Are you ready?
There are three weeks until the US Thanksgiving (hear that, turkeys? Start eating!) Seven weeks until Christmas. Five weeks until Hanukkah.
The holiday season is almost upon us.
Are you ready?
If not, it is not too late.
First, start by taking the pressure off of yourself. If there ever were a good year to start lowering expectations and pressures, 2020 is it.
Then, figure out how much you want to spend. You can start with what you spent last year and adjust for changes in income and expenses (things are definitely more expensive than 2019). Make sure your number does not put you in debt… or further in debt.
Is there a gap between how much you want to spend and how much you have saved? There are some things you can do to close the gap.
Spend less than you have budgeted on groceries, utilities, gas, and incidentals. Put the difference toward your holiday fund.
Take on a holiday job. Many places are hiring. Most stores are hiring holiday help, but are offering them less hours. Check with temp agencies.
Do you have a special skill? Sell your creations on etsy, ebay, craigslist, facebook, pinterest, etc. Offer your services on fivrr, upwork, etc. Help people clean their houses or finish up those last minute handyman projects.
Do you have things in your house that have value but are not necessities? Sell them online or have a garage sale.
Do you have someone on your gift list who wants new technology? Buy a refurbished or last iteration model. Check the reviews on the sellers and make sure the specs are what you want, but this is a great way to upgrade without breaking the bank. Bonus is that you do not have to sign a contract for that “new” cell phone.
Still not able to completely close the gap? Let the other person know you cannot give like you have in the past. Most people are understanding of this.
If you have supplies on hand, make homemade gifts. I can tell you that very few items in our cedar chests are from stores. Who else here loves that blanket Grandma made? Or the treasure chest your Grandpa made? Be that person for your loved ones.
And, if you are in a position to buy freely, I strongly recommend you purchase items from the small businesses and sole proprietors who are making some of the most delightful creations.