Stop stress and save money this Christmas
November 6, 2009 by Jennifer Chait
Filed under Holiday Thrift, holidays
Christmas is not only overly expensive but can be totally stressful too. In fact the issues usually go hand in hand. Really it’s time to end this stressful holiday nonsense and get back to holiday celebrations that actually matter and that are actually fun, don’t you think? Here are some ideas to cut your budget and your stress level this Christmas…
Stay put: Holiday travel is more expensive than traveling at other times of the year and bonus, it’s hyper stressful with long lines, crowds, and layovers due to nasty winter weather. Stay put. Call your family on the holidays to say. “I love you” and all of that, but honestly, does it really matter when you see your family if you typically only see them once or twice a year anyhow? I’ve always thought that visiting during the holidays only is totally overrated. Go visit in April instead!
Go potluck style: Potlucks aren’t as tacky as some people think, in fact some can be elegant and they create an easy-low-stress environment right from the start. Have everyone bring a dish or two, lay them out on a long table and sit on the floor with plates. Casual, more fun, less stress, and fewer groceries you’re responsible for.
Skip Black Friday: I KNOW people love this day, but it’s so freaking stressful. All the crowds, all the running out of deals, all the hassle. Save sanity and time, and skip it. Shop on a school day, early morning when the stores are less busy and when there’s less pressure. This will save you money because you’ll be clear headed enough to stop and consider all purchases.
Make it a gift card Christmas: Instead of spending lots o’ cash and time looking and looking for the perfect gifts, buy gift certificates in bulk. Good ones that won’t cost the farm include movie theaters, Whole Foods, iTunes, the local coffee shop, or Borders. $25-40 will get you a lot at all these places – well, except the movies nowadays, but it’s still enough for a nice day or evening out.
Keep entertainment low-key at parties: Easy finger food, drinks, friends and a nice garland or two is seriously enough to get a holiday party started. Pull out a low-cost white board for Pictionary and rent a movie suitable for kids, so that other people aren’t stressed out with having to find a sitter. Really, having a holiday party with a kid’s area will make you the most popular party thrower of the season.
How are you keeping the holidays low-stress and low-cost this year?
[image via stock.xchng]
I totally bypass black Friday. All the good deals aren’t worth the crazy stress. Instead, I shop for gifts all year long, and that helps me to still get great deals.