6 tips for celebrating Christmas on a budget

No one wants to start 2016 in debt, but it’s easy to get carried away in the lead up to Christmas, turning it into a huge drain on our bank balances.

Here are 6 top tips from MOLLY MAID, the house cleaning experts, for celebrating Christmas on a budget:

1. Make a list for presents…and stick to it: It can be easy to get carried away at the shops. Having a list will help avoid temptation. Make sure you have a budget allocated per item and don’t go over it. Once you have everything on your list – stop!

2. Get creative: Home-made gifts are a great way to stick to a budget and there’s nothing like receiving a lovingly made gift. Thanks to the likes of Pinterest, there is a wealth of ideas on the internet often with step by step instructions. You can also get creative in other Christmas endeavours such as decorating the house too!

3. Get ahead for 2016: The January sales are great places to pick up a bargain. Be brave and venture out into the crowds and you might be able to pick up some incredible bargains for 2016 Christmas presents! The sales are also a great time for picking up your wrapping paper, cards and decorations for the following Christmas too.

4. Go online: If you’re looking for something specific, shop online and compare prices. Spending a bit of time researching which shop is offering the best price might only shave off a couple of pounds per item, but it all adds up! Also, keep an eye out for online offers. You can sign up to sites such as https://www.vouchercodes.co.uk/ which will alert you to all the latest offers.

5. Utilise loyalty schemes: If you’re a member of a loyalty scheme, chances are over the year you’ve saved up a good few points which can be used against purchasing a gift.

6. E-cards: You don’t need to spend a fortune on cards and postage. Instead, send your Christmas greetings via email! If you do choose to send cards, think about cutting costs by making homemade cards, hand delivering them, and check out the Royal Mail’s website for the last date to send cards second class.

Remember, Christmas is a time for spending time with your loved ones and not about how much money you spend. Good luck and enjoy your budget friendly Christmas!

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