Everyone I know hates the holidays. There are a lot of reasons for it, I know a lot of children of divorce... and a lot of cynical scrooges as well. I myself have always loved the Christmas season. Its a great time of the year to spend time with family and friends, and I cant help but love the food and music that go along with it.
That being said, Christmas can be a huge chore for students who cannot afford to deck the halls or come a wassailing into the mall, and I am no stranger to how that feels. So, how do I avoid the holiday blues when the rent is due?
Well, to begin with, there is a reason this post is being made in early/mid November. You have to plan for the holidays early and be as realistic as possible. Nothing gives a well thought out Christmas card more value then not being able to afford to buy a gift. If you mean something to me, this is the perfect time of year to tell you. If you think it is cheap, then you certainly wont be receiving a card from me next year.
Of course, Christmas is about giving and receiving as much as I would like to avoid it, but this too does not have to mean a financial disaster. Participating in a secret Santa gift exchange (something I have done with all of my friends since my first year of university) is a great way to save money and have a lot of fun.
By holding a secret Santa exchange you only have to buy a gift for one person, and the group will normally agree to a price cap around $20. This way, everyone still receives something and no one breaks the bank.
Pot luck dinners and quick holiday drinks at peoples homes (as opposed to those seductively cozy looking bars) are also excellent ways to save money during the holidays.
You don't have to be a hero this holiday season, just use your head and take time to appreciate the people around you. You wont just save some cash, you might just find the reason for the season.
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