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Christmas Shopping in December
Are you still doing Christmas shopping in December?
Don’t panic! It is not too late to have a wonderful, debt-free Christmas.
The month of December equals a lot of Christmas sales and deals.
Actually, there are so many sales and deals that it can be downright overwhelming –even if you are a Strategic Shopper!
Don’t let the fact that it is December scare you into going into debt this Christmas.
Here are a few tips to help you stick to your budget and keep your sanity throughout the holiday season.
Don’t Try to Get Every Deal in Town
Don’t try to get every deal in town.
Yes, I know it’s an awesome price, but it is just too overwhelming to try to get everything.
Believe me, there will be more deals coming, so don’t stress over missing out on a few of them.
Don’t Buy on Impulse
Don’t buy on impulse.
You already know this, but are you paying any attention to it?
If you happen to find something in the store that you just have to have, then walk around the store with it in your cart for a little while.
Still not sure? Leave the store without it.
Ask yourself questions.
Will I be sorry if I buy this today?
Will I be upset if I don’t buy this today?
Can I afford to buy this without going into debt?
Take time to think about it before you actually spend the money on it.
Don’t Buy for Everyone
You really don’t have to buy a gift for everyone that you know.
If you feel the need to give something, remember that a simple Christmas card is often good enough.
Even saying a sincere Merry Christmas is good enough!
Think about giving the gift of your presence instead of buying a lot of presents this Christmas.
Simplify Meals
You don’t have to fix a meal big enough to feed twelve children! Oh, wait . . . I do have twelve children!
You can still simplify!
I know that you always fix certain things, but just remember that since you are the one who made this plan, you are the one who can change the plan.
I used to fix an entire Thanksgiving type dinner on Christmas day, including a ton of desserts.
Now, I still make a nice big dinner, but we just have one dessert. We always make a birthday cake for Jesus as our Christmas dessert.
Give Simple Gifts
Simple gifts work fine.
Grab a coffee cup from a dollar store and fill it up with chocolates.
It’s simple, frugal, fun, and yummy!
Check out my article, 10 Amazing Debt-free Christmas Gifts for some simple ideas.
Use Alternative Wrapping Methods
Don’t overdo on wrapping paper.
Every gift doesn’t have to be wrapped.
Ribbon and bows can be just as pretty as paper.
One year I ran out of paper, but instead of running to the store, I ran to the kitchen.
I wrapped the rest of my gifts with aluminum foil!
These gifts looked so festive under the tree with the Christmas lights bouncing off from the silver wrapping paper.
Think outside of the box – or paper as the case may be. 🙂
Check out my article on how to think outside of the box when it comes to wrapping Christmas gifts.
Twelve DIY Gift Wrapping Ideas for Christmas
Read More About Having a Debt-Free, Simplified Christmas
How I’m Simplifying Christmas 2020
Want a Debt-free Christmas 2020?
10 Amazing Debt-free Christmas Gifts
Take time to actually enjoy this time of year.
Merry Christmas!
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