How To Spend Like A Pro This Christmas

So we all know the holidays can be expensive and Christmas is no exception. So many things need to be prepared, including gifts, cards, decorations and anything jolly you can think of. However, with a bit of planning, you can be an expert at cutting down the expenses and just enjoy the magic of Christmas.

#1 Early Shopping Start now while the malls are not totally crowded with people with the same goal as you. You’ll be able to get the gifts and other Christmas necessities you want without the increased prices. So, you need a list just like Santa but a more detailed one with names of people or items and the budget allocated. Add up the amount of money so you know exactly how much is needed and can just bring that amount in cash in order to avoid the temptation of overspending.

via GIPHY #2 Give Others Some Cheer Volunteering during Christmas can be a great way to give back during this festive season but it also means you can cut out the money needed to serve family and friends at home. Help out at an animal shelter, old folks’ home or an orphanage. By doing this, you’ll also be instilling a wonderful message to everyone involved which is the true meaning behind Christmas; coming together and caring for our fellow man like in this video below.

#3 Cherish free and local events So, another way to create less expensive traditions, attend free events! During the festive season in Malaysia regardless of what holiday it is, there will always be family-friendly scenes happening all over and the best most of them are free. You can take your family out to art shows, concerts, plays or game filled child-centred events for the little ones where they can get their pictures taken with Santa!

via GIPHY #4 Organize a Secret Santa gift exchange. Alright let’s just admit it, there are so many people to buy Christmas gifts for! Consider organizing a Secret Santa exchange instead. Instead of buying for ten people, you’ll only have to buy for one. Or you could still give gifts to the children as normal and organize a gift exchange with just the adults. Check out how the Barker Family made Secret Santa exchanges fun and exciting!

#5 DIY when you can. There’s nothing like holiday crafting to get you into the Christmas spirit. Plus, it’s a great way to spend time with the family and save money on holiday decor. Instead of just going into a store and picking something out, try to DIY decorations that hold sentimental value. Deck your halls with simple holiday crafts—and get the whole family involved in the Christmas festivities. Need more ideas? Check out the video below.

In all fairness, Christmas can be a really hectic period and it’s easy to feel the need to overspend. When this feeling becomes overpowering just go back to the true meaning of Christmas which is not about material stuff but spending time with family and friends and expressing your love to them in however way you can.