It’s BER months, Christmas is just around the corner. Christmas is traditionally celebrated with a family gathering, attending the “simbang gabi”, giving gifts, and eating together in Noche Buena.
Everyone feels the excitement of the coming holiday season. But the question is are you financially prepared for the Christmas celebration?
How to save money for Christmas
Here are some tips to avoid cramming and save money for the coming Christmas:
1. Create a list
First, make sure to create a list to save money for Christmas. Who said only Santa has a list of people that he should give? (just kidding) You can list down the people you want to give gifts.
If you are on a tight budget, just focus on your immediate family and close friends. You may also consider your workmates and boss on your list.
When considering the gifts you will give, make sure that it is practical, useful, and functional, rather than those lavish gifts.
Besides, it’s the thought that counts.
2. Set a budget
Another way to save money for Christmas rush is to set a budget.
When you have the list of people and the item that you will give, you set a budget for it. You can categorize your list so you can set a budget per category.
A sample is high, for your immediate family, medium for your godchild or “inaanak”, and low for those people you want to give a gift, like the Ate that always does your laundry every week. Or the Kuya who always collect your garbage or the one who always deliver your newspaper.
3. Shop early
Do your shopping early in order to save money and time in the Christmas rush.
You can start shopping as early as September, so you won’t be stress in the holiday rush buying gifts.
By doing so, you have the time to check the items, scan those prices, and make some adjustments in your list of gifts.
4. Check online for your gift
You can also check online for things or items for your gift.
There are online facilities like Lazada, Shoppee, or Metrodeal that you may get a good deal and a big discount especially when they are in the sale.
It can help you save money for Christmas, plus you save time on dealing with traffic and other people rushing at the mall.
5. Be creative on wrapping your gifts
You can also save money at Christmas by not using expensive wrappers. Be creative and be resourceful on wrapping your gifts. Watch YouTube tutorials and search for ideas on wrapping your gifts in your unique ways.
You can also use the old glossy magazine, a brown paper bag, or a newspaper, then a little creativity then voila you have a personalized gift wrapper.
6. Create a menu for your Noche Buena
Make a menu for your Noche Buena to save money for Christmas.
Make a list of all the ingredients that you needed. You can also buy those ingredients that can be store for a longer period so make sure to check the expiration date.
Because the nearer Christmas is, the prices of those ingredients will also increase. So better to do your shopping early.
7. Celebrate in your home
When holiday season, the family usually gathers either to have a reunion or get together. Doing it at home will save you a lot of money than doing it in a hotel or events place.
You can also save from the decorations and food preparation that you can add on your game prizes or additional budget for gifts for your family.
Final Thoughts
Giving gifts, and family gathering is part of the celebration of this Yuletide season. But let’s not forget that this is the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
This is to remember that God loves us that He gave us his only begotten son. It is the season of love, giving, forgiving, and sharing.
Save more so you can share more.
Happy saving!
