How to Save Money During the Christmas Season

Hey readers,

The Christmas season is a time of joy, festivities, and giving, but it can also lead to overspending and financial stress. 

With a little planning and creativity, you can enjoy a wonderful Christmas without breaking the bank. 

In this blog post, I will explore effective strategies to save money while still creating memorable moments with your loved ones.

1. Set a Budget.

Before you start shopping or making plans, set a realistic budget for your Christmas spending.

 Include everything from gifts and decorations to travel and food expenses. 

Having a clear budget will help you stay on track and avoid impulsive purchases.

2. Make a Gift List.

Create a list of people you plan to buy gifts for and assign a budget for each person.

 Consider opting for thoughtful homemade gifts or personalized items that show you've put effort into selecting the perfect present.

3. Start Early.

Avoid the last-minute rush by starting your Christmas shopping early. 

Look out for sales and discounts throughout the year, and gradually accumulate gifts to spread out the financial burden.

4. DIY Decorations.

Get creative and make your own Christmas decorations. Craft projects can be a fun way to involve the whole family and save money on expensive store-bought décor.

5. Secret Santa or Gift Exchanges.

If you have a large extended family or group of friends, consider organising a Secret Santa or gift exchange.

 This way, everyone receives a gift, but you only have to buy for one person, making it budget-friendly.

6. Plan Potluck Meals.

Hosting a Christmas gathering? Instead of preparing all the food yourself, consider having a potluck-style meal where each guest brings a dish to share. 

This not only saves you money but also adds variety to the feast.

7. Opt for Digital Cards.

Sending physical Christmas cards can be costly, especially when you factor in postage. 

Consider sending digital cards or e-cards to your friends and family, which are often more eco-friendly and budget-friendly.

8. Comparison Shop Online.

Before making any online purchases, compare prices on different websites to ensure you're getting the best deal. 

Look for coupon codes and cashback offers to maximise your savings.

9. Limit Decor Spending.

You don't need to buy new decorations every year. Reuse and repurpose decorations from previous years, and consider investing in a few timeless pieces that can be used for many Christmases to come.

10. Give the Gift of Time.

Sometimes the most meaningful gifts don't come wrapped in boxes. Offer your time and assistance to help others with tasks, such as babysitting, pet sitting, or doing household chores.

This gesture can be more valuable than any material gift.

Saving money during the Christmas season doesn't mean sacrificing the magic of Christmas. 

By setting a budget, planning, and focusing on thoughtful gestures, you can enjoy a festive and meaningful celebration without overspending.

 

Remember, the spirit of Christmas lies in cherished moments spent with loved ones, and that doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag.

Cheers for reading X 

What to do with unwanted Christmas presents.

Hey readers, 

Do you have a gift you don't want? Whether it's a book you've already read, a scarf that's not your style, or a hand cream you've never had before, my handy guide will make gift-giving better than accumulating stuff in your attack collecting dust.

Give it to someone. 

If you don't like the gift, you can keep it and give it to someone you think will appreciate it more than you do.

Keep the label and packaging intact and save for next Christmas or birthday.

Remember not to give it back to the person who gave it to you in the first place. Give it back only to people you think will really appreciate it.

Sell it.

If you think selling a gift is disrespectful, it's better than returning it or throwing it in the trash.

These days, there are many options besides eBay when it comes to selling unwanted gifts online. 

For example, there are sites and apps that can be used to sell various items such as Depop, Vinted, Shpock, Facebook Marketplace, etc.

If you decide to sell unwanted Christmas gifts on these platforms, it is important to be as detailed as possible in your product descriptions. 

The more information and photos you add about your product, the more likely it is that it will sell quickly.

Return or exchange it. 

If you have a valid receipt, you can return or exchange the wrong Christmas gift in store. First, make sure the giver has included a receipt with the gift.

 If not, you'll need to have a polite conversation with them to explain why you want the receipt.

Christmas gifts purchased online must be returned or exchanged by the purchaser on your behalf.

Even if you don't have a receipt, some stores will allow you to receive a replacement or credit if you clearly indicate that the item was purchased there.

 However, please note that this is at the discretion of the retailer and is not required to be adhered to by the retailer.

Generally, you have 30 days from the date of purchase to return an item. However, many stores are extending this period during the holiday season to give shoppers more time. 

It is important to review our return policy to ensure timely refunds or item exchanges.

But whatever you do, don't let that unwanted gift go to waste. Instead, turn it into something you or someone else can enjoy.

