Ideas for a cheaper Xmas

youngandreckless

Hi All,

I've been thinking of ways to get through Xmas by spending less than the fortune I normally do, and thought it would be a good idea to trade ideas, so that we could all have a cheaper Xmas.
My ideas so far:
Organising secret santa with an agreed money limit to save on pressie buying.
Buying a lottery ticket as a pressie
Anyone else think of ways to cut down? Doesn't have to be just presents, but food, drink, entertainment etc
I await inspiration!

Penny-Pincher!!

Hey

Invite yourself to other peoples Xmas dinner-family/friends etc Invite others to your Xmas dinner and ask them to contribute towards it (food or drink)? Bulk out Xmas dinner with roast/mash spuds and veg. Have a set price limit on Xmas pressy spends. Use up boots/tesco/nectar etc points to pay for or towards Xmas gifts/vouchers. Recycle unwanted gifts from previous years. Make Xmas pressies/xmas cards. Use voucher codes when able towards pressies/grocery shopping.

Tons more.

We are cutting back alot this year. Last year every item of Xmas dinner was from M&S or Waitrose and it must have cost a small fortune and too much quantity-there is only, OH, myself and 10yrDD :eek: This year, everything is made from scratch and will taste much better...hopefully..lol. I have made a schedule for Xmas day and will start off at about 9.30 with a cooked breakie then dinner will be served around 3pm, with mince pies/choccies/cheese straws etc in between

PP
xx

fuzzgun19

I always try to get most pressies from car boot sales, as you can get some good things really cheap(especially if you have children!)

Shawz

I try to get as many pressies as possible from Charity shops. You can find some real bargains in there and you are helping a good cause

black-saturn

Plan well in advance what your going to buy and keep a list in your purse so that you have time to look round for bargains.

Visit loads of people and make the most of their food and drink :A

For next xmas start buying presents in the January sales.

jobbingmusician

For the ultimate in cheap Christmas days, find out if your local church or homeless centre is open on Christmas day and wants some helpers. You will be helping others, spreading Christmas cheer and you'll get a free Christmas meal and lots of warmth in your heart!

You can volunteer for Crisis here http://www.crisis.org.uk/volunt/index.php

WARNING: You will save money. But if you save more money than you get warmth in your heart, you shouldn't be doing this