How to Spend Less Money at Christmas
In a few weeks, Christmas preparations and parties will be in full gear. If you’re like many Toronto families, you’re looking for ways to save money this Christmas without skimping on the holiday cheer. The following ideas for saving money at Christmas should ensure you’ve got money left over for New Year’s.
Shop at Warehouse Sales
Where possible, try and shop at pre-Christmas warehouse sales in Toronto that offer goods at upwards of 50% off to save money at Christmas. Although warehouse sales may not have the latest stock (although several of them do), the savings should offset concerns about buying the latest styles. You might also have luck at some of the smaller Toronto Christmas craft sales where artists and vendors are not as well known and can’t command as high a price.
Plan Inexpensive Holiday Get-Togethers
Plan to go for a family skating outing at Toronto’s outdoor skating rinks, which are free, then return home for a night of pizza and DVDs of Christmas holiday classics.
Secret Santa
Instead of buying gifts for all family members, agree that each member will buy for only one or a maximum two family members to make your Christmas more affordable. Have each person write their name on one or two pieces of paper (depending on how many gifts you agree to give) and pull names out of a hat. If your family prefers to give everyone a gift, agree on a maximum spending limit of, say, $40.
Cut Back on Parties
Cut back on the number of Christmas parties you plan to attend, especially if they require a paid ticket. Even if a party is free, you will still have to pay expenses such as cab fare if you’re drinking, hostess gifts and food or drink items for a pot-luck buffet. By choosing only the parties you really want to attend, you’ll stretch your holiday budget and maintain your energy throughout the holiday season.
Attend Free Christmas Events
It can be difficult to find free or inexpensive holiday events during the Christmas season; however, here are a few for the whole family:
- Free holiday concert at Roy Thomson Hall on Wed., Dec. 19, 2012 at noon featuring the Victoria Scholars Men’s Chorale Ensemble and St. Michael’s Choir School offering a holiday programme. Doors open at 11 a.m. and seating is first-come, first-served.
- Free screenings in the Studio Theatre at Harbourfront Centre on Sat., Dec. 8, 2012 at 2 p.m. and Sat., Dec. 15 at 3 p.m. of The Muppets Christmas and How the Grinch Stole Christmas
- The Lowe’s Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery District is a free event that features a 45-foot Christmas tree, a Santa’s house, an elves’ workshop, a forest maze, a Ferris wheel, a merry-go-round, beer and wine gardens, handcrafted items for sale and live musical entertainment.
Rent a Dress
Many women know how expensive the holiday season can be when they are required to coordinate several different outfits for holiday parties. Instead of forking out hundreds of dollars for several holiday dresses, why not consider renting a dress from Rent Frock Repeat. Dress rentals start at $50 for four days. The orchid one-shoulder with jewelled detail dress by David Meister pictured right rents for $85 for four days and $136 for eight days.
