You know it’s Christmas time when Oprah comes out with her list of favorite things for the year. She has everything from paint-by-number kits to luxury truffle trays. And, according to my math, the average price for her gifts rings up at just under $150!
I don’t know about you, but that’s more than I spend on food in a whole month. And that’s one gift for one person.
Everything about the holiday season costs money. Buy presents, visiting family, making big meals. It may seem like a jaded view, but it’s the time for capitalism to convince us Christmas spirit means spending buckets of cash.
So how do we give meaningful gifts and make it to the New Year with budgets intact?
Before You Begin
Let’s turn to my man, Dave Ramsey, for a second. If you don’t know who Dave Ramsey is, you should. He’s basically the budgeting and finance guru that all of use need in our lives. And he’s here to save your Christmas budget. By reminding you of a few things to remember before you make your Christmas List.
Don’t focus on the external, put some meaning behind your gifts, stop and rest, you don’t need to get everyone everything, and take advantage of Christmas deals. Got it? Okay, let’s go.
Christmas Cards!
Have a photo shoot with your roommates and pass them around the apartment complex (especially to any cuties that have caught your eye). Take a picture with your family and send Great Aunt Martha a sweet note and a “Merry Christmas!” with it. Trust me, she’ll be overjoyed. My dad is always asking for a picture of me for his office (because I’m his favorite and only child).
And your cards don’t need to be expensive or difficult to create. Free sites like Canva have pre-made Christmas card templates and a simple user interface!
Food (Enough Said)
Obviously food is going to be on here! I stand by the fact that food is the true meaning of Christmas. Especially homemade junk food that fills you up with warmth and love. A little much? Then you must not have had these classic cookies.
First, gingerbread men from butterscotch pudding mix. I made these guys at least 5 times last year and I can’t want to break the recipe out again. A little pro tip with this one: I add an extra teaspoon of ginger and cinnamon to give it that true gingerbread spice!
Second, pumpkin chocolate chip. This one is so easy that you won’t even need a recipe. Just mix together a box of spice cake mix, a can of pumpkin, and as many chocolate chips as your heart desires. Scoop some blobs of that sticky dough on a nonstick tray and bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes or until toothpick comes out (mostly) clean. These are sure to be a crowd pleaser and they are the easiest thing you’ll ever make.
Coupons
We’re back to Dave for this idea. He would like to remind you that coupons for services didn’t have to stop when you turned 12! I made my mom plenty of backrub and do the dishes coupons back in the good old days.
Dave suggests some fun ideas for a significant other like making tacos for dinner (or their favorite meal) or back rubs. Those definitely never went out of style.
And jazz up you coupons with a cute template or add a touch of sweetness by breaking out the arts and crafts supplies.
Lots of Love and Service
Okay, maybe I’m piggy backing off of the last idea, but remember that, despite that commercial push, Christmas is about loving each other and having fun! Don’t feel bad if you’re too broke to buy everyone on your list something. Instead invite them over for dinner or to hang out. Do your roommate’s dishes. Sing some Christmas carols--I’ll let you decided when that’s appropriate. Smile. Do what you can and know that it’s enough.
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