How to save over the holidays without any ‘ bah humbug.’

The holidays can be a rough time, money-wise. Supposedly about religion, family and bettering yourself, they inevitably end up focusing more carousing, shopping and eating. It’s just too easy to blow your budget. According to Bank of Montreal, Canadians are planning to spend an average of $1,551 this holiday season. The majority of that will be spent on gifts and travelling, with a smaller portion going toward entertaining. With some planning and a willingness to think outside the box, you can cut this amount down. Writer Danielle Kubes outlines some ways you can save this season.

Travel

Canadians are setting aside $686 for holiday travel, according to BMO’s holiday outlook report. That’s not too bad, especially since Canadians are likely to be visiting family or escaping to a sunny destination. Still, here are some ideas to trim the fat on this budget line even more: ❚ Now is the time to use any airplane reward miles you’ve gathered. There can be blackout periods for flights around the holidays, but Air Miles and Aeroplan points can both be redeemed for car rentals and hotel bookings as well as flights, so check to see what you’re eligible for. ❚ Consider staying in an Airbnb instead of a hotel. This option is especially great for families, since you can save a bundle by cooking your own meals in the host’s kitchen. ❚ Isn’t your presence at a family gathering gift enough? If you go all out on a holiday destination, there may be no need for an additional present.

Gifts

Gifts seem a bit silly during the holiday season once you break it down. Christmas, after all, is meant to celebrate the birth of Christ, and Hanukkah is supposed to celebrate the triumph of religious freedom fighters against Hellenistic overlords. Nevertheless, gifts appear here to stay, and maybe they’re not a bad idea in a multicultural society such as ours — the relentless celebration of capitalism has the ability cross all cultural and religious barriers. But, it seems unnecessary to increase spending on gifts — as a quarter of Canadians are planning to do this year, according to BMO. Here are some ways to rein that in: ❚ Buy the majority of your holiday gifts a year in advance — on Boxing Day or during the January sales. Nothing to be done about that this year, but next year should be easier on your wallet. Stocking stuffers like socks, candles, body lotions, gift sets or anything Christmasthemed are at an especially deep discount in January. Stock up for those people you always forget, like your kid’s teachers, your doorman and hostesses. ❚ Better yet, create DIY gifts if you’re handy. An easy crowd pleaser is to bake cookies (or even easier, buy frozen cookie dough) and stick them in cute $ 2 cookie boxes from Dollarama. Another idea is to buy a dozen Mason Jars for $20 at Canadian Tire, some dollar-store ribbon and gift tags and fill them with pre- made hot chocolate mix from a store like Bulk Barn. If you really want to get fancy, buy some frosted glass spray paint for $ 10. You can have 20 presents the recipients will ooh and ah over for under $5 each. ❚ Consider ditching the concept of gifts all together. Go back to the basics of the holiday season. Bring your friends or family closer by organizing a group volunteer session at a soup kitchen. Or stuff gift bags full of winter- weather essentials like toques and socks and spend an evening driving around the city handing them out to the homeless personally.

Entertaining

Experiences, researchers say, make us happier than material goods. So the $ 228 BMO suggests Canadians spend, on average, for entertaining during the holidays is well worth it. Still, there’s no need to spend big dollars to catch up with family and old friends. Here are a few simple ways to take the burden off entertaining: ❚ No restaurant can substitute for a leisurely Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner at home, but if things are especially tight this year, consider having a potluck. You could also ask your guests to bring either a bottle of wine or a dessert. ❚ Don’t feel pressure to go to every party you’re invited to, especially if it means spending money on a babysitter or buying a pricey event ticket. Pick and choose the ones that are most meaningful to you. ❚ You also don’t need a new outfit for every party. Honestly, most people show up in a black dress anyway, so don’t be afraid to wear your LBD. No one will be able to tell it’s the same dress in a tiny Instagram photo. If you must, buy one new outfit or standout accessory and then shop your closet. ❚ Instead of going out for holiday drinks with friends, organize a games night at home. A bar tab for a moderate night out in the city can easily hit $60 a person. Why not invite everyone over and stir up mulled wine on the stove? A giant jug of cider is only $8, a cheap bottle of wine $10 and spices $ 4. For under $ 20 you can get your friends nice and tipsy and the smell will evoke lovely memories.