Holidays 2015: 5 Ways To Spend Less This Season

With the holidays coming quick, families are sure to have some fun and warmth at home. But with expenses racking up from buying gifts and home decorations that kids will love, parents might get stressed out preparing for it.

To help you and your kids enjoy the holiday and also help you spread more cheers during the season, here are some tips for you.

Set up a Budget

“The fact is the average American family doesn't have a spending plan for this time of year,” said Parents' advisor and Finance expert Ellie Kay. “As a result, they wind up with credit-card debt that takes them until next May to pay off.”

Kay advised to set up a helpful budget plan. Budgeting can also be done with the help of Mint, a free app for both iOS and Android devices, which makes it even easier. “Don't hesitate to tweak your numbers until they seem affordable and achievable,” she said.

Also, teach your kids to put the emphasis on giving gifts to others, instead of getting things they want as a gift. Not only will this teach your kids to share, but it will also help cut your incurred expenses on gifts.

Simplify Lists

Setting up a holiday list and faithfully sticking to it will actually help. Not only does it eliminate the dangers of forgetting someone (and getting them upset), it also saves you from unnecessary or unexpected expenses.

Sit down and take time to purposefully remember people that you want to include in your list. Then, simplify your list to a few categories. Kay suggested three basic lists: gifts, homemade/baked goods, and cards. Carefully choose whom you will put in these categories, and stick to it.

Assign Prices

Now that you've made simplified lists, give maximum price limits for each, like $5 or less, $10 or less, and so on. Don't forget to take into account projected costs for each (such as baking/crafting costs, postage) so that you won't overspend. Make adjustments until you fit everything into your budget.

Let the Kids Join in Decorating

Aside from budget planning, you can also save by making your own decorations. Parenting suggested asking the kids to help – that way, they'll have fun, too.

Form stars using cinnamon sticks and a low-temperature glue gun, then attach a thread or hook so that you can hang the fragrant decoration in your Christmas tree.

You can also pour some varnish inside clear, shatterproof ornamental balls. Pour out the excess varnish, wait some time to dry, then pour in some leftover (or new) sprinkles. Carefully roll the ball to spread the colorful sprinkles. This makes for a colorful ornament in your home.

Have Fun!

Whatever you do, whether you plan the budget, choose the gifts, decorate, or whip up some food after a long and tiring day of preparing for the holidays, don't forget to have fun!

Happy holidays!