A Difficult Year
This year, like a number of past ones, has been hard for almost everyone in the world. People have lost their jobs and homes and many people are still suffering from previous events like lockdowns, mental illness, loneliness, lack of medical care for other illnesses, like stroke, heart attack and cancer.
For those who celebrate Christmas, it is often a time to make it the best one ever, to forget about a miserable year, with no money and to really blow out on Christmas.
Whether you are planning a blow-out Christmas, a usual Christmas or even just a quiet time at home, it always takes money. If you really have no money, then now is also the time to plan how you are going to manage at Christmas.
Savings
Have you started saving for Christmas? Maybe you have enough money for all you need each year? If not, then you could save $100 or £100 by Christmas by starting right NOW and putting $1 or £1 a day into a jar. If you start on September 1st, there are over 100 days left to Christmas so just 1 coin a day would get you 100 coins by Christmas. Of course, if you gave up a coffee a day from September, you could save maybe 300 coins by Christmas or even more. Would that help with the expenses? It could certainly buy you a turkey or other Christmas dinner, some festive cheer and even some presents.
Starting Later
Of course, you may be reading this later, if so, start saving now. Put your spare change in a jar, give up buying a coffee or a bun or buy a cheaper lunch or take one from home. You can still save something and every little bit helps towards the expenses.
Food
Perhaps you could put some food to one side? Tins of meat, chicken, beef or whatever your favourites are. Even a few tins of baked beans hidden away may help reduce the expense nearer Christmas itself. Some shops may be offering deals between now and Christmas. If the deal is something you would use AND it can be stored safely, then that’s another help towards Christmas.
Presents
I recall one person I know whose parents suffered hard times many many years ago. He got no presents at all. But his parents didn’t let him know before Christmas. Here are some thoughtful, affordable, and handmade gift ideas for Christmas that can still bring joy to loved ones without breaking the bank:
Handmade Gifts
Bake cookies, biscuits, muffins, or a small loaf of bread, and wrap them in festive paper or a tin. Buy a plain mug and decorate it with oil-based paint pens. You can add personal messages, designs, or the recipient’s name. Use old candle stubs or buy some wax. Adding a few essential oils can create lovely candles. Hand-Knit or Crocheted Items such as scarves, beanies, or small blankets can be made with inexpensive yarn and a little time. Paint or draw a small piece of art and frame it. You can also use pressed flowers for a natural, beautiful effect.
Upcycled & DIY Gifts
Write down shared memories, jokes, or things you appreciate about the recipient on slips of paper. Place them in a decorated jar for them to read. Use materials like beads, leather, or even upcycled fabric to create personalized keychains. Take cuttings from a plant you have and pot them in a small, decorated pot. Handwrite your favourite recipes or family recipes and bind them into a small recipe book. Create a bookmark from cardstock, decorated with doodles, inspirational quotes, or a meaningful design.
Hard Times
This article is based on a previous one back in 2020, when people had been suffering from the effects of lockdowns during the year. There was also not much of a Christmas that year and some people decided to celebrate Christmas in July the following year.
Hopefully, there will be nothing similar this year, though may people now have much less money than previously, costs have risen and many families are at or below poverty level. If you are in this position, look around for local organizations that help families in need. You may be able to find a food bank, a baby needs bank, or there may be local goodwill shops where you could buy toys well ahead of time.
