Well, here we are again! How quickly is time going?! It feels like not long ago we were talking about Christmas last year, and yet over the past few weeks I’ve been asked loads when my Christmas planning 2022 series will be back!
I know this may be early for some, that’s ok! Scroll past if you don’t want to see Christmas content. For me though, the key to sticking to a Christmas budget is planning! So I want to begin the Christmas planning series with some tips to help you feel organised, and financially ready for the festive season.
It goes without saying, that Christmas this year could be tough for millions of households. The rising cost of living is going to put a huge strain on many of us. So now, more than ever, it’s important to remember that Christmas isn’t about spending a fortune on presents and entertaining, it’s about the way it makes us feel, giving, spending time with the family or friends we’re lucky enough to spend it with, the yummy food, the cheer. So please, please, please; take the pressure off!
If you follow me over on Instagram, you’ll know that I started talking about the countdown in July, sharing that there was 5 months to go to start budgeting for the Christmas period. Early, I know.
But that’s 5 pay checks, 5 months to cut back in places to add to your budget for the festivities. I know many people who begin their Christmas planning in January – and it’s a great time to do so!
All of the sales on where you can pick up the following year’s presents, allowing yourself 12 months to fully budget for it, taking the strain off of the last part of the year. But, if you didn’t get your Christmas ducks in a row at any of these times, it’s not too late – let’s have a look at some jobs you could be doing now to help ease the financial burden and tips to get you organised for Christmas 2022!
Budgeting, Organising & Christmas Planning for 2022.
Make a Christmas budget (and stick to it!)
There are free Christmas planning sheets on my website, which are all available to download, as well as other planning printables. It’s important to write down everything you would like to include in your budget for this Christmas and how much that will cost. There is a budget with me for Christmas video on my channel if you want to see how I do it. Prioritise your list and realise that it’s OK not to be able to do all of it.
If your sums aren’t matching up with what you have vs what you need, then consider a side hustle or quick ways to earn a few extra bucks like being paid to take surveys or even more here and earning cashback on your purchases.
Importantly, track your spending and don’t go over budget.
Use a shopping method
When I shop, I use a method! I might sound silly, but if I am spending money, I am getting everything I can out of it! I use Chrome extensions to make sure I have easy access to the best deals, I use cashback sites to make sure I earn when I spend (sign up here and get a free welcome gift, I also make a sign up bonus from this) and also chrome extensions for things like getting Nectar points and the like. I have filmed a full video on this for my YouTube channel, I’ll link it once it’s live.
Reduce gifting
I’ve said it before, but one more time for those at the back, you don’t have to buy for everyone! I personally couldn’t care less if I don’t get Christmas presents. I honestly would rather buy for others than be gifted. For me Christmas isn’t about the presents, but the joy of all the festivities & being together…and food…all the food.
With this in mind, it may be that others would prefer not to do too much gifting, perhaps buy for the kids and not the adults, or just pick one person within your group to buy for like a secret Santa. Just because you’ve always bought for everyone, doesn’t mean it’s the way it has to be!
Thrift challenge
If you can’t budge on buying for others this Christmas, then why don’t you set a £5 or £10 budget and get something from the charity shops! It can be a really fun way of gifting, and you can pick up some amazing things from charity shops! I will be doing a thrifted gift exchange video again this year, let me know if there’s anyone you’d like me to do it with!
Be careful of “deals”
Often we’re bamboozled by the language companies use to make us spend our hard-earned money. “Best ever sale” or “Limited stock” can force us to spend in haste and prompts us to make rash spending decisions. If you keep an eye on prices of the things you’d like to buy, then you’ll know when a deal is really a deal. Using a price tracker is a great way of making sure you don’t overpay too.
Free gifting
Could you offer someone your time rather than a present? A lot of people don’t have a babysitter they could call on so offering them your childcare services for the night could be a thoughtful gift. Or perhaps you have some skills around the house that you could offer someone who’s not quite so gifted in the DIY department! It really is the thought that counts!
Shop early
When Christmas planning you’re likely to be shopping around for gifts. It’s not just Black Friday that will bring you some amazing offers. End of season sales are on right now, and businesses are dropping prices as they know people’s spending will be reduced due to the recession. So if you can find something now that you’ll want to buy nearer the time, then grab it early to spread the cost.
Group gifts can help you save
When someone suggests a group gift I jump at the chance! Something like teacher presents or something for your boss can add up if you’re doing it separately, but chucking a fiver into a group gift can really help you save money. If one hasn’t been suggested then be the person to suggest it! People will be grateful, I’m sure!
Declutter!
Have you got a little pile of things you’ve been meaning to list to sell? Maybe you could have a wardrobe declutter and sell things on Vinted? It’s a great time to declutter your things and the added bonus of making money from them is more than helpful this time of year!
Donate.
Christmas is a time for giving, so if you can afford to donate something to a charity close to your heart, it’s a lovely thing to do. Or perhaps if not money then your things, time, food? There are lots of ways to help others this Christmas and I for one am making this a priority with so many in need this year especially.
Regifting
I saw you wince when you read those words! But seriously, why? Where’s the harm in passing on something that was gifted to you that’s not quite your thing or that you don’t need. It’s perfectly ok to pass this along to someone who will love it and use it. Who’s to say the person who gave it to you hasn’t done the same!
There will be lots more Christmas planning and organising ideas coming up on the blog and of course over on my social media channels, so make sure you follow me over there for lots of budget-friendly ideas. And before you go, let your 2023 self thank you later by setting up a sinking fund now to help spread the cost of next year’s Christmas spending!
What do you think?