If you bring Holiday debt into the New Year every year, this is the year to switch things up. After all, the Holidays are about expressing how much you care, not diving off the financial deep end!
Here are six ways to create new, financially responsible holiday traditions.
1. Draw names
Giving gifts to everyone in the family or office can cost a pretty penny. Instead, suggest drawing names so everyone has only one person to focus on and buy for. Set a spending limit while you’re at it! Not only will this approach cost significantly less, it will save everyone a ton of time.
An alternate idea for families is buying only for the kids and the elders.
2. Holiday Re-Gift Swap
Most people have received gifts that aren’t really their jam. Rather than the traditional gift exchange, suggest a gift swap where everyone brings an unwanted (unused) gift and puts it on display. Then, everyone can select one gift that they want. This way, unwanted gifts find a happy home!
3. Sup instead of stuff
We all have too much “stuff” these days. Instead of exchanging gifts this year, host a potluck where everyone can show off their cooking or baking chops. Non-home chefs can bring the beverages. Invite guests using Evite or a similar platform so guests can share what they plan to bring.
4. Do things instead of giving things
Along those lines, plan a group activity and make memories vs. giving gifts. Maybe it’s a beautiful hike, a stroll downtown enjoying the holiday decorations, or inviting everyone to volunteer at a soup kitchen together. Remember to take lots of pics to remember the day by!
5. The gift of hard work
Do you know someone who could use a helping hand? Rather than spending money on them, give them something more valuable – maybe it’s your stellar raking game, your bookcase assembly skills, or basement organizing abilities! You can hand make a card or coupon/gift certificate with your offer or buy a holiday card that is blank inside and describe how you’d like to help.
6. Get crafty
Handmade gifts are more accessible than you might think! There are endless resources for inspo – YouTube is simply packed with clever how-tos, as are the websites of craft retailers, like Michael’s and JOANN. And if you’re not great at making things but are great at baking things, make batches of your famous cookies or scones.
You can order festive tins or boxes on Amazon and package them like a pro.
