The festive season is fast approaching, but you’re on a tight budget? Don’t panic! Transfergratis has put together all the Christmas tips you need.
Organizing festive celebrations without breaking the bank can be complicated, so we’ve selected a few simple tips to help you enjoy unforgettable moments without spending too much. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift, ideas for festive meals or activities to bring your family together, you’ll find practical advice here for a successful festive season. And that’s not all! Would you like to send money to your loved ones abroad without breaking the bank? Thanks to Transfergratis, you can give them pleasure from a distance and save money at the same time. Find out how to combine the joys of the holidays with the benefits of our money transfer services.
I - Organize your preparations to save time and money
By preparing your shopping, meals and decorations in advance, you can avoid last-minute purchases, which are often more costly because of the rush and higher prices as the festivities approach.
1 – Getting organized
Start by making a guest list to adjust your expenses according to the number of guests. This will enable you to plan the exact quantity of food and avoid wastage. Knowing the number of guests will also enable you to adjust the size of the table and provide the necessary seating, without having to improvise.
For decorations, buy early, ideally by the end of November, to take advantage of promotions and avoid last-minute price hikes. Stores like Dollarama, Walmart and Amazon offer decorations at affordable prices. If you like homemade decorations, then you can create your own original ones for the holidays. For example, make garlands from fir branches, pine cones, leaves or berries that you can easily find in nature. You can also use recycled objects, such as glass jars to make vases or candleholders, or pieces of fabric to create doilies or decorative ribbons. The result is a unique, personalized décor that saves you money. It’s a simple and economical way