Even before the holiday rush, it’s a good idea to spend time thinking about what is important to you during the holiday season. With retailers starting earlier and earlier to push the commercial aspect of decorating and gift buying, make a clear effort to think about your own values and goals. What creates a really special holiday? What would your ideal holiday look like? Would it involve lots of family or simply quiet evenings with good friends? Do you intend on traveling or staying home?

Define your own hopes and then set goals accordingly. Take joy in even the simplest wish, even if it’s only placing a wreath on the front door or getting your favorite holiday mugs out of the cabinet. In the end, the most important part of the holiday is cultivating a sense of peace and contentment.

Holidays by nature are fun and festive. Towns, organizations, family, and friends go the extra mile to plan events and celebrations, many of which are free. Sharing time with someone is perhaps the most valuable gift to give.

• Check your local libraries event calendar for upcoming events.
• Offer to treat someone to supper and a free concert.
• Support local theater groups, ballets, or playhouses and buy a pair of holiday tickets. Local venues are much more affordable than a big-name concert or headline act.
• Celebrate by attending a local tree lighting or just window shop with a friend.
• Create your own backyard event around a bonfire and singing.

Holidays and entertaining go hand in hand. Even if you’re not the primary host for an event, buying food and cooking not only takes time and money, but energy as well. Here are five ways to keep food costs down while still having fun!

1. Host or suggest a potluck when friends want to gather. This splits the labor, and the cost is far less than dining out in a restaurant.

2. Shop for fresh foods rather than prepared or packaged foods that cost more.

3. Watch for sales and coupons. If prices are particularly low on an item, think about freezing the extras. Butter, nuts, chocolate, and even cheese can be frozen for future use.

4. For gifts, buy a nice box of teas or gourmet coffee and tie a festive ribbon on it. This is an economical and ready-to-give gift that requires no labor.

5. Buy in bulk if possible. While this may not be practical for those living alone, sometimes a neighbor or family member will offer to split a large quantity in exchange for splitting the cost.

Buying gifts takes a lot of time, energy, and money. When the pressure hits, it’s easy to lose control and just click to buy online or keep swiping the credit card. This is when the risk of spending too much happens. To avoid blowing a budget, remember a few key tips: 

• Make a list and stick to it as you ponder ideas and start buying.

• Keep a gift cabinet all year round. Stock it with small items you find on clearance throughout the year. Soaps, candles, notepads, and more can make fun gifts and are often on sale.

• Make your own gift certificate or coupon, offering your time as a gift. A free day of babysitting or dog watching can go a long way for a busy family.

• Divide and share a house plant.

• Pass down a beloved family heirloom to the next generation. Maybe it’s a piece of jewelry or a favorite framed photo.

Sometimes, the smartest traveler takes a trip when no one else is traveling. While this may sound odd when trying to reach a holiday gathering, this tactic does offer benefits. You can avoid peak pricing and packed airports just by traveling before or after the season. Or if travel isn’t possible, offer to host family or friends to avoid hefty travel expenses.

Other ideas to save money include:

• See that old friend who keeps asking you to visit. Not only can you avoid hotel costs, you’ll have a chance to rekindle fond memories.

• Use an airplane mileage program and take advantage of free miles when you use a credit card.

• Travel with a friend and split food and hotel expenses.

• If traveling, pack your own food and snacks. Avoid the costly airport foods.

With a little advance planning and creative thinking, saving money and keeping costs reasonable during the holiday season is possible. And when all the company has gone home and the last holiday decorations packed away, you’ll cherish the season’s memories even more.

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