It's so easy to get stressed over the cost of everything, worrying about not spending the same amount on each person, the food, when to order things, delivery delays, decorating the house etc etc, but Christmas for me is more about the family time, I'd rather people didn't spend their money on me (I even tell people not to every year and they don't listen!) ha ha. Sure go and buy some presents, make your house look nice, but you really don't need to spend tons and tons of money, it really is more about the thought, the family time and making memories! (although lots of chocolate and roast potatoes wouldn't go amiss!). If you have little ones under the age of 2, you really don't need to go crazy, they won't remember anything and besides, in a few years time, they'll be asking for every bloody thing in the Argos book, and then, you'll wish you'd saved some money!! :)
Decorations If you can wait until closer the Christmas (literally 2 weeks before), a lot of decorations and trees are super cheap! We picked one up a few years ago reduced from £119 down to £20, it was huge and looked amazing! As much as real trees look better, they do only last the one Christmas so i'd recommend buying an artificial one which will last forever! As for the decorations, looking online at discount stores can get you some real bargains! You could even try making your own if you're feeling crafty, we are going to be making these Salt Dough Ornaments with Abbie this year, who else remembers making these as a kid? Food The closer Christmas gets, the more vouchers seem to appear, don't ignore the ones that come in magazines, and don't feel awkward if you hand over 20 to the cashier either, they are there to help you save money so go for it! Also if you're buying your food shop online rather than actually in store, there are tons of voucher codes for Waitrose, ASDA, Sainsbury's, Tesco and other supermarkets, so don't miss out on those!
Money Jar Instead of ordering your weekly/fortnightly takeaway, put that money into a jar and save some extra pennies for Christmas shopping! Obviously the earlier you start, the more you can save, but it's so nice when the time comes around to get some presents and you have something stashed away! You could even get yourself one of those money jars where you can't actually get back into it, but displays the price on the top! Place it above the washing machine maybe, for all those coins you end up taking out your jean pockets, or the spare cash you leave laying around! Visit charity shops! I love love love charity shops! I always find bits for Abbie in there at such cheap prices, and obviously all the money goes to a great cause too! We actually have about 6 here in my little town so it's really handy for us! Although I don't find many things for myself, the kids sections are always amazing, from wooden toys to instruments, board games to clothing, most things are in fab condition still and are perfect for Christmas gifts, especially if it's their first or second Christmas too! eBay Sell the crap you don't need or use anymore, those things hidden away in the loft or spare room, do you really need them? Even if you only get £10 for them, that's one gift straight away you can get! Have a clear out in your house and decide what can go, my Sister actually did these a few days ago and showed me all the stuff she's able to get rid of, you'd be surprised actually! We have a loft full of things we really aren't going to use, i'm a bit of a hoarder with Abbie's old toys but really, what good are they up there? Places like eBay, Gumtree and sometimes the Facebook Buy/Sell/Swap places are a great way to get rid! How do you save money for Christmas? x
