
Do you think that each year you resemble the Grinch more and Santa Claus less? If you’re anything like me, the holidays may seem to have grown out of hand, especially if you have a big family. It seems like you spend more money each year than the one before, but for what purpose? This year, don’t allow the demands of holiday shopping impact you. Here are 5 strategies for enjoying the remainder of 2022: each year
Try a New Gift Exchange Game
Lacking the money to buy 20 unique presents for each of your nieces and nephews? Introduce a fresh game of gift exchange! Even though it may seem like elementary school, the mystery surrounding a Secret Santa is nonetheless amusing. White elephant, the dice gift exchange game, and the left/right present sharing game, to mention a few, are some of the modern gift exchange games that are comparable to secret Santa. For more suggestions on gift-exchange games, click here: Everybody adheres to a budget, and no one expensive present stands out above the others. Furthermore, everyone can find something. I say everyone benefits!
Make Your Own Gift
These days, you can pretty much do anything yourself thanks to Pinterest and the plethora of other DIY websites. I used to buy too many gifts and spend anywhere from $5 to $10 on giftboxes from stores like Pottery Barn and another $5 to $7 on cards from Papyrus. I quickly came to the conclusion that spending over $15 on things like cards, giftbags, and boxes—which are almost certainly going to be thrown away—was not a good idea. Why not put the money you would have spent on those products toward the gift itself? Here is an illustration of a giftbox I created for nearly nothing and in less than 5 minutes.
Seem familar?
In actuality, a toilet paper roll was used to make this gift box!
All you need to do is fold both ends in after using a knife to cut off a half circle on both ends.
Then, to give it a more unique touch, cut some ribbon and wrapping paper, and glue them off-center.
Make it your own, then include your gift after!
Potluck Cooking
If you’re like most Americans, the holidays are a time when you spend more money than usual. Between buying gifts, travel expenses, and food, it can be easy to overspend. One way to help keep your holiday spending under control is to have a potluck dinner. This is where everyone brings a dish to share, which can help save on the cost of food. Plus, it’s a great way to try new dishes and get everyone involved in the meal.
Rack Up and Use Those Points!
If you’re a frequent traveler, you probably have a few loyalty cards with your favorite airlines and hotels. This holiday season, put those points to use and book your travel accordingly. You can often get free flights or upgrades by using your loyalty points, which will help you save big in the long run. And if you’re not a frequent traveler, now’s the time to start racking up those points! Many loyalty programs have sign-up bonuses that you can take advantage of, so start planning your next vacation now.
Be creative.
Get creative with your gift-giving. Instead of buying expensive gifts, consider making something yourself or giving a unique experience. Enjoy the season. Don’t let the stress of the holidays ruin your enjoyment of the season. Take some time for yourself and focus on the things that are truly important.
Volunteer
When it comes to cruising through the holidays on a budget, one of the best things you can do is volunteer your time. There are a ton of organizations that are always in need of volunteers, and by giving back, you can help others while also getting a little bit of a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Plus, it’s a great way to meet new people and make some new friends.