Christmas On A Budget

I can't believe that Thanksgiving is next week. It feels like we just got into November but we all know after thanksgiving brings Christmas and this is such a joyful time. One of my absolute favorite holidays but it can sometimes be stressful and almost become a burden when you feel you have to buy any and everybody gifts. So I wanted to share some things that I have personally done in the past myself and within my family and friends.

1. Finding affordable items-

I talked about this a little on my Instagram today but it is an easy way to save if you are the type of person who feels like you have to buy everyone something. Do things such as research items you know people love because there is always a cheaper alternative I promise. Amazon is somewhere everyone shops now and the little search bar does wonders on dupes. Look at the reviews and sometimes people will post pictures so you can get an idea of what the item looks like. Another thing is to buy some items throughout the year when they are on sale and save it for Christmas. I know that can sound hard but my fiance's grandmother does it every year and it's amazing at the deals and good items she finds for super cheap. This also allows you to not go over budget and spend a large amount at one time. https://www.liketoknow.it/breanna_alexisb

2. Chinese Auction or White Elephant-

I did this some as a child and a few years ago done this with my

family and it was so much fun. If you haven't heard of it basically for both, you get everyone to bring at least one gift to the gathering and it doesn't matter what it is. You can bring something in your own home that you have never used but need to get rid of. If every person at the gathering brings one gift then no one is going to be left out when it comes time to open gifts. You give each gift a number and then each person draws a number and you go around the room matching your number to the corresponding gift. The fun part is you can steal anyone's gift that is behind you if you like it better than the one you got. This just makes it more fun and allows you to buy one gift instead of multiple for multiple people in your family. So suggest it before the next gathering I'm sure everyone will be in on it because it is honestly a lot less of a headache or again burden if you are tight for money.

3. Your Kiddos-

This one is a hard one I'm sure because I am very guilty of wanting to spoil my kids at Christmas time. This year I put a lot of thought into it and started thinking about how much we buy them throughout the year and on their birthdays ( and I wonder why they have so much stuff). We buy them gifts for good behaviour, or just a little something special and so forth so why on Christmas do I feel the need to go overboard. This year we had our daughter go through her old toys to make room for new ones but also explained to her that giving the toys she no longer uses can bring a big smile to someone else on Christmas morning. Not everyone has the funds to buy new and shiny toys so donate things your kids no longer use for a family that could benefit. But just because its Christmas doesn't mean you have to buy them any and everything I'm sure some time throughout the next year they will eventually get that particular item so make a budget for each child and STICK TO IT!

4. Thrift Store

I know you probably just read this and laughed or thought eww gross. Let me tell you a lot of thrift stores have unopened items and lately most of my thrift stores near me have had a lot of Target items that have never been opened or used. I am a big thrift store girl and normally go here before buying anything new because there isn't anything a little cleaner or wash cycle cant fix. Now I'm not saying get something run down and wrap it as a gift unless you know the person and they would honestly be over the moon because let me just say someone gives me a goodwill gift card for Christmas you just made my whole day. There is a lot of damage I can do in a thrift store. So don't knock it till you try it. Also just to note goodwill is not the only thrift store around next time your out and about just put thrift store in your GPS and you will find other places like value village, bargain outlets, and so much more.

There are so many ways to have a memorable Christmas on a budget. You just have to be willing to venture out and give suggestions to families trust me it is not going to make you look broke but responsible. There is no need going into credit card debt or paying one bill late just to buy gifts. I can assure you planning out lists and ideas before the big Christmas day will take the stress out of Christmas and bring by the joy you should have.