Realistic Christmas Savings Plan

It’s never too early to start thinking about Christmas!  I agree that it’s best to start saving for Christmas in January but even if it is September you can still save a bunch of money to make your holiday special.  Finally, a Realistic Christmas Savings Plan!

The truth is that life happens, things don’t go as planned and Christmas can end up being stressful instead of peaceful.  Here is some help to refocus on the real meaning of Christmas and make this season the best you have ever had!

The Realistic Christmas Savings Plan

FOCUS

A very good place to start is to realize that Christmas isn’t about presents at all.  Now, I know that this won’t fly with your kids but understanding that it is Jesus’s Birthday is the place we need to start.  Helping our children that it is us that should be giving Jesus presents will help set the tone for the holiday.  Check out some of our Christ-Centered Family Christmas Traditions…HERE!

PLAN

Sit down today and write a list of the people on your Christmas List.  Then take a moment to pray for each person and see what items God puts on your heart to give as gifts.  It is amazing that many times (not all) the thing that the person really wants does not cost a dime.  On the other hand, there have been a few times that it took a lot of faith and money to purchase a gift for someone on my list.  So be prepared for either event.  Next, make sure to write the items down next to the person’s name.  Start scouring sales flyers or DIY projects for the best possible deals.  Write everything down and keep the list in your purse.  Here is a HINT to stay organized this Christmas season.  Use Trello a FREE app to help organize even the most scatterbrained of people.

BUDGET

Take a look at your budget and see where you can find some extra cash.  You may want to cut your entertainment budget or even your grocery budget to find a few extra dollars to spend on Christmas.   Can’t find any money in your budget?  Click HERE to find out how our family had a successful Zero Budget Christmas and yes, all six of my kids received gifts!  Another creative budgeting idea is to just save $10 dollars a week and by the end of the year, you will have saved $520!  You probably won’t even notice that the money is missing.  Set up a Christmas Savings account or stuff a sock in your sock drawer with the Christmas Savings Sock.

PENNY JAR 

Yes, there have been some years that our change jar that sits on my husband’s dresser has funded Christmas!  Don’t overlook this easy way to save money throughout the year and best of all your kids will help you roll the coins when they know what the money is to be used for.  The change from your pocket or purse can really add up!

LIMIT 

Because of our family’s faith and because we live in a materialistic society we have always limited our children to three gifts apiece.  Why?  Find out HERE!  I challenge you to think about the Christmas Holiday and what it really means.  When you prayerfully approach the season you will find that your need to spend any money at all will diminish greatly.  Planning to make Christmas a Christ-Centered Christmas will help you formulate the most realistic Christmas Savings Plan around!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Blessings,