How to Save Money at Christmas

Christmas is here; bright lights in the streets, decorations in shops and people selling pine trees here, there and everywhere. And who of course could forget Santa Claus!
England has a Christian history and as most people in this country are Christian, Christmas is possibly the largest celebration of the year.
In many ways Christmas has been cheapened by profit making companies and the media. It’s more about spending money than a true celebration.
But everyone assumes that in order to enjoy the festive season one has to throw money at it when in fact the opposite can be true.
Research has shown that most people’s fondest and most lasting memories of the festive season revolve around the smells and sounds of Christmas and not the expensive gifts that they had received.
Do not get carried away and be miserly but just use some common sense and you will be surprised at how much you can save and still have a good time.
Some useful money saving tips on how to enjoy Christmas without spending a fortune
When you do your Christmas shopping try not to be influenced by all the clever marketing ploys used to get you to spend more money. Still look for the bargains and continue to shop wisely. Select items that are on special offer. Select items that offer “Buy one – Get one free”.
Why buy expensive baubles to decorate the Christmas tree when home made decorations can be just as effective without incurring the cost.
Involve the children, it is their Christmas after all! Get them to paint, colour, cut, design and make their own decorations for the tree.
They can also be shown how to make a variety of decorations for the house including decorative seasonal paper banners, place setting tags, paper candles and paper lanterns.
By involving the children you will give them a sense of achievement and a certain amount of pride in what they have accomplished. That has to be more meaningful than just buying some costly decoration and placing it on the tree.
With a bit of planning you will be surprised at how much you can save. Here is a useful shopping tip that will save you at least 50per cent on the cost of all Christmas decorations, Christmas cards, crackers and wrapping paper. Wait until just after Christmas when the supermarkets begin to hold their after Christmas sales.
You can then buy all the cards, crackers, candles, baubles, wrapping paper and other decorations at very low prices. They can then be used for the following year.
If you follow the above advice you will save money. This saving can perhaps be used towards paying for a treat such as a summer holiday.