So I know it’s not even Thanksgiving yet but I’m already thinking about gathering around the ‘ole Christmas tree to fa-la-la-la-la and ho-ho-ho. Christmas is such a challenging time of the year for me personally to reign in spending and still give good gifts to the folks that I love so much! I can’t even think of a better feeling that finding that perfect “something” to show others how much they mean to me. I’ve received some amazing gifts and like to think I’ve given a few good ones along the way, too. To me, it’s one of my favorite ways to say “thank you” to the special people in my life. As a person of faith, I like to think that this gift giving is simply a reflection of God’s image in each of us. You want to give others (especially your children) good gifts. God wants to give you good gifts. Now granted, God’s not big on Starbucks Gift Cards as a direct means of giving good gifts (although after this week, I firmly believe He can communicate indirectly through them) but still you give gifts because He gives good gifts (and ultimately the Best Gift).
But giving can be challenging when you’re on a budget and even more challenging when you’re seeking to pay off debt. So during the month of November each three things Thursday will focus on how you can save this Christmas and give good gifts.
1) Rewards Points. Do you have debit card rewards points (we’re not even going to talk about credit card ones on here because you need to rid yourself of credit cards now)? Many banks offer reward point systems for using your debit card. With the reward points, you can snag great gift cards and more. You do need to think ahead a little bit when cashing them in though. It takes 2-3 weeks for a gift card to arrive so don’t order them on December 15th expecting to have it to use. I actually just got online today and ordered a $50 Visa Debit Card (leaving a balance of points to hopefully get a 2nd at the beginning December) so that it’s here in time for Black Friday. I also gift magazine subscriptions like crazy through MyCokeRewards. You may recall that I’m a health freak and we don’t drink pop at all? I actually have accrued a ton of Coke Reward Points through friends. Many folks aren’t going to use their caps and codes anyway so snag ’em if you can!
2) Limit Your List. Do you find yourself buying for an umpteen gazillion people every year? It’s time to whittle down the “Nice List” and give some of those folks a good hug for Christmas instead. YEARS ago (even before the whole debt free pursuit) we chatted with our brothers (we both have 1) and asked if it would be ok to forgo giving to the adults in lieu of either buying for the kiddos or giving a family gift. We set a price goal for each other ($20-$25) for the entire family. It took the pressure off of all of us and eliminated expenses and extra “stuff.” NOW is the time to have conversations with folks. I have more than a feeling that the majority of folks are feeling the pinch of the economy and will be more than glad to say no big deal. If you can’t get beyond the idea of buying for someone, at least limit the dollar amount (we’re talking $5 or less folks) or make homemade gifts for one another.
3) Consider not exchanging gifts with your spouse. We made a decision last year that we wouldn’t buy anything for one another while we were in debt. It was a joint decision, agreed upon by both of us. It was probably harder for me who loves to show love through gifts (and receive it that way, too). So the first year hurt a little (like pulling off a band aid – quick but stingy) but this year I can honestly say I’m 100% ok with it. We do buy for our kiddos but have specific strategies in doing so (more about that in the coming weeks) and we did do stockings filled with essentials for each other (nothing like fresh deodorant on Christmas morning!) and we spent special time together.
Hope that these tips (and the ones in the days to come) help you keep Christmas under control. What about you? What are three things you do to save money around the Christmas season?
www.queenoffree.net
In response to number two, that is because the queen’s brother has four children. Who would want to buy that many gifts. Just kidding. It works wonderful for our families:)
Oh Duchess Ange, I’d love those little boogers even if they sent me to the poorhouse. 😉 We do the same thing on the other side and only 2 kiddos are involved so equal treatment, you know?
Here’s what I do: 1. save every week in a separate Christmas account (it all adds up), 2. shop early and often….I get great deals in Sept after the back to school sales. Stores clear out of “kid stuff” that time of year. Even Toys”R”Us. 3. Cut down on WHO I’m buying for, and make gifts. We took hot chocolate to the crossing guards last winter. I make 4 12×12 scrapbook pages of photos through the year for my in-laws. I got a positive response from all these folks.