Celebrating on a Budget

Madison McCulloch

The holidays are meant to be spent with family, friends and good cheer, but let’s face it; a hefty price tag is always attached. Between the big meals, decorations and presents it seems the spending never ends.

With the world in an economic crisis many people are looking to cut back on their expenses. For those who don’t have the time or ability to fashion homemade gifts, below are a few great ways to celebrate the holidays. They are cost effective and always make for a fun time.

Nothing says “Merry Christmas” like a good old fashioned game of Secret Santa. To make the game easier and less expensive set a price limit ($20 dollars works well) and get everyone to write three things they would like beside their name.  Place the names in a hat and let everyone draw one. Choose a time to exchange the gifts, either Christmas morning or set a date to have a dinner and do the swap.

On a similar note, a good way to get around buying for numerous aunts, uncles and cousins is to simply draw names. Once again set a price limit. This way each person only has two or three people to buy for instead of the whole family.

A group dinner is always a fun way to celebrate the holidays. Gather siblings or friends and select a date a few weeks before Christmas.  Instead of buying gifts for each other, simply enjoy a nice meal and some wine. Then split the bill.

Last but not least is the White Elephant Gift Exchange. This game is fun at any type of holiday party or for when celebrating with the extended family. Everyone brings a gift for under ten dollars (hint: the funnier the better). Label the gift; male, female or unisex and place it under the tree. No one should know who purchased what gift. Have all of the guests draw a number, this is the order in which each person will be grabbing their present. The participant with the number one  picks a gift from the pile, unwraps it and shows it to the group. Each person that comes next can do one of two things; 1) “steal” an already unopened gift or 2) pick a wrapped present from the pile.

If the person decides to steal, the participant who was stolen from now repeats their turn and either  1) unwraps the gift or 2)steals another gift (they cannot take the one just stolen from them). For the game to move along quickly, set a number to limit the amount of steals. In past experiences three works best. After three steals a new gift must be chosen from the pile and it begins all over again. No gift is safe until the game is over. This exchange never fails to please.

Celebrating the season doesn’t always mean breaking the bank.  So gather friends, family, neighbours or pets and have a wonderful holiday.