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1. Master the Art of Gifting
One smart step to Christmas gift-giving is to decide as a family (or group of friends) to limit gift spending to a small amount of money per gift. A limit as small as $20 can lead to all sorts of creativity and personalization.
Any time you purchase a gift, always check what the same item sells for online. You might find it for as much as 50% off the store price. And always use coupons and discount codes whenever possible!
Another tip is to limit the gifts to the children in the family alone. This allows for more money to be spent on the little ones who deserve the best Christmas possible.
2. Stick to Low-Cost Activities
Many families, especially those who hold their gift exchange on Christmas Eve, like to make Christmas Day something of an event. Some families go to the movies, some go to amusement parks, but more frugal families stay indoors and celebrate through togetherness.
One great idea for a low-cost activity is board games and card games. While some may groan at the idea of another stressful game of Monopoly -- don't worry! There are thousands of new and highly rated board games available these days that will keep your family active and enthusiastic. Some games you could add to the rotation this year include:
- Catan
- Carcassonne
- Resistance
- Scythe
- Tales of Arabian Nights
- Sheriff of Nottingham
- One Night Ultimate Werewolf
- Kingdomino
- Codenames
- Azul
- Santorini
- Splendor
- Pandemic
Remember: if you don't own any of these games, they can make for great, inexpensive gifts for all ages.
3. Keep it BYO!
Whether it's wine or green bean casserole, make it clear ahead of time that your Christmas Day celebration is a potluck. That way, everyone will show up with something to offer all the guests.
Some families have a yearly competition to see who can cook up the best Christmas food possible -- on a budget! If you think this would be a lighthearted addition to your Christmas Day meal planning, encourage it as soon as possible!
4. Start Planning for Next Christmas
Feel like you don't have enough money to go around this Christmas? That means now is the best time to start your budgeting for next year to make it bigger and better than ever.
Any wrapping paper, decorations, or unopened/unused gifts can be stored away for next year. Tuck it in your closet or your attic, and put a piggy bank aside to stuff money whenever possible inside it. Or, create a separate savings account that you only deposit a few bucks a month into. By the end of the year, you'll have a considerably larger Christmas budget than you could have imagined!
5. Consider a Personal Loan
Don't have enough money to hold your preferred Christmas Day gathering and celebration?
You can apply online or in-store for a quick and easy personal loan from Atlas Credit right now! From $100 to $1,400, you can get the money you need ASAP to spend on the proper Christmas for your whole family and pay it back on your own schedule. Contact Atlas Credit today to learn more.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at Atlas Credit!