Donate it. 

Giving away presents is becoming more and more popular. If you don't have time to sell your own, donate your unwanted Christmas presents to a local charity shop to sell them for you.

Some items can be donated directly to charity. for example:

You can donate your child's toys to the hospital's pediatric ward (remember to check what you can donate). 

Books can be donated to libraries, schools, or other literacy-based charities. 

Sports equipment can be donated to local sports clubs. 

Clothing can be donated to homeless shelters. 

Some charities accept gifts such as furniture, bicycles, and computers, but always check with the charity to see if you need the item.

 What do you do with your unwanted Christmas presents?  Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X 

What to do between Christmas and New Year (Twixmas).

Hey readers,  

Do you struggle now that Christmas is very and there is that funny period waiting until New Year's Eve comes well that is called Twixmas. 

What is Twixmas?

Twixmas is the term used to describe the days between Christmas and New Year (December 27-30) when you can take a much-needed break from your work and family schedules. For many of us, it's time to completely unwind and let him go about his day doing nothing.

It can be a struggle with not having any structure to your day and you may be looking for something to do so here are 6 things you can do during this weird time to keep you occupied. 

1. Post-Christmas sales.

Enjoy the after-Christmas sale from the comfort of your sofa. Get home bargains without fighting crowds. Buying tickets such as sofas at a high price is a wise investment if they are discounted at this time of year.

2. Pantomime. 

Many people enjoy pantomimes before Christmas, but the best time is after Christmas. It's a great day today after the festivities have settled down and are less busy. It's a great time to get kids who are usually indoors out of the house. Christmas attractions, such as the seasonal ice skating rink and Christmas Market, are also usually open, so it's a great opportunity to see them even when it's not crowded.

3. Thank you cards.

Sandwiched between tense gift shopping and a Christmas hangover, Christmas cards are always a rush job. But a thank you card? Now that you have time to think about these bad guys, show your appreciation with a heartfelt handwritten message.

4. Clear out. 

You may have gotten some extra belongings for Christmas. It's a great way to spend extra time flashing your home. Put clothes you haven't worn in the last six months in a bag and donate them to a local charity shop if possible. Treat your child's old toys recklessly. everything is broken. All still in good condition but no longer in use? Pack it up and get ready to donate. Tidying up is not only soul cleansing, but it is also for good reason.

5. Go for a walk. 

Many people ate too much this year. Whether you've overdone it with roses or you've been watching Christmas specials in the last 48 hours, put on your big coat and go for a walk. You may be healed by the fresh air and find a new favourite spot. It's the perfect time to embark on new adventures while maintaining social distancing.

6. Leftovers.

No, that doesn't mean you sit down and eat a lot of turkey sandwiches... just bring out your inner chef and try leftovers from the big day. Whether you're flipping through a recipe book or browsing through the many recipes available online, you can use your time to try great new dishes and discover new favourites. If you have too many leftovers, why not donate your fresh produce to the homeless or your local food bank?

What do you think of my list of things to do during Twixmas? Is there anything that you think is good that I have missed on the list? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X 

How to make Christmas Eve speical for the family.

 
Hey readers, 

Christmas is fastly approaching and you may wonder how can you make Christmas Eve special for the whole family. Well, I have a round-up of some fun Christmas Eve traditions for the whole family to enjoy.

1. Gingerbread house. 

For a little more magic, you can even build a gingerbread house with your kids. You can go all out and build it from scratch, or buy an easy-to-assemble kit. Either way, it's a delicious Christmas Eve treat that will keep the kids busy for a while.

2. Santa Tracker.

Follow Santa's journey with the Santa Tracker. Google has created an app called "Santa Tracker" that allows you to track Santa's adventures online or on your smartphone. He "stops" around the world to give gifts to children and tells us a little bit about each place. Gather the kids on Christmas Eve and watch Santa progress together for a magical holiday experience. You can download this app from the Google Play store or use the browser version online.

3. Evening Christmas lights walk.

Wait until dark and take your family for a walk around the neighbourhood to see all the Christmas lights. The streets are always magically lit up and look ready for Christmas. When you get home, you can warm yourself up with a delicious hot chocolate.

4. Look up and see Santa fly by.

With NORAD, not only can you track Santa Claus online, but if you're lucky, you'll see him flying overhead by Christmas. That's thanks to the International Space Station, which usually flies over Britain in December and you can check here to find out more. 

