Did you know that almost a third of people rely on using a credit card at Christmas?. Recent research by MoneyMagpie revealed some interesting Christmas spending habits – including that, of those who use a credit card, only an average 55% pay it off immediately. Don’t get into debt this Christmas with loads of expensive gifts – try these homemade ideas to reduce your bills and add a personal touch to your festive season.
Whether you’re meeting with family or friends, the food is a central part of festive celebrations. However, the bill can quickly rack up and there’s nothing left to show for it (except a tighter waistband!). Instead of setting up large social events with expensive feasts, consider hosting some smaller low-key dinners with your loved ones.
Rather than being the host with the most, bring your friends over for a cooking session (or ask your kids to help bake the dessert!). Spending time together to cook is a wonderful time to share memories and create new ones, without spending hundreds on going out.
While we’re on the subject of cooking, why not dust off your baking skills and give some gingerbread or sugar cookies for gifts? Or, perhaps you’re a dab hand at Christmas cake. Even if you think you’re not a great cook, you can make some delicious mince pies with ready-made mince filling and ready-rolled pastry. You can whip up a delicious plate in under an hour!.
If you know your friends are more likely to want to bake than taste your own cooking, consider gifting a recipe. Fill a mason jar with the dry ingredients to make all-in-one cookies, for example, and tie a ribbon around the top with a cookie cutter in place of a tag. Simple gifts that give an experience will always be appreciated!.
