Christmas Cheer For Low-Income Families
The holidays are a time for hospitality and good cheer. But for many people, this time of the year is among the most stressful seasons of the year, especially those who have limited incomes.
While it's great to participate in the hustle and bustle of shopping and all that goes with it, people who are on a tight budget have to be a little more mindful of their holiday spending.
Here are some ideas to spread Christmas cheer when you have a limited amount of money to spend.
Attend free or inexpensive Christmas events hosted in your community - Tis' the season for community events including school band concerts, holiday plays, church events, community meals, Christmas caroling, volunteering, and holiday light displays. These are all wonderful ways to enjoy the simplest of pleasures of the holiday without breaking the bank.
Buy practical gifts - When following a tight budget, you want to make the presents you buy useful to the recipient. For example, a gift of a new sketchpad and drawing pencils is probably far more meaningful than the latest trendy piece of technology for the artist in your life. Clothing, personal care items, slippers, blankets, towels, and robes are more practical gift ideas for holiday gift giving.
Spend time with those you love - No one can put a price on time spent with family, friends, and loved ones. The memories that you make together during the holiday season are likely to be more valuable (and memorable) than any physical gift you might receive. Consider attending church services or working together to prepare a beautiful Christmas meal for all to enjoy. Other ideas include having a family game or movie night at home. Break out your favorite board games or holiday films, pop some popcorn and just relax with the people who are closest to you.
Draw names for a family gift exchange - In larger families it might be difficult for everyone to buy a gift for all other family members. To make it easier for your family members, have everyone who wants to participate in the gift exchange write their name on a slip of paper and put it in a hat. Then draw names. You buy a gift for the person whose name you picked out of the hat. If you want, you can put a spending cap of UAD 10 to UAD 20 on the gift to make sure that it's affordable and fun for everyone! This one is even worth making it a holiday tradition.
Don't sweat the small stuff - Sometimes this is easier said than done during the hectic holiday season, but don't let the little things get you down. Be the cheer that you hope to see in the world!
Ultimately it is up to you to enjoy the precious holiday season and make the most of the situation, regardless if you have one million dollars or one hundred to spend on others. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and come up with some low-cost Christmas cheer yourself!
ACCESS FREE ITEMS TO HELP WITH GIFTS AND MORE
Putting together a Christmas to remember doesn't have to be expensive. In addition, there are great services and organizations that help make sure kids receive gifts and there is food on the table. Get more information on free toys and gifts for those in need.
- How to get FREE toys for Christmas or anytime of year
- Additional help for free gifts and financial help with bills
- Help with food and meals
