With the current financial turmoil, Christmas 2008 is going to be a struggle for families across the world. Many people will have little or no savings to rely on, and with credit being harder to obtain, this festive season could turn out to be a very stressful time. There are also predictions the credit crunch may stretch well into 2009 and maybe even beyond, so what can we do to have a merry christmas without going bust?
Eat, drink and be merry!
The cost of food and drink for Christmas can be enormous. A traditional turkey dinner and all the trimmings can come at a high price, so if you are worried about the cost why not get together with your loved ones and all share the cost, with someone bringing the vegetables, someone else the meat etc so the meal will still be great but less expensive. If everyone chips in a small amount, the pressure to have a perfect meal will be less and the added bonus is there are more people to share the washing up!! And dont forget the leftovers, your turkey carcass and any left over vegetables can be used to make a wondeful soup, great for a cold winter evening.
Get creative!
Decorating the home doesn't have to mean spending lots of money on expensive fairy lights and tinsel. Many people use the same decorations each year, as long as they are packed up carefully after the holidays, they should be fine for the following year. But if you want something different, why not try making your own. A decorative wreath for your front door could be made from pine cones, berrys, leaves and twigs from a nearby park or forest. Wrap up the children, and take a stroll on a winters morning collecting anything you think would be suitable and then get home and get creative! Get an old metal coathanger, bend it into a circle and attach all your forest finds with glue. Add some ribbon maybe, and voila, your very own Christmas Wreath. You could also make paper chains from colourful strips cut from magazines, or your own christmas cards. If money is really short, you dont even have to send cards. Dont feel bad about it, if you have to cut back then so be it.
The Ghost of Christmas Present
If you have children, the pressure to give them a Christmas they wont forget is immense. But should you give in to that pressure and end up paying for Christmas for the whole of next year too? It is worth remembering that although children write huge lists of things they want, when it actually come to it, they love receiving presents, and are not too bothered what it is. Younger children really dont mind, and older children can be made aware of how tight things are at the moment. When choosing presents, buy things that will really appreciated and wanted. Dont be put off buying things that are second hand. Check out car boot sales, flea markets, jumble sales, ads in the local newspaper etc. If is wrapped in a pretty box, does it really matter if it not brand new?? Presents dont have to be material things either. Giving someone a present of your time is another way you can save money. For example you could give your partner the promise of breakfast in bed every weekend for a month, or your friend a nights babysitting so they can have a night out with their partner. Use your imagination!!
Plan ahead
It is hard to plan for Christmas next year when this year is not even out of the way yet, but a bit of organisation now will take the pressure off you next year, especially if things dont improve in the world of finance. Start saving, even it is just one pound or dollar a week, come next Christmas thats £52 or $52, which is not a huge amount, but it is something, and if you can afford more then great. Keep any Christmas cards you receive, so that you can use them next year to make decorations or cut out the designs on the front to make your own. If you can afford it, use the January sales to shop for bargains for next Christmas. You could also start a gift cupboard, buying something each week or month throughout the year, so by December 2009 you will have made a big dent in your shopping.
Hopefully you will find this small selection of ideas useful. Remember, Christmas like any other holiday or festivity should always be about spending time with your loved ones. You don't need to spend lots of money to make it a special time. Forget about the problems in the world and just have fun. Happy Christmas!!