5. Christmas film. 

Gather the family get dressed up in your snuggled PJs and pop on a Christmas film, The Snowman and Father Christmas by Raymond Briggs are lovely, shorter films for little ones that are perfect to watch before bedtime.

 Or maybe even check out Channel 4 as each Christmas Eve bring out a really cute animated short film for kids perfect to get them settled for the evening. 

6. Takeaway dinner. 

With all the cooking planned for Christmas, the last thing I want to worry about on Christmas Eve is dinner. Order your favourite snacks and take a break. Combined with Christmas dinner leftovers, it will last for days.

7. Leave out something for Santa and his crew. 

We all know that Santa needs food and drink to stay healthy on Christmas Eve. Place a plate of what he likes on the table and mince pies. Also, don't forget milk and carrots for Rudolph and the rest of the reindeers.

8. Christmas story. 

Light a Christmas-themed candle (out of reach of little hands), light a tree light, and share Christmas stories with your kids. Doing this after bathing and before removing your stockings will give you a calmer end to the day. Just kidding, they still bounce off walls, but hey, it's a great tradition!

9. Hanging stockings. 

Do not forget one of the most important traditions. How does Santa know where to put his presents when he's not wearing socks? Just go back to sleep and you'll be filled with goodies from Santa.

Whatever you do I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.

Cheers for reading X 

Top 5 christmas movies.

Hey readers,

Can you believe we are in December already, in honour of Christmas I have picked my favourite Christmas movies to get you feeling all festive?

The Grinch.

What can a say it is an adept from Dr Seuss's class book The Grinch who is a green hairy fellow who hates Christmas. he hates it so much he goes to the town where he lives and nicks pretty much everyone's presents, decorations and food. 

Of course, when Christmas day arrives everyone appears unhappy because everything Christmas related has gone, however, they learn to still have a jolly good time together. 

So, what happens to the Grinch and all the presents? well, I let you watch and find out.

The nightmare before Christmas.

Another classic animation movie by Tim Burton. This one was my favourite one as a child and now it is my youngest favourite. 

It involves Jack Skellington bored and a bit meh with the whole Halloween scene decides to take on the role of Father Christmas.

 The problem is it all goes belly up as he is not Santa nor does he have the required skills to take on the role of the big guy. We soon learn about why it is important to be happy with what you have. 

Rather dark and not too sickly sweet either and I have to say the soundtrack to the film is top-notch as well.

The Snowman.

I had to include it, didn't I? Timeless classic! Involved a boy making a snowman in his backyard on Christmas Eve.

 Then when everyone is in bed he comes alive, of course, the boy wakes up to discover the magical process. Then the snowman takes the boy on a magical ride through the valleys and towns.

 Really beautiful illustrations and it doesn't involve words other than the song 'walking in the air. Another thing is that it is not long probably about half an hour max which is perfect for little 'uns who get itchy feet.

Bad Santa.

I love Bad Santa as it is really funny and a little bit cheeky as well. So the gist of the story is these two con men try robbing a store on Christmas Eve. 

They do this by posing as Father Christmas and his little helper the elf at the local shopping centre. Of course, Father Christmas is an alcoholic and it is fair to say he is not the best with children.

 A lot of events occur to keep you amused and the plan to rob a place doesn't go all that well.

Father Christmas.

The same author (Raymond Briggs) who wrote The Snowman turns another book into an adept called Father Christmas.

 This is a tale about Father Christmas what normally gets up to before and the lead-up to Christmas. 

He lives in a house on a normal street, just like a lot of people in England. He also is depicted as being a little grumpy and not the jolly good fellow that is depicted by adults, lol. 

Lighthearted and enjoyable for all the family to enjoy. A fun fact about this film Father Christmas says BLOOMING 72 times no less!

Cheers for reading X

The best Christmas memes.

Hey readers 

Christmas is upon us and you know what puts you in a festive mood???? 

Of course, good old Christmas meme to make a toy smirk or nod along.

Frosty the snowman.

This hilarious light heart carton is every but perfection. Although if frosty the snowman sows melt I am sure there would be some darkly funny about Santa tripping up in the pool and smashing his head. (Oops I have just leaked some of my dark thoughts, lol).

Haters going to hate.

what's better than a pug dressed up in a cute Christmas outfit... That's right a pug with a whole lotta sass!

Batman, you did what?!

Poor for years not ha have been the bits. of the joke that he needs some therapy to get over his anxiety about what people think of him.

