The festive season is traditionally a time for families to gather, a time for giving, and of course, a time to feast. That said, the cost of Christmas can quickly become incredibly expensive – especially without proper planning. If you would like to change your approach to how you spend during this time of year so that you can still enjoy the festive season without getting silly, then stay right here.  

We have a quick breakdown on how you can navigate the financial cost of Christmas while staying within your budget. 

Gifts: Thoughtful Over Expensive 

There’s a saying when it comes to giving gifts, maybe you’ll be familiar with it: “You either have time or you have money.” What it means is that if you don’t have time, then you’ll probably need to spend a bit more on a gift that’s meaningful or special, however if you don’t have money, then you’ll need to spend time on your gifts. 

It’s also useful to set a budget for each person on your gift list or agreeing with friends and family to do a Secret Santa is a great way to keep costs down.  

Food: Share The Load 

We all want to be the ‘hostess with the mostess,’ but in this economy, it’s not feasible or even expected for one household to produce all the fare that will be consumed over Christmas. 

How to share the load:  

• Plan the menu ahead of time so you can shop early and avoid unnecessary purchases. 

• Buy in bulk and shop the festive discounts on staples like flour, sugar, and meat. 

• Invite everyone to a ‘bring-and-share’ meal. 

Decorations: Reuse And Repurpose 

There’s no rule that you can’t use decorations from previous years and add a fresh twist by DIY-ing additional elements. Given that the reason for the season is more than the dressing, no one will notice or even care that you’ve done a similar look using what you have. 

You can even include natural décor pieces, like pinecones, leaves, or flowers from your garden to freshen things up. 

Entertainment: Cost of Christmas Fun 

If there’s one thing that we don’t see coming every year, it’s how much we spend on expensive outings with the family. Thankfully, there are affordable family activities, like board games, karaoke nights, or beach days. Make sure to check local event listings for free or low-cost holiday markets and performances that will bring a smile to everyone’s faces and create lasting memories that you’ll treasure for years. 

Track Your Spending 

The reality is that nothing helps you stay on budget quite like staying aware of your financial situation. Knowing what you’ve already spent and how much is left can really help you avoid overspending. There are a number of budgeting apps that you can use, or even the old school spreadsheet that you can fill in to monitor your expenses throughout the season.  

We can help you get started by giving you access to our Monthly Personal Budget Calculator, which provides you with an excellent way to keep track of your finances and help you live within your means. 

Feeling informed?  

By planning ahead and being resourceful, you can enjoy a festive, meaningful Christmas without the stress of financial strain. We trust that these tips will help you enjoy the festive season without compromising on all the fun. 

Don’t forget that AA Inform is home to a range of useful financial tools and resources that can assist you along the way, including access our Monthly Personal Budget Calculator.