5 Ways to Have a Rich Christmas Without Spending More
Editor’s note: This is a guest post by Melissa Gorzelanczyk of Peace & Projects.
In the past three years, I’ve learned a lot about what makes me happy in life.
I’ve learned that my happiness level has nothing to do with spending more money. That’s not the message I was taught in America, and you probably weren’t either. Corporations and Hollywood would have me believe the only path to happiness is to buy a bigger house, drive a better car and never wear the same dress twice. For me, the opposite is true – saving money and living simply is what makes me happiest, which is why we’ve downsized to live on one salary and follow a strict family budget.
As we come into the season of spending, it’s probably no surprise that I’m not planning to buy much stuff this Christmas. Why? Because I know too much about what matters to me. There’s nothing for sale that could ever replace the time I get to spend at home, the lower stress level or zero debt balance.
If you’re feeling the pressure to spend in order to make your family happy, I’m going to share 5 ideas that will help take the pressure off. Use these tips to replace some of the material things that pile up under the tree.
Have a season of experiences. Instead of buying the kids a pile of gifts they can’t possibly appreciate, spend a portion of their gift money on a holiday experience. Go to a garden of lights, enjoy a sleigh ride, get out and cut down a Christmas tree by hand. Take them to the symphony Christmas concert. There are so many ways to experience Christmas that will give them joyful, lasting memories. You simply can’t replace an experience with a plastic toy made in China.
Shop early. Start now while the stores are not completely overblown with Christmas. You’ll be able to get the gifts you want without as much fuss. Bonus – lots of time in December to focus on making awesome Christmas memories! In order to shop early, plan ahead. Create a Christmas list with columns for the person, dollar amount and idea. Total the dollar amount so you know exactly how much money is needed. Then hit the stores with cash in hand to avoid overspending.
Turn off your TV. Tis the season of advertising. Instead of letting these ads make you feel inadequate, choose to ignore their message. Put the TV on mute during commercial breaks or stop watching it all together. Rent your favorite Christmas flicks from the video store or on Netflix. Read meaningful stories to get your next year in a positive direction and leave the sales flyers to someone else.
Help others enjoy Christmas. Does your family volunteer during the holidays? This year, look into the multiple ways to give back during the season. Serve a meal at a homeless shelter, adopt a family, ring the bell for the Salvation Army or walk dogs at the animal shelter. If there is a busy mom that needs a break, watch her kids so she can get her shopping done. Make Christmas cookies while they’re visiting. Sing carols at the nursing home. This dark time of year needs people to brighten the world, not just lights.
Focus on the senses. Not senseless consumerism. The best parts of Christmas awaken my senses like no other time of the year. I love the smell of Christmas cookies wafting through the house. I love how the white lights on the porch glows beneath a layer of icy snow. I even love Christmas music.
Take it from someone that’s learned the hard way – don’t go over budget this Christmas. It’s a simple rule that will bring you a lot of joy. No matter what the advertisements say, Christmas isn’t about material things. Find other ways to feel rich instead. By your actions, you can make the holidays a truly memorable celebration of life and family.
Now it’s your turn. How do you enjoy a rich holiday season without spending more money?
Melissa Gorzelanczyk is a freelancer, mother and writer of Peace & Projects. Read her blog and follow her on Twitter.
Photo Credit: Federica Simoni
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36 Responses to “5 Ways to Have a Rich Christmas Without Spending More”
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It is a pity that shops already have Christmas decorations out – even a month ago!
Our country town has a Christmas party on the oval that we like attending. It’s a lot of fun, which is what counts, but not a lot of money.
Hi Peter – Christmas did hit earlier than usual it seems. Enjoy the party this year. I know we have some caroling planned – I can’t wait!
Melissa
Good morning Courtney and readers – I just wanted to say thank you to Courtney for featuring my post. I’m honored to have a space here today.
Much love – and be well!
Melissa
Maybe I’m just feeling emotional today, but your post brought out a few tears. You are so right, and to keep our family on budget, I’ve already started hiding away presents in my closet and I’m planning to make a lot of gifts this year (hopefully, they will be appreciated).
It’s all about the Christmas spirit and spending time with loved ones, and making happy memories — it’s the feeling of Christmas that counts, not the gifts. Thanks for your post 
Aw, thank you Clara, that’a the perfect compliment. The Christmas spirit is a wonderful thing – the Christmas guilt, not so much.
Thank you for stopping by! xoxo
Melissa
I love the idea of making memories and having great experiences over a plethora of novelty gifts that will be soon forgotten while the memories of time shared remains. Lovely post!
Thank you for your kind words. Hugs!
This year my friends and I are having a craft night to make our own lotion. It’s costing us just 5 dollars each, and we’ll end up making sixteen tiny jars to give as gifts. I love making my own gifts (especially consumables), and that I get to have a fun night with friends to make it.
That’s such a great idea! Can I come?
Really though, now my wheels are spinning. I might steal your idea and try it with my girlfriends, too.
Nice to meet you!
Melissa
Courtney, I think you and I might just be on the same wave length here, lol! I just wrote a post on Christmas with kids and making it work.
Melissa, I especially loved the ides of prioritizing the senses. That really is the best part of the season, isn’t it? I know every year I find myself wanting to recreate the way a certain thing felt, and sometimes it works, or it doesn’t. The thrill of seeing the first snow coming down outside, the taste of that perfect meal mom worked so hard on. The bite of pumpkin pie that dances on your tongue and delights every sense in your body.
I loved this so much.
