Christmas on a Budget

Christmas is my favorite holiday, hands down. I love buying presents for other people, and of course, getting presents myself is just as fun. This year, our christmas budget is a little smaller than usual, so I'm taking every step possible to make sure that I get the most for my money and spread that Christmas cheer as thin (or thick?) as possible!

Here are the steps I have been taking:

1. Creating a budget and sticking to it. We already have a monthly budget, and sticking to that has been the only reason we have saved enough to buy christmas presents. Something that we have been trying lately is a paycheck 'allowance' for each of us, and its actually working. If Chris or I want something, we have to save our money until we have enough to get it, so it not only helps us save money, but it prevents impulse buys that we may not be happy with later.

2. Planning meals for the weekend, clipping coupons, and shopping the sale ads. Somehow, our grocery bill  has skyrocketed the past few months, and I'm trying to lower it without sacrificing how well we eat. Saving money in other areas means more money for Christmas.

3. Making money while I spend money buying all those Christmas presents with Ebates. I seriously love this site. In just under two years, I have made $140. That might not be too much, but when you think about the fact that it's free money, it seems like much more! After Christmas last year, I received $50 from all my online shopping, and I'm hoping to do the same this year.

4. Setting a limit on Christmas spending and buying for the kids first. Yes, budgets apply to christmas shopping as well! And Christmas really is about the kids.

5. Getting creative with wrapping. The dollar store is a great place to buy gift bags, and I even found scored big with Toy Story wrapping paper!

Or.. You could always put a bow on your child and give them to their grandparents for a few days..