The holidays can be a challenging balance between staying within your budget and spreading nonstop cheer. Sharing your contagious merry and bright energy can be tough when it comes to purchasing gifts, upgrading your holiday decor, participating in holiday parties, and other events that require more from the bank account. No need to fret, though! Our ideas will help you plan, spend, and actually save money this Yuletide.
Make a List and Check It Twice
Lists are essential to help keep you on track! Make your list as early as possible to find the best deals — like over Black Friday Weekend! Do your best to set a spending limit for each gift, and think about being a thoughtful and creative giver without going out of your budget. Remember to cross off each gift as you purchase it to keep up with what you have and what you have spent.
You could also consider gift-exchanging alternatives like Secret Santa or White Elephant (Yankee Swap). Each person only has to bring one gift for either, and they’re so much fun! These exchanges also offer the perfect opportunity to create a limit on how much each person can spend on their gifts. Setting clear expectations like that can be kind to everyone’s budget!
Fellowship with Potluck
If you’re hosting a gathering, make it even more special by getting everyone involved. The fellowship of a potluck dinner creates some of the best memories while helping cut costs. Make a list of what everyone plans to bring — then fill in the gaps with your budget. You could even put someone in charge of the decorations, bringing extra chairs, and helping clean up after the festivities. They’ll be happy to contribute to take some of the burden off you.
Give the Gift of Time
Have you considered giving your time as a gift? Time is the most precious of all gifts, and sharing it with those you love is a joyful way to celebrate. You could get together and drive around looking at holiday decorations, make your own Christmas cards, or bake goodies together and take them to other people on your list. Your loved ones may also appreciate acts of service — you could offer to help them with a task or take something off their plate this season.
Use Your Talents and Imagination
Your talents and imagination are blessings, so consider passing on those blessings with homemade gifts. Do you like to cook, bake, or preserve? You could make homemade treats and arrange them in delicate boxes or baskets. If you enjoy DIY and crafts, make personalized presents! You could make body scrubs or bath bombs, personalized photo albums, or scrapbooks. You can craft a cozy koozie, scarf, or hat if you love knitting or crocheting. Paint or draw something special to let your artistic talents shine. Or start a new tradition of making an ornament for them each year.
The most important part of the holidays, though, is spending time with loved ones! Your new home here at Lariat is the perfect place to create, cook, and gather together for warm, cozy holidays filled with love. Contact us today to find your holiday haven.