Tips for an easier Christmas
Created | Updated Nov 24, 2009
Every year people struggle during this time to find gifts people want and to cover the huge expences that this holiday season generates.Often people are left paying huge overdrafts or credit card bills well into the new year.
Over the years I have discovered ways of making this period easier and I hope this may be of benefit to others who are looking for an extra bit of help.
1, FOOD
There are many ways of dealing with the shopping for this holiday period.Many supermarkets now have savers cards which you can add to during the year to gradually save up the money to cover this cost. Some may also offer free home delivery but be prepared as the demand for this service will grow the nearer to christmas you get.
Local butchers often have savers clubs to cover the cost of your turkey and joints of beef and so on as well so they are worth looking into.
Also there are a range of hamper companies.They offer a range of food hampers which you can choose from in the comfort of your own home.You can order online or by post or phone and there are many payment options to choose from. As long as your payments are made in full by the deadline date your hampers will be delivered by christmas.They also offer a range of items suitable as gifts should you wish to spread the cost of these.
2, GIFTS
Make a list of all those you wish to buy gifts for in January. I know it seems abit early but it all adds up to a stress free christmas. If you see a gift for Aunt Mable in the January sales then pick it up,put it aside and cross the name off the list.
You have saved money and got a present that you do not need to get next christmas. All shops have sales and promotional offers. Look out for these events as they are perfect for picking up a bargain and making the most of your money. Not only that but by starting in January you have given yourself more time to buy a more suited gift rather than the last minute sanctuary of socks and aftershave for men and perfume gift sets and boxes of chocolates for the ladies.
If you are on holiday look out for a suitable gift there as very often you will see something you know that someone special would like. Its never too soon to put that something away for them.
3,DECORATIONS
These are best bought also in the January sales. I have known some shops to sell these at up to 75% off the RRP.I have even been able to buy a 6ft tree for just £2.50. I also picked up a few for some friends at the same time.
Become a bargain hunter, never be afraid to look in the more unusual shops you may be surprised by what you find.All these little things have added up to making my christmas stress free. When you do not have the bills to worry about come new year the whole season becomes much more relaxed and enjoyable.
So I shall leave you all by wishing you a Very Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year.
Over the years I have discovered ways of making this period easier and I hope this may be of benefit to others who are looking for an extra bit of help.
1, FOOD
There are many ways of dealing with the shopping for this holiday period.Many supermarkets now have savers cards which you can add to during the year to gradually save up the money to cover this cost. Some may also offer free home delivery but be prepared as the demand for this service will grow the nearer to christmas you get.
Local butchers often have savers clubs to cover the cost of your turkey and joints of beef and so on as well so they are worth looking into.
Also there are a range of hamper companies.They offer a range of food hampers which you can choose from in the comfort of your own home.You can order online or by post or phone and there are many payment options to choose from. As long as your payments are made in full by the deadline date your hampers will be delivered by christmas.They also offer a range of items suitable as gifts should you wish to spread the cost of these.
2, GIFTS
Make a list of all those you wish to buy gifts for in January. I know it seems abit early but it all adds up to a stress free christmas. If you see a gift for Aunt Mable in the January sales then pick it up,put it aside and cross the name off the list.
You have saved money and got a present that you do not need to get next christmas. All shops have sales and promotional offers. Look out for these events as they are perfect for picking up a bargain and making the most of your money. Not only that but by starting in January you have given yourself more time to buy a more suited gift rather than the last minute sanctuary of socks and aftershave for men and perfume gift sets and boxes of chocolates for the ladies.
If you are on holiday look out for a suitable gift there as very often you will see something you know that someone special would like. Its never too soon to put that something away for them.
3,DECORATIONS
These are best bought also in the January sales. I have known some shops to sell these at up to 75% off the RRP.I have even been able to buy a 6ft tree for just £2.50. I also picked up a few for some friends at the same time.
Become a bargain hunter, never be afraid to look in the more unusual shops you may be surprised by what you find.All these little things have added up to making my christmas stress free. When you do not have the bills to worry about come new year the whole season becomes much more relaxed and enjoyable.
So I shall leave you all by wishing you a Very Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year.
