Saving money at Christmas

A friend of mine was writing an article on budgeting at Chrismas. She asked for some ideas on what you could do to save money this Christmas. At first I thought I have nothing to contribute but after some thought I realized I actually do a lot of things to save money during the Christmas season but they have become so normal that I don't realise I am doing them. So I thought I would share the ideas on my blog just in case I can help some other families out at this crazy and expensive time of year.

1. I try to buy presents before the December paycheck. I don't want to do it too early otherwise everyone (especially kids) change their minds on what they like. So I usually start in October some time. This splits the cost of presents over multiple pay checks.
2. I Buy gifts at the Christmas markets and fetes, which are abundant, in late October and November. Things are often cheaper at markets and fetes. You also have the added bonus of finding one of a kind things that are homemade and interesting
3. I buy second hand. People probably think that its rude to give something second hand however I see things differently. You can often find items that are almost new at fetes. This is great for kids, who don't really care as long as the items is cool. You can also find old or vintage things which you would not be able to find in the shops. I also upcycle or remake things for people that I find second hand. The added bonus of buying second hand is that you are supporting a charity rather than adding to the bottom line of a big corporation.
4. I buy items online when they are on sale. I subscribe to emails from Takealot, superbalist and groupon and when there is a good special on something for someone I know I will be buying a gift for, I will buy it and keep it in my gift box.
5. Decide ahead of time on a gift price limit. This is essential in my family where there is a big extended family to give gifts to.
6. We have a large extended family and so sometimes we do secrect Santa with them. Each person gets assigned one other person to give a gift to. That way each person only buys one present. We also put price limits on these gifts so it's fair.
7. I do everything in my power not to shop in December. Shops often push up their prices in December and there are fewer sales.
8. In the past I have made gifts for people. I say in the past because with three kids it is very difficult. If I want to do any 'making' I have to plan it far in advance. However I have discovered that you can also 'make' gifts by getting someone else to do the making. For example you can create a mug or calendar with kids photos for grandparents, it through a printing company. I also get my kids to draw cards and decorate large pieces of newsprint which we use as wrapping paper. Family members love that.
9. Wrap your gifts in plain brown paper with an interesting twine or some washi tape as decoration. I also look around for cheap christmas decorations and use them as toppers. In the past I have never used sugar sticks and hot chocolate spoons.
10. Bring and share celebration meals. Whenever we have Christams meals each family gets designated an item/s to bring for the meal. That way no one family bears the financial burden of feeding the whole brood.
11. Have a staycation. JHB is awesome during December because its so quiet and everyone else is away. The weather is great as well. We stay home and do all the touristy things we never get to do during the year.
12. I have a number of store loyalty cards which allow you to earn points for very Rand you spend. These points can be used to pay for things in the store. I save all my points till December or January to spend on shopping when money is tight.