December is a time of spending related to Saint Nicholas, Christmas and New Year's Eve. Many people wonder if it is possible to save money on organizing the holidays without losing the magical atmosphere. I will try to give you some ideas on how to save money on the holidays and at the same time organize them so as not to lose anything.

Before I get to the advice, it's worth noting that December is the perfect time to look for additional work and improve your budget. Increased turnover in trade and services this month forces a greater demand for employees. It's worth looking around for occasional work strictly related to the holidays - these could be, for example, selling Christmas trees or fish, occasional work in a supermarket or shopping center, services related to transport - courier or taxi driver.

Let's move on to the organization of the holidays and ways to save money during the holidays.

How to save money at Christmas?

Christmas expenses are mainly related to organizing the Christmas Eve dinner and gifts. We can save on both of these issues, below are ideas on how to save on the holidays.

1. Budgeting: Create a realistic budget for gifts, food, and holiday decorations. This will help you avoid overspending. Plan the meals you will eat to avoid wasting food.
2. Gift exchange: Instead of buying gifts for each person, organize a gift exchange or raffle with your family or group of friends, which will help save money. You can also agree on a maximum budget, e.g. 100 PLN.
3. Handmade Gifts: Make gifts with your own hands. This not only saves money but also adds a personal touch to the gifts.
4. DIY Christmas Decorations: Make your own Christmas decorations from materials available at home, such as paper, twigs, or string.
5. Holiday Food: Consider a potluck, where each guest brings a dish to the Christmas Eve gathering, rather than preparing all the dishes yourself.
6. Online Shopping: Look for deals and promotions online to save on your holiday shopping. You can also take advantage of cashbacks and discount coupons.
7. Plan early: Start planning for the holidays early so you can better manage your spending and find deals more easily.
8. Limit the number of decorations: You don't have to overdo it with the number of decorations. Focus on the most important ones that will create a festive atmosphere.
9. Recycle: Use ornaments and decorations from previous years instead of buying new ones.
10. Artificial Christmas tree instead of a real one – purchasing an artificial Christmas tree is a one-time expense that will certainly pay off in the years to come.
11. Take advantage of free attractions: Many cities offer free or low-cost holiday events, such as fairs, concerts, and light shows.
12. Order food online: If you're planning on catering or food delivery for the holidays, order online to avoid impulse buys at the grocery store.
13. Choose practical gifts: Buy gifts that are useful or provide lasting value to avoid wasting money on unnecessary gadgets.
14. Host a holiday bazaar or sale: Sell things you no longer need to make some extra money for the holidays.

It is worth remembering that Christmas is a time to spend time with family and friends and celebrate the spirit of the holiday, not just an opportunity to spend money. By planning consciously and creatively, you can save money and still enjoy this magical time of year.

How to save for New Year's Eve?

New Year's Eve is another opportunity to spend time with friends and family, but that doesn't necessarily mean spending a lot. Here are some ways to save money on New Year's Eve fun:

1. Party at home: Instead of going out to a restaurant or club for New Year's Eve, host a New Year's Eve party at your home. You can ask guests to bring food and drinks to help share the costs.
2. New Year's Eve Potluck: Host a potluck where each guest brings their favorite dish. This will save money and create a diverse menu.
3. Play board games and party games: Instead of paying for expensive outdoor fun, spend time playing board games, card games, or table games with friends and family.
4. Fireworks: Instead of spending money on your own fireworks, check out a public fireworks display in your city. It's often free or costs much less than hosting your own show.
5. New Year's Eve outdoors: If you live in a place with mild weather on New Year's Eve, consider spending time outdoors, such as by a bonfire or taking a walk; going to the mountains has recently become a very popular way to spend New Year's Eve.
6. Saving on alcohol: Instead of buying expensive alcohol, consider more economical options or limit yourself to a symbolic glass of wine to have the energy to be active on a New Year's day off from work.
7. DIY Decorations: Make your own party decorations from materials you have around the house or use New Year's Eve decorations from previous years.
8. Plan early: Consider planning your New Year's Eve celebration in advance to help you control your spending and find deals.
9. Avoid expensive outfits: You don't have to invest in a new outfit for New Year's Eve. Choose something from your closet or share an outfit with a friend.
10. Safety and transportation: If you're going out for a New Year's Eve party, plan your return journey in advance to avoid spending too much on taxis or public transportation. Safety comes first.
11. Make your own snacks: Instead of ordering snacks and appetizers for your New Year's Eve party, make them yourself. This is often a cheaper option.

Remember that New Year's Eve is a time to spend time with loved ones and celebrate the New Year, not just a time to spend a lot of money. You can have a great time without breaking your budget by using the ideas above.