I also found this crafty nativity scene…all out of a shoebox…
Inexpensive and fun!
And for your Christmas table…
2. Get Out
Wherever you are in the world, getting out of the house at Christmas time is an absolute must. There is so much happening, if you don’t get out, you will miss out! And a lot of it is FREE! Warm summer days in the southern hemisphere, cold wintery days in the north. Both top and bottom, Christmas lights sparkle, shopping malls buzz, beach activities abound, forest walks fascinate – it’s a time for hand-holding, admiring, pausing and enjoying this special time of the year. A walk in the park, on the mountain, on the beach, in the forest, round the block, through the mall. All of it holds a sparkly, different kind of feeling at Christmas time. Enjoy the colours, the sounds, the smells and the people who make up Christmas. Spend time together as a family. Your investment in time with loved ones is a far greater investment than any gift money can buy.
3. Get Friendly
One thing about Christmas is that there are many people who are alone. Maybe this is the year, you should get out of your comfort zone. Phone the local retirement home and ask if there is anyone living alone who would appreciate a visit. Then just go! Go and sit and listen to their stories – of Christmasses long ago. They will appreciate it. Possibly invite someone who is alone around to enjoy coffee and mince pies, or invite them to go walking with you. Loneliness is a terrible feeling. If you feel it, get out and find similar company. If you don’t feel it, find someone who does – be a friend.
4. Gift Wisely
When Christmas time comes, it’s easy to want to go BIG. Big tree, big presents, big meal. Seasons come and seasons go and you may find yourself in a frugal season. If it’s time to cut back on spending, you can still celebrate without the big splash. Don’t just do this on your own though. Communicate to your family the need to cut back. Explain, that this year, things will be different, a little smaller; still fun; still festive; still with food, just different. Then put some planning into action. If you have a big family with lots of adults and lots of children, suggest the adults all get ‘home made’ gifts. Another, often amusing option is for all the adults get ‘regifted’ gifts. At a golf day, Mike won a hamper and in it was a toothbrush in the shape of a lady’s leg! That’s the kind of gift I’m talking about. It’s all a bit of fun and 
results in much laughter! If you want to buy serious gifts, Mike has a saying, ‘buy tools not toys.’ Buy stuff that is going to work for you, maybe even make money for you, certainly stuff that is going to last. Before you buy, fast forward a year and ask yourself if the gift will still be functional. Think ahead. Will it jeopardize your finances? Will it last? Home made gifts are great to give….they are loaded with sentimental value that grows as the years pass.
5. Get to Church
The reason we do all of this every year is to celebrate the coming of Jesus to earth. He gave us the ultimate gift. He gave His life. That’s the reason for the season. You will find no better reminder than attending church at Christmas time. Maybe it will start you on a whole new journey of knowing God more intimately.
Isaiah 9:6
For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Make this a Christmas to remember!
God bless you richly!
In His Grip,
Helga xx 🙂