How to celebrate Christmas and New Year without breaking the bank

By Robert Mutasi

The holiday season is around the corner. The festive season is with us. Preparations for Christmas and New Year celebrations have commenced. 

However, these festivities have expenses which mount pressure on the people who are spending. Expenses for holidays starting from food and beverages to gifts can lead to financial strain during post-holiday financial strain.

But worry less, here is the solution that will guide you to spend your Christmas and New Year Holidays without breaking the bank .

These are the steps that you must follow to avoid draining your pocket fund during this festive season.

Creating the right budget

Before you start shopping and making plans ensure you have created a clear budget for all vacation expenses. Make sure you do not mix your budget, instead categorize them. Categories like gifts, food, beverages, and decorations should be analyzed to make sure they are limited.

If you are not sure with your spending's, try to track the expenses of the previous year. This will save you from financial hangover in the new year. Choosing handmade gifts over expensive purchases Giving gifts to friends and relatives is considered as a valuable Christmas traditions.

It does not necessarily have to be very expensive. Be thoughtful! Consider giving out handmade gifts because they are more significant.

Self-portrait albums, woven scarves and baking party treats are among DIY gifts that are less expensive. You can learn ideas of creating handmade gifts from Pinterest that are less costly in terms of money and resources.

Donating of gifts

Donating gifts for friends and large families is one way of reducing your cost of spending on personal gifts. You will feel good when you receive or give a gift that is cheap where the price tag is set.

This one will save your money since it requires you only to purchase one gift that is thoughtful rather than several for every member of your friends and families. Creating your own decorations Store decoration is very expensive, do not be tempted this holiday.

Instead try to be creative and make your own decoration. I know you are in a dilemma asking how? Alright, stay calm, go to your house and collect materials or walk around your compound and collect material there.

Materials that are natural such as twigs, pine cones, bark, pebble and small stones, acorns, sea shells [for those who are near the coastal areas], flowers, leaf printing and bird feeders. In addition, customize your tree for projects that are simple and affordable.

Organizing potluck dinner

Arranging potluck events such as dinner automatically cuts your expenses during the Christmas holiday and New Year's festival.

A potluck event is where you invite guests to bring their favorite foods and beverages instead of paying for the entire food by yourself.

This is one of the best financial strain solutions. Not only a solution but also one way of saving your money.

Choosing holiday activities that are cheap or free

There is no need to break your bank for engaging in holiday activities, there are many holiday activities that are absolutely free and others are cheap in cost.

Holiday activities like walking around your neighborhood, taking in Christmas lights, Christmas markets, museums, concerts and performances are cheap. Additionally you can also play games, watch movies or spend time with your loved ones.

This will create great memories. Shop wisely Procrastination can lead to excessive spending during holiday shopping. Start planning ahead. Start earlier bargaining. If possible rush for offers and promotions.

Spending a lot of money on Christmas and New Year's is not a must. Instead just enjoy the holidays that are stress-free, which cannot incur a lot of cost.