How to Have a Great Christmas on a Budget

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Are your finances making you feel stressed as the holidays get closer? These tips from top bloggers will help you have a great Christmas on a budget.

Almost every day I hear from someone about how they aren’t sure how they are going to make Christmas happen this year because they simply have no room in their budget. This can be heartbreaking, especially for parents since kids don’t always understand.

I decided to reach out to other bloggers to see what tips they had for people that are broke this Christmas. The more minds I could get thinking about this the better!

They didn’t disappoint and sent me some really great suggestions. Many have been there themselves and have so much sympathy for being in that place.

We hope that these tips can help you find some peace and joy this Christmas season.

Christmas on a Budget

Stick with Simple Traditions

“Most of my fondest memories of Christmas were super simple. They were things like sharing a room with my brother on Christmas Eve and listening for the reindeer’s hooves on the roof. My Grandma’s raisin cookies and my Grams’ sand tarts. The Lifesavers candy book is in my stocking every year. The glow of the plastic candle in my bedroom window. When I reflect on these memories, I realize how simple traditions can be. Traditions don’t need to be spectacular to be memorable.” – Alyssa from Good + Simple

“Start low cost or no cost traditions to make the holidays festive without spending a ton of money. “- Tamara from Empowered Single Moms

“If you have young children, it can be tempting to feel like you need to buy them lots of gifts to make their holiday special. But children find magic in everything around them, so create a list of things you can experience with them like baking cookies, checking out lights, making handmade gifts for family, rather than putting the focus on buying. Not only will they love the time spent together, but they will develop a love for the simple joys at Christmas. Gifts are a great addition, but not the main point of the season.” – Mary from The Mom Friend

More Traditions Resources-

Have a Christmas Budget

“Having a simple Christmas budget will help you keep track of what you’re spending so you don’t go overboard. In January, you want to look back on the holidays with happy memories, not filled with regret because you can’t pay all your bills. A good rule of thumb is to keep your Christmas budget around 1% of your total annual income, assuming you can comfortably afford it. So if you make $50,000 a year, your holiday budget would be $500.” – Rebecca from Unexpectedly Domestic

“Carefully track what you’ve bought so you don’t accidentally over-spend or find missing gifts next July!” – Cindy from Smart Family Money

More Christmas Budgeting Resources

Spend Less on Gifts

“You don’t have to buy for everyone, it’s not a competition.”- Christina from Little Sprouts Learning

“Try making the same inexpensive gift for everyone. I think it shows you care mixed with “I’m on a budget.” We made candles one year and I was surprised how well received it was.” – Liz from Blue & Hazel

“Part of the reason the holidays can cause so much stress is because of the rush and the absurd amount of money that is spent. We have all been there, realizing we have spent too much money on toys that our kids really don’t need. Spend less money and put in more thought of what gifts your family will value. Be more intentional about what you are giving your children. Consider swapping gifts For experiences to make lasting memories.” – Myrtle from DIY With My Guy

More Gift Resources

Use Cheap or Free Christmas Decor

“You can make your home look beautiful and festive using things you already own or can find easily at thrift stores – candles in thrifted candlesticks, bowls of colorful ornaments, photos of Christmases past on the wall.” – Carrie from Lovely Etc

More Christmas Decor Resources

Simple Christmas Home Decor That Makes a Big Impact

Save Money on Wrapping Paper

“Skip store-bought wrapping paper! Upcycle paper bags turned inside out or cut up old t-shirts and wrap gifts using a method called furoshiki.” Stephanie from Swoodson Says

“Bulk buy your wrapping paper in the January sales for a fraction of the price and save it until the following year.” – Emma from Kitchen Mason

Remember What Christmas is Really About

“When my son was little we were completely broke. But that Christmas ended up being one of our best, as it forced me to remember what Christmas (and gift-giving) is really all about!” – Victoria from A Modern Homestead

Cut Your Grocery Budget

And a tip from me is to look at your grocery budget. Most likely there are some ways you can save money there. This is a great way to make a bit of room for your Christmas budget.

If you need help check out Slash Your Grocery Bill from Crystal Paine of Money Saving Mom. It has 25 tried and true systems to help you save a lot of money. She has saved $1,000s of dollars using these systems and helped her family get out of debt.