Christmas Credit Crunch - Updated

Some of the traditional traditions have been slightly purged, and if you can do the same it will save you money, but more importantly, save you unneccesary hassle that will probably come as a relief in many directions.

Christmas cards

Unfortunately this can become a card ‘war’. X and X must be sent a card because they normally send you one.

Before you send out your own cards, why not just wait and see what happens? Prune your list then send your cards out to the people to whom you really want to remember.

When you are particularly busy how many times do you 'groan' when a certain card arrives? Do you have a suitable card? Do you have enough postage stamps? If not, when can you get to the Post Office - assuming there is still one near to you?

Christmas is, after all, meant to be the season of genuine goodwill – not enforced/customary/’social’ good will and unneccesary hassle.

Encourage the younger children to make their own Christmas cards. Grandmas and Grandads will love to receive a 'home made' card

Gifts

Set a spending limit on gifts. This is not mean but realistic.

Trim your gift list.

Again be realistic. Are there people on your list you have not seen for a long time? Children of distant relations whom you never see and who are now on the brink of becoming young adults?

Surely in cases like this, chances are a kind, hand written note from you ahead of Christmas, would be a relief. Yes, it will take five or ten minutes of your time in writing this letter, but use it to express good will etc. and it will be well received. Almost like being let off the hook.

It should also be possible to make an agreement with close friends that this year you will only buy for each other’s children not the adults.

Make good use of coupons and items that have been bought in the sales.

Our other page will help you here.

According to research done by 'Which', shoppers can secure up to a 17% reduction in price by shopping on the Internet and that special offers in supermarkets can even beat this figure. Certainly a case for being extra savvy this year.

Encourage your own children to write their own thank you' notes to the gift giver. This is a part of growing-up that is often sadly neglected now and is a good grounding for their future adult life.

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Decorations

Take a country walk and search out natural items that would look good sprayed with gold or silver paint.

Choose an artificial tree that can be re-used yearly.

Dust off decorations that are made from dried holly and artificial Christmas roses etc. See Tip.12

Grow your central table piece. A cyclamen plant or other house plant will look good when the container is decorated to reflect the season, and will continue well into the New Year as a decoration for your home.

If you have to buy a plant, a small poinsettia plant should not ruin the budget. Remember to keep them moist but not overwatered or the leaves will turn yellow and fall off. If you put the plant in a white plant pot holder (try the Charity shops who are usually very good for this type of item) it will show of the red bracts to advantage.

Food

Avoid pre-prepared shop bought items. These might save you effort but will certainly be more expensive.

Assemble your own nibbles for instance, pigs in blankets - cocktail sausages wrapped in streaky bacon, cubes of cheese or pineapple speared with cocktail sticks.

Small crackers (Ritz are good) with some tasty toppings are easy. Make use of an assorted supply of ham off the bone, thinly sliced tomatoes, spring onions, cheese, a good chutney, and finely grated carrot for a splash of colour. Use these ingredients to create different 'toppings' for the crackers. With a bit of imagination you can soon produce several plates of colourful and tempting bites. Get organised, set up a mini production line and the job will soon be done. Perhaps the older children could lend a hand?

If you are having a pre-Christmas party for friends, a warming casserole (cooked in the Slow Cooker) is easy. No need for a starter here but a dessert and/or cheese and biscuits and coffee would probably be appreciated. Don't allow yourself to become 'stressed out' - you are meant to enjoy yourself along with your guests.

Before you go out to shop for any food, raid your pantry, see what is already in stock. Don’t re-order and create unnecessary expense and trouble for yourself at this expensive time of the year. You may even be able to use up some items. It just takes a minute to look and make a list. Two bottles of Worcester Sauce standing in my larder are evidence of the wisdom of this!

None of this is Scrooge-like or intended as such, just a question of facing up to the reality of the credit crunch. Not only will it save you cash, but also time and false 'friendships'.

Christmas is meant to be about peace and joy - not worrying that you might not have enough cash for the bills that will fall due in January and February.