Are you excited to work your way to a more organized Christmas? Today marks the first day and task in the 8 Weeks to a More Organized Christmas series that I hope will be super helpful to you!
Before we get started, I have a whole bunch of printables and checklists for you to print out to help you along:
- More Organized Christmas Checklist
- More Organized Christmas Checklist (blank-fill in your own tasks)
- The Holiday Planner (available for $1.00 in the Simply Frugal Store!)
Alright, on to the first task, an important one. 🙂 This week, if you haven’t already, sit down with a hot cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate… and create your holiday budget. This is what you think your holiday season will cost and will allow you to put limits on your holiday spending to keep you from shopping regrets if a credit card bill comes your way!
Related: How to Have a Merry Christmas Without Spending a Dime
Here is an extensive list of things you should keep in mind when you create your holiday budget:
Gifts:
- spouse
- kids
- parents
- siblings
- nieces/nephews
- grandparents
- neighbors
- coworkers
- friends
- secret Santa gift exchanges
Activities/Events/Parties:
- tickets
- dining out
- clothing
Food (not including regular groceries):
- baking ingredients
- dessert ingredients
- Christmas eve
- Christmas dinner/brunch
- Boxing day
- parties
Cards:
- stamps
- cards/envelopes
- stationary for family newsletter
- photos
Clothing:
- outfits for photos
- parties
- Christmas day outfit
Decorations:
- tree
- lights
- ornaments/candles/wreath/etc.
- craft supplies
Giving:
- charities
- volunteering
Now, these suggestions are just a guideline. Every family is different and has different needs. My intent is to bring to mind every possible thing that could incur an expense during the holiday season. I’m sure many of you won’t even spend money on half of these things this year. Also, in my mind, the more planning you do, the more money you will save and the saner you will feel. 🙂
As for my family, we only buy gifts for immediate family and a couple of close friends. My husband and I only exchange stockings. I make some homemade gifts as well as collect credits throughout the year so I can do some online shopping for “free”. Of course, I search for deals too. I will probably buy a few inexpensive Christmas decorations this year. This year, I’m toying with the idea of having a cookie decorating party with the girls’ friends. I think that would be fun! As for any party that we are invited to, I like to bring some baking along.
But enough about us. 🙂
If after writing down your expenses, you’re scared of the number you see, you have two options: Decrease your expenses or increase your income.
Decrease your expenses
To make a happy holiday season, you really don’t need to spend a lot of money. In fact, I’m daring to say, that being extravagant in your spending can be overwhelming not only to you, but the recipient as well. When I was a child, one set of grandparents used to be quite extreme in their gift giving. It was SO exciting, but I remember being quite overwhelmed with all the gifts once Christmas was over.
Gift giving is probably the easiest expense to cut back on. If you have a large extended family, consider drawing names so each member is only responsible for one gift. Or do what our family does and only give gifts to the children. My parents have also started to set a $20 limit on each other in recent years. Jesse and I exchange stockings.
Setting a price limit on each gift will allow you to shop within that budget. If your limit on sister Sue is $30, then that $50 purse is off limits.
It’s possible to decrease your food budget too by shopping the sales and limiting the baking and Christmas dishes you prepare.
When it comes to decorations, why not create some memories by making some homemade decorations? (I’ll be featuring some ideas in a few weeks) Or read my Fond, Frugal Christmas Memory post for a fun Christmas tree idea.
Increase your Income
If decreasing your holiday expenses is not an option, then consider increasing your income. Many retailers hire for the holiday season (and may offer an employee discount!).
A couple of other ideas are to:
- Sell extra baking to those that may not have much time to create their own.
- Sell unwanted household items for cash (make room for new stuff too!)
What are your tips for staying on budget at Christmas time?
Sign up for the 8 Weeks to a More Organized Christmas newsletter to receive a FREE Christmas Dinner Checklist! This checklist is quite detailed and will help you remember all the details needed for a memory filled dinner with family and friends. You’ll also receive a weekly email with each week’s “task”.
It is just me, as a widowed mom with three kids and a HUGE family on both sides. I finally put my foot down and told everyone that I couldn’t buy for anyone over 18 anymore, even though that still leaves me with 5 extra on top of my own 3. One of the smartest things I have done is take 200 hundred dollars a month off my cheque and put it into a Canada Savings Bond to use for Christmas (and whatever else comes up during the year, but usually Christmas.)
That is a great idea! The list I provide is quite extensive (so as not to miss any details) but I encourage everyone to take a good hard look at their personal situations and plan accordingly. You’re doing great!
I am visiting from Frugal Friday Link Up Party. We are cutting back on Christmas spending this year. Its just not an option anymore…the family is getting bigger and bigger every year. Have to cut back at some point. 🙂
we are cutting back on the people we buy gifts for it is just too much money and how much stuff does everyone need
My gf and myself will adapt a family and make sure they have what they need for their children and some groceries to help out and also personnel and cleaning supplies – which can really drain your budget
We enjoy the Christmas season and have never gone into debt for it. In Canada, the government stops collecting CPP and EI around June/July. We put that money away in a separate account for Christmas. I buy kids clothes on Black Friday when things can be up to 90% off in person and on line. Shop for food that’s non-perishable weeks in advance as the price goes up as you approach the holidays. That savings account has even helped cover seasonal emergencies. One year, it paid for new tires! And it’s money you didn’t have for half the year anyways, so save it!
To keep Christmas stress free my Hubby and I (OK me) only buy gift cards for the kids 18 and under.
Both sides of the family now do this and Christmas is ZERO stress zone for us.
We spend TIME with our families and it so much fun! The gift of time is best for us.