Christmas on a shoestring all of the festivities, but for less of the green

It’s supposed to be a time for togetherness, but it’s difficult to forget the commercialism that accompanies Christmas – and if you are struggling with rising costs throughout the year, the season of goodwill will only exacerbate the worries.

But Christmas need not cost the earth – you really can do it on a tight budget.
Here are some tips to get you started…

Christmas Tree
For many, a resplendently dressed tree is the centre point of the home, but you don’t need the biggest tree in the plantation. Consider downsizing a little, or perhaps opt for a fake tree – which can be used year on year and will save you cash time and again.
Pop to the charity stores and you’ll likely find a large number of plastic alternatives; shops save donated trees all year ready for now.
The charity benefits, you benefit, and landfill is eased. It’s a win, win, win!

Decorations
Tree decorations can be picked up in second hand shops, at car boot sales and even at the local pound store, so step away from those overpriced superstores – although they are great to visit in the January sales when prices get slashed by up to 90% for a quick clearance – purchase then, and tuck away until next Christmas. Much more savvy!

Presents
It’s lovely to splash a heap of cash on gifts, but it’s not worth going into the red for – you’ll be paying off long into 2025, when those presents will have been discarded and recipients are once again glued to their phones.
It’s simple; if you can’t afford it, don’t let credit deals make you think you can. The best gift you can give yourself is staying away from store cards.

Perhaps issue IOUs for presents in lieu, or make fun gift cards of your own for your nearest and dearest – you could offer to mow the lawn, babysit…let your imaginations loose.
Honesty is the best policy, and being short of pennies is nothing to be ashamed about. If you can’t afford Christmas this year, say so.

Food & Drink
Don’t shop brands, shop smart. We all eat with our eyes to some extent, but fancy packaging only goes in the bin, and we all overbuy. Think smart, buy what you need, and a few special treats in the supermarket basket is plenty. No-one eats dates and Christmas cake long in January, and half eaten tubs of choccies hang around for ages.
Keep an eye open for offers – there are lots to be had, and even more if you bulk buy and split the cost and goods with friends, family or neighbours. This works especially well for those cases of bubbly and wine!

Cards
Some of us still love getting a physical card in the mail, but we also know that the cost of a stamp is approaching astronomical – nearly as much as buying the card itself. How did the happen?!
If you are so inclined, e-cards are a much better bet, and they are definitely more environmentally friendly. Many people have switched from giving cards to making charitable donations – and there is no shortage of local charities who could use a few more pennies.
Don’t fancy any of that? Then use your free minutes to make that quick call you keep promising yourself you’ll get around to. Showing someone you care with a call, a text or a Whatsapp is convenient and great for your purse!

Spread the cheer
The saying goes that ‘it’s not the giving but the receiving’ that brings about the most joy, and if you do have a little extra, please think of those less well off than yourselves – and that really doesn’t need to be shedding cash; a smile and a conversation can cheer someone enormously, so go ahead – make their day!