The last thing you want to do at Christmas time is cut back – Christmas is the time to indulge, to let loose and to have fun and no one (well very few people) have fun when they’re budgeting. However, there are plenty of small and simple ways you can save this Christmas and you won’t miss out on any of the spirit of the season.

Cutting Back Without Feeling It

Here are 8 simple ways to cut back without even noticing it.

1. Send electronic Christmas cards

Rather than investing in the cost of cards, envelopes and all those stamps, why not send out electronic Christmas cards this year. Send them out early enough and you’ll be able to catch your friends and family before they close down their computer for the holidays and they’ll still know you’re thinking of them at Christmas time.

2. Discuss the budget with family and friends

It is important to set a budget for Christmas gifts because you can unintentionally spend more on gifts for your friends and family that they did on you, and not only is this uncomfortable, it’s unnecessary. If everyone has a budget and agrees to stick to it, Christmas spending can easily be curbed.

3. Make eggnog instead of buying wine

Eggnog may not be as traditional at Christmas time here in Australia as it is in colder climates, but guess what – eggnog can be served cold! That’s right, make it in advance in a large batch and you can save hundreds of dollars at the bottle shop catering for Christmas drinks.

4. Make your decorations

The barrels and shelves filled with Christmas decorations as far as the eye can see are tempting, but the majority of these decorations are poorly made, and aren’t going to last more than one Christmas anyway. Instead, why not get out the glue gun and make some sparkly stars or glue together circles of streamers in a paper chain for affordable Christmas decorations, which you can even get the kids involved with.

5. Make a list of EVERYTHING you need

Yes, we mean EVERYTHING and this not only includes gifts, but also food, drink, decorations, plates, glasses, chairs, air mattress…absolutely everything which you need to buy this Christmas. Having a comprehensive Christmas list will mean you can get everything at once and save money on parking and save time fighting the Christmas crowds.

You’re also less likely to overspend if you’re more organized; you don’t have to wrack your brain in the middle of the store to try and remember whether you’ve bought cousin Francis a present, or whether you really do have a use for those festive tablecloths which are on special, because you’ll be able to make the right decision on the spot, rather than buying the item just in case, and finding you’ve doubled up and overspent.

6. Forget the gifts

Discuss with your family or friends, or both, whether you could go without exchanging gifts this Christmas. You can still see your friends and family during the festive season, but you can put the money towards the costs of Christmas dinner or organize a group picnic which doesn’t require you to rush around and buy those extra seats and the right table cloths, but allows everyone to relax; and as you save money on Christmas, you can remember what the celebration is truly about.

7. Postpone your gift buying until after Christmas

If there are friends or family members who you know you won’t see until after Christmas, wait to buy their gifts. Instead of shopping for these people in the Christmas rush, take advantage of the after Christmas sales to pick up the same gifts, but cheaper – the recipient will never know.

8. Have your gifts wrapped for free

At Christmas time, many stores large and small will offer free gift wrapping services. The paper, ribbons and present decorations you need to wrap all of your carefully selected gifts can cost an additional $100 to $200 on top of your Christmas budget. Instead, simply ask politely if the store offers a free gift wrapping service, alternatively many malls will allow charities such as St Vincent De Paul to set up gift wrapping stations at Christmas time where you can have all your gifts wrapped for a small coin donation.

Have a Safe and Affordable Holiday!

Good luck cutting back on the cost of Christmas without cutting back on the fun.

Do you have any more suggestions?