Help Your Bank Account Survive the Holidays - Five Tips to Make the Holidays Memorable for All the Right Reasons

You want to give your loved ones great gifts this holiday season. You also don't want to go into debt. It may seem impossible, but with a little work, you can do both of these and face the New Year with confidence.

Just how can you manage holiday spending? By rethinking how you do holidays. If you’re willing to rethink giving and receiving, keep reading to find out how to have a memorable holiday and come out with money still in the bank.

Give Up the Chase

Everywhere you turn, you hear the same thing over and over: “You need this to make your life good.” Kids hear it, too. But no matter how often it’s said, it is rarely true.

Well before the holidays arrive, train yourself and your family to not worry with the latest fads. That phone that costs $1,000 may take great pictures, but is it really worth it? And that new pair of shoes your daughter may be all the rage, but that rage will die down within a month.

You can run as fast as you can, but if you’re trying to keep up with every passing fashion, you’ll never catch up. Keep that in mind and you’ll keep yourself within your budget, even during the holidays.

Remember that sweater your aunt made for you when you were in elementary school? Or how about the homemade basketball hoop your dad put up in middle school? Those items made with love hold a special place in your heart.

If you’re ready to make your Christmas, Kwanza, or Hanukkah one to remember, don’t just go to the store and buy whatever mass-produced toy is the hit of the season. Bring your crafty side out and create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Whether it’s a piece of art, a memory book, or even a favorite food, making gifts this year ensures the gift will have a lasting impact on the gift receiver and minimum impact on your wallet.

Not sure where to start with homemade gifts? Hop over to Pinterest.com or your local hobby store for some ideas.

Pick One & Be Specific

You want to get everyone you know something special, but you shouldn’t. Especially if you’re trying to avoid going bankrupt. Instead of giving every niece and nephew, brother and sister a present, work with your family for a lighter load. Many families do this by drawing names for a single person each holiday season and setting a dollar amount of $20 or less for each gift.

Do this, and then really hone in on that individual’s personality. Whatever he or she likes, get something that hits the spot. Anyone can buy someone a new football or red wagon. Think about the person you’re buying for and make that football or wagon really special, customized to fit their personality.

Give the Gift of Experience

Want to give a gift that will never be forgotten? While a popular toy or game may be exciting for a few weeks, fun experiences are remembered for a lifetime.

Give gift certificates for camping or hiking trips, fishing excursions, escape rooms, or getaways to the beach. Just make sure when you give these gifts of experience, think free or cheap.

If you’re going somewhere out of town or planning to stay in a cabin or hotel, look around for the best price. Thanks to the internet, you don’t have to pay full price for a meaningful trip. Apps and websites such as Groupon are great ways to offset the cost of your holidays. And while you may enjoy eating out during your outing, take your own food to reduce the cost and your post-trip blues.

Focus on Today, Plan for Tomorrow

In our fast-paced world, delayed gratification is a rarity. However, knowing how to wait for something good is a big deal. So if you’re not in a position to give gifts this holiday season, don’t. Wait until you can afford it and do it then.

It may be hard to show up at holiday gatherings without gifts to give, but let your loved ones know your plans ahead of time. Tell them that you need to save money and won’t be bringing anything to the gift exchange. You may be scared to take such drastic measures, but your loved ones may be encouraged to do the same. If this happens, your boldness may help others enjoy a regret-free holiday season.

And when people aren’t consumed with spending, getting, and giving, they’re able to focus on what holidays are all about: good times with good people.

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