Thinking About Christmas In July

“It’s the most wonderful of the year” … well not quite actually but I think a bit of forward planning is good for everyone and yes before you say it, I know we are only halfway through the year. I also know that for some, it’s far too early to be mentioning the “C” word and for others, they dread December but let’s face it with the year we’ve had so far I really don’t think it hurts to have something to focus on and look forward to, do you?

If like me you are starting to think about Christmas or perhaps you’re starting to worry how you might afford it this year My Three and Me have some ideas to help keep your costs down. If you start preparing now you can take your time without rushing, can budget and hopefully, ease the burden.

Have a budget and stick to it

Times are pretty hard for all of us at the minute and quite frankly I can’t see that changing any time soon. We are in the process of moving house so for us this year Christmas will be a low key affair as at the rate things are going we might only just be in our new home by the time the festive season arrives. If like us you have a move planned or have changed jobs, been made redundant or been furloughed now is a great time to start saving if you haven’t already. Work out a realistic budget and stick to it. Make a list of the people you have to buy for and then cut out anyone who you don’t need too.

Cut down on the gifts you buy

Don’t get yourself into debt for Christmas as the only one affected, in the long run, will be you. Explain to family and friends that this year will be a low key affair and cut down on the number of gifts you buy. Why not sort a Secret Santa gift swap so that you only have to buy one gift instead of many. You can set a budget and a date so that everyone can exchange gifts. Why not make it a party or meal where everyone can bring a dish to help spread out the cost but means you also get to spend quality time with the ones you love.

If you have young children they don’t need you to shower them in gifts. They will appreciate the time you spend together much more.

Make your own

If you do want to give gifts consider making your own. My mum loves knitting and crocheting and has on many occasions gifted homemade presents to myself and the boys. For the last couple of years, I have made fudge and peppermint creams to gift family members and plan to do similar this year too. If you wanted to do the same they are so simple, cost very little to make and taste great – I always make extra for us to enjoy over the festive period too. To save on wrapping you could buy or recycle glass jars and make your own labels using a free Christmas svg.

Similarly, if you are in charge of Christmas dinner this year and like to have your table set with crackers, place settings and all the trimmings instead of buying them you could make your own crackers and name cards. You could personalise each individual cracker and card using a Christmas svg to suit your tastes / Christmas decor.

Shop around

Start your shopping early. If you have been saving up now is the time to look online and instore to see what they have on offer. We have a big box in our house that we keep for birthday and Christmas presents that we buy throughout the year when we see items on sale. We always buy our wrapping paper and cards in the January sales when they are marked down in price.

Spend time not money

As nice as it is to give and receive gifts this isn’t what Christmas is about. If you are struggling to make ends meet don’t put more pressure on yourself. Arrange to meet up with family and friends over the festive period. You can go for walks, meet at each other’s homes and spend the day watching festive films, playing board games or crafting.

What are your plans for a low cost festive season this year? I would love to hear about them in the comments below.

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