Budgeting Tips for a Spectacular Holiday

No matter how wonderful it turns out, the holiday season always seems to bring a lot of stress. While we all enjoy the holidays, not having to worry about them financially would make them even brighter. Many things can be done to create a spectacular holiday without the existence of enormous bills to deflate us after and create the mood commonly known as the holiday blues. To budget for a holiday, planning is a must. First, figure out everything you will need to pull off your version of the perfect holiday. Here are a few tips to help you save while still out-performing yourself as usual.

Decorations – If you are someone who wants the holiday to permeate your living area it is time to get a little crafty. Many homemade items will not only look beautiful but you can also gather the family and get them involved as well. When the family takes part in the holiday decorating, it gives it special meaning. As the years go by they will always remember the fun they had decorating the house for the holidays. If you have younger children have them help with stringing popcorn or making their own pictures to proudly display around the home. Older children can help make candles or ornaments adding that special touch of warmth.

The ideas are endless and relatively inexpensive compared to boxed items. Buying a tree gives the aroma of the great outdoors and brings back fond memories of when we were children before the holidays became a commercial event.

Mealtime – Today with the chain stores all competing for every customer they can, there are always sales. Check your weekend flyers for sales on the items you will need for your holiday feast. The tough times can actually work to your advantage here. You may have to visit a few stores, but the savings will be well worth the effort. The dinner can be created with all family members participating adding yet another opportunity to have that closeness during the holidays. Desserts should be cooked at home to save some money. They are guaranteed to taste better too.

Gifts – While we all want to give our families everything they want, times are changing. It might be a good idea to get the main gift for all of the children to share if you have more than one. Depending on their ages and your budget there are many items out there that can be given as a combined gift. Children are more aware of the times than we sometimes give them credit for. They do not need to wear gold necklaces and receive hundreds of dollars worth of gifts each for the holiday. If you have been hit hard in the wallet these past few years do what you can, try not to put yourself in the position of having to bail out afterward, this will only erase the fond memories you have worked so hard to create. Remember it is not what you give but rather that you give from the heart.