Hi Dusti – My mouth is watering for pumpkin pie now. I totally agree, I love getting caught up on the feeling of Christmas. It’s such a cozy time of year.
Be well and have a merry Christmas!
Melissa
great post, Melissa!!
Thank you, darling!
Agreed! Melissa thanks for taking the time to write this thoughtful post.
Excellent post! I love that you’ve suggested turning off the TV. It’s sad when the television becomes the focal point of the holiday. Great writing!
Hi Jodi – Thanks for stopping by and encouraging me. Enjoy your rich holiday season!
this is great — have to admit i was thinking… no, not christmas please..>! i guess it’s in the collective air, so might as well chop down the xmas demon before it goes too crazy! I decided on a $200 xmas gift budget this year.. starting to rethink even that now..!
Hi Satya – I know, I’m cluttering up the web with Christmas already.
Definitely spend what you want to spend and give generously. Just remember that’s not the only way to enjoy the holidays. (I’m sure you know!)
Glad you stopped by,
Melissa
on the other hand, giving with full generosity of your self and your spirit — is so much more valuable than any gift at any budget….. so i guess it doesn’t really matter..!
this year i’m knitting skarfs to give for christmas…having fun since the beginning of september every present will cost me about 3 euros
Hi Suzy – Excellent idea! And it’s the perfect time of year to get a new scarf.
Thanks for stopping by!
Excellent Melissa. We’ve decided to not give gifts among the adults I know and the kids are getting something small. We just don’t need more stuff. I love the idea of creating experiences. That’s the spirit of family gatherings and holidays. Lovely ideas.
I think that would be a great idea for my family next year. I also think it gets overwhelming in a large family to go around and open gifts. It really takes a lot of time! I’d rather be talking or playing with my nieces and nephews than opening gifts.
I am gaining a lot of ideas for next year.
xoxo
We do spend a good bit on Christmas for our family. We have young adult kids, plus 7 grandkids. Even though we spend, we have always tried to give more practical gifts, and this year we’re going even more practical. For our married daughter and their 6 kids, they are getting an annual pass to a local natural attraction/park. It is only 10 miles from their home and they will get TONS of use out of it!
My other kids will get more practical things that they need for the talent/hobby/passion/career. My son is going to school for automotive tech, he is getting tools. My daughter is going to school for fashion design, we are taking a trip to NY. I know this sounds extravagent, but it is her graduation gift as well, and we are visiting a couple of schools while there.
Our extended family is all older and we will probably do some baking for them, but do not give or expect gifts from them.
I hope that others will learn that ‘things’ don’t buy happiness or love!
Bernice
http://livingthebalancedlife.com/2010/whats-on-your-mind/
Hi Bernice – I love your gift ideas, they are practical and will mean a lot to each recipient. Good job! Enjoy your time with your family.
Melissa
I lost my job a few months ago, so money is quite tight for us. I have told everyone that they are getting thrift store gifts this year. I’m about halfway done and I just can’t believe that I didn’t start doing this years ago. My loved ones get truly unique presents; I get the thrill of treasure hunting and admiration for my awesome finds; everyone gets the satisfaction of being able to keep stuff out of landfills. We all win.
LOVE this idea! It would make shopping so much fun, too. Thanks for adding to the conversation.
A few years ago, our family decided to seriously cut down the gift giving. We draw names, limit the purchase price and encourage communication between giver and giftee. Even the one little preschooler only receives two presents from all the aunts, uncles and grandparents per the mama’s request. Our Christmas celebration centers around spending time together!
Excellent, Willow. I like the idea of limiting the number of gifts. No doubt they are higher quality and more practical gifts, too.
I too have had an epiphany over the last several years as my income dropped by 80%. Shocking and upsetting at first, I now realize it was the best thing that could’ve happened to me and my family. I am honestly happier now than when I was making more money.
In addition to your suggestions, my daughter and I have picked a theme for our holiday gift-giving the past few years. Often we spend more when we aren’t sure what to get someone. This year’s theme is board games. Other themes have been recycling, underwear, and winter wear. We have found it easy to find good buys around a theme (all year round) and we’ve had a lot of fun playing with the themes (one of the gifts we gave for the underwear theme was a Snuggie–get it?).
Happy Holidays and Be well!
LOL at the Snuggie idea. I completely agree with you – choosing to live on only one income for us has been the best thing that’s ever happened to us. We were happy before, sure, but now I feel like the house really feels peaceful. It feels like we are living by our own rules instead of the path others may want us to follow.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing these great tips!
Nice post. And good timing too. If the shops started tempting us this early, we need to start resisting this early.
Another strategy that works for me is to remind myself of why I celebrate this time of year. To some it has religious and spiritual meaning. To me it is about family and friends and spreading the love around. And I don’t need to hit the mall to do that, do I?
Absolutely right, Albert. In fact, I would go so far as to say the opposite of love is found at the mall – I always feel overwhelmed stopping there!
Each of these will bring joy to ourselves and others. No material possession brings joy.
Hi Melissa and Courtney!
Great tips. I actually had been thinking about redesigning our xmas this year and going more for the experience and giving to others. The kids were a bit reluctant at first but they eventually bought into the idea. I think we’re in for a new trend at our house.
Thanks for the lovely insights. Loving blessings!
Hi courtney, l really wanted some xmas ideas so l decided to go surfing, luckily enough l dropped on this, its lovely, l agree with you, memories of opening giftrs esp when some people are not pleased or expected more is not funny but memories of spending time together laughing and sharing are the best.
On to p of the few ideas have got from the other readers, we are planing to take our lito son to disney adventure to spend time with his agements….
thanx alot dia