Dwight Schrute.

Nothing brings me more happiness than a Dwight Schrute (The Office Us) meme he sums up society perfectly. the moment the hand hits midnight on the 1st of November it instantly turns to Christmas. Just look at the shop's bang goes pumpkins and it is all about the tinsel!

The Rock.

This has to be my all-time favourite meme. Of course, The Rock rocking around the Christmas tree. A meme + a pun= perfection.

The Grumpy Cat.

Oh, I have a special place for The Grumpy Cat he is the true grinds of Christmas. How can you not like a sweet-looking cat that is so grumpy he will claw your eyes out?

Post-Christmas.

This meme sums up the aftermath of Christmas and when you put your tree down. That strange empty feeling and that bizarre thought of how your room looks so much bigger when a massive tree has vanished.

Rudolph the red nose reindeer!

You mock Rudolph he will show you what he is made of. Be warned and stop singing about his misfortune or much next time you will hear a bang!

Glitter.

Now I know what to put in Christmas cards to be people that p**s me off. Nothing is worse than glitter everywhere, ugh!

Mariah Carey.

Why is it that Mariah's Christmas hit permanently plays and is always on in shops, grrrrr?

Family.

because you know it is all about the family especially at Christmas when we all stick together.

Cheeky Santa.

He is a bad Santa and loves nothing better than smoking and leaving a special present for the families he delivers to.

Batteries.

You know since having children you need to be a shareholder in Durrell. I am sure most parents have learned the art of cheeky ripping out the batteries of the loudest toys ever. I would call this one of the most valuable parent lessons you need to learn during parenthood.

Would you like cream with that dear?

I do love a filthy meme that makes me laugh due to its rudeness. this is a cracking one and no more words are needed.

Judge McClaus.

Oh, the irony of Santa having the easy life of working one day a year and the rest he sits back and watches and makes a judgment.

Cheers for reading X

Things you can get away with because it's Christmas.

 Hey readers,

 Christmas is a funny old time of year, everything that is 'normal' suddenly goes out of the window.

Then it is replaced with temporary social rules that are seen as acceptable, whereas in any other situation that behaviour could be potentially frowned upon.

 Take alcoholic beverages for example, when it is Christmas you can get away with drinking any old time.

 It doesn't matter whether it is morning, midday or evening although, ideally people expect you to be sozzled by the time the Queen's speech is on.

Any other time you of thinking of drinking alcohol during the day you would be labelled an alcoholic.

 

What is it with chocolate at Christmas? You start Christmas day morning opening chocolate and then you just carry on nibbling away. This then results in your children bouncing off the walls with relatives telling you how to manage your children.

That leads me nicely on to the next point of the fact, Christmas is all about stuffing your face with calorific food.

It is alright at Christmas to have four meals with snacks in between. We are so overindulging in gluttony during this festive time that we forget about moderation and all the other 'messages' about eating healthy.

Christmas time is all about what you can eat like a pig because no one bats an eyelid and in fact, those people are more likely to buy you some more chocolate as a present because you can not get enough sugar.

Christmas is the time when the only numbers you have to worry about is when EastEnders is on. Forget about the calories during Christmas as it is a free calorie zone for the foreseeable few hours.

No guilt what so ever about the telly being on all day long blasting out, it's socially acceptable during the Christmas period to watch TV for 10 hours if you please.

How else are you going to get through the afternoon with granddad snoring in the chair and your children of their tits on sugar?

Who needs routine when you can do as you please on this special day. Forget all about the rules and let's add disruption to the order of the day.

Sit on your arse, watch TV, eat the mountain of chocolate with the drink in the hand at two in the afternoon and do SOD ALL. Why, because it's Christmas, you can be lazy and do nothing during the Christmas period.

The main goal is to relax and make the most of it without the guilt, because who needs guilt on Christmas.

You can wear pj's all day long if you desire without anyone passing judgement or calling you a chav/jobless scum of the earth. Because IT'S CHRISTMAS and the lazier you are better!

For parents, you may secretly help the child with finishing the chocolate after boxing day as they can't live off the mountain of chocolate given from the grandparents.

I suppose the best bet for a parent, like myself, is that I don't have to feel guilty about the indulgent food or the telly being on or even the fact I am looking at my phone too much.

It is that one day that the rules can be broken and anything goes. Mummy guilt can fuck off for one day in the year, result!

Cheers for reading X