How I Learned to Cut Down on Christmas Bills This Season

Here are some ways to cut down on Christmas bills this season:

Start Early

I had a friend who once said, “Do not put off for tomorrow what you can do today.” Although it's tempting, procrastination will ensure high credit card debt because it's easy to pull out a credit card for those last-minute shopping ideas and last-minute Christmas deals because your favorite items are slashed at highly discounted rates. But don't rely on a good sale to get the items you need. This just increases the temptation to overspend. 

For years, my husband and I struggled to make ends meet. However, we still had two children who wanted gifts for Christmas. If we were going to get them what they wanted and give them a Christmas where they had gifts to open, I couldn't put it off. Each month I set aside a certain amount of money per paycheck. Some weeks it could be as small of an amount as $20, while other years it was more like $50 or $100. Even the littlest amounts added up as I socked it away to pay specifically for Christmas. Only by planning early could I put away part of my paycheck. By starting as early as I needed, I could get enough money to get gifts for our loved ones. This ensured my credit card debt was $0 by January 1st. 

Lower the Expectations 

One year, we were able to give our kids extra gifts for Christmas. We'd had a good year and had some extra money coming in at the last minute. We surprised our children with two larger gifts that they really wanted but never expected to receive. They never asked for these gifts—they were an extra surprise when we waited until the end of our gift opening on Christmas Day and read them a special note from Santa. They had to do a scavenger hunt and discovered the gifts behind one of the couches in the living room. Their faces lit up when they saw the special gifts and they enjoyed them especially because they were a surprise. However, we made it clear that we could not do that every year. 

Some years we do better than others, but we can't always get them extra gifts if we don't have the money. Simply because we spend a certain amount on each family member doesn't mean we have to do that this year. Although it may be emotionally painful to let them know we can't spend a lot on Christmas, let them know we'll spend a lower amount so we can make ends meet. Although it's nice to get special gifts for everyone, most people understand that money is tight, especially around the Christmas season. Although loved ones open their gifts on December 25th, they're not present with you when they pay that bill on January 25th. Consider yourself and put your family first.

Price Compare

Although it's easy to rely on Amazon for most gifts, as it only takes a few clicks of a button to order the gift you'd like, Amazon sometimes has higher prices than the competitors. Take inventory of other stores that may be offering competitive pricing to win over customers. For example, a favorite hardback book may not be worth the $30 price tag listed on Amazon. However, you may be able to get that book used from a thrift store or an online consignment shop. Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Thrift Books are all great websites that offer books at discounted rates. Additionally, for Christians there is Christianbookdistributors.com. It offers shipping in the same timeframe as Amazon and almost always offers lower prices. Not only are you getting the best prices due to your budget, but you are also supporting businesses that do not have a monopoly on the world’s economy. 

Homemade Gifts

If you are crafty, this might be a great way to show off your talent and save some dollars. Some gifts are great when they are homemade. For example, mason jars wrapped with twine and filled with hot cocoa, marshmallows, and cut-up graham crackers may make a great recipe for a nighttime treat. Handwrite a card for homemade Smores or fill the jar with any other treat you desire. Attach the recipe and give it as a gift. Not only will you be able to share a special recipe, but you'll also be able to make a gift that looks valuable but costs very little. 

Additionally, as someone who loves yard sales and consignment shops, many high-priced items can be offered at unbelievable discounts. I have found great treasures in those places but sometimes not 80 to 90% off. Although it is not guaranteed, by consistently checking these areas you may be able to find what you're looking for without having to pay a high premium. Take the time in the summer and fall to go to your neighborhood yard sales and see if you can find gifts for less. 

Adapt Alternative Methods

A friend of mine told me about asking their kids what they wanted for Christmas by using what they called the “Three Kings Method.” Instead of getting their kids a bunch of gifts to fill under the tree, each child received three gifts. In a similar way that the Wise Man gave Jesus three special gifts of great value, they chose to give their kids three gifts that they wanted, rather than nine or ten gifts to open and then never use again. To use this method, ask each loved one for one or two things that they would really love, then strive to get those. Reduce the number of gifts you give to children, grandchildren, or siblings to cut down on costs. Use other methods like getting one gift for Jesus' birthday instead of getting a lot of gifts from Santa.

Although buying gifts may be fun, it may be not fun for your wallet. No one wants to start the New Year off with high amounts of debt. By rationing your funds, starting early, and planning ahead, you can get great gifts at great prices to give to your loved ones and enjoy a meaningful holiday without any of the headache of credit card debt following you in January. 

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