6 Tips to Having a Stress-free Christmas

The Christmas holiday is one of the most celebrated all over the world. As one that falls on the last month of every year, it involves a lot of travelling and shopping activities. People travel from far and near to celebrate this period with their loved ones, because it’s a season to love and to share. The Christmas holiday involves activities that require funds, so proper planning during this period is essential. Saving for this holiday is as vital as for any other important holiday or vacation, because the holidays begin usually from mid-December (or the third week) to the first week of January. It would be ideal to start each year on a good note, but how can one achieve that without proper planning? Along with the good Christmas cheer, the huge expenditure that burn holes in one’s pockets and elicit sighs of frustration is a factor to consider. We all wish to enjoy the merriment of this joyful season without the post-holiday debt and that is clearly possible with these few tips: 1. Set up a holiday savings account: Set up a piggy bank or bank savings account solely for the purpose of saving up for the holiday, taking extra precautions to keep yourself from breaking in when you’re pressed to do so. 2. Bank unexpected windfalls as they come: We don’t often think too much of the little sums of money that flow in once in a while hence we blow it extravagantly. Resist the urge to spend them and make a habit of saving instead. 3. Make a list: Prepare a list of everyone you intend to give gifts to no matter how small, which should include the maximum amount you are willing to spend as it helps you manage your holiday budget. 4. Start early: Keep your eyes open all year round for items that family and friends would like. Don’t wait for the holiday rush to kick in; be smart and wise. 5. Take advantage of cyber shopping: Online stores usually have one big sales or the other periodically throughout the year with great bargains and featured extra discounts. To stay in the know, sign-up on such online stores to receive regular alerts for new offers and great deals via email. 6. Plan for the New Year: The New Year comes precisely a week after Christmas. You don’t want to spend all your earnings in the last month of that year. Ensure you make a separate budget for the first month of the New Year to protect against financial handicap. There is a tendency for business activities to be slow in the first month of a new year due to people running out of finance from extreme expenses the month before. Save and plan for this. You don’t want to be sober after Christmas. This way, you get to have a beautiful Christmas without debts. Start and end the holidays on a clean slate. Happy Holidays!  

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This article was first published on 5th December 2013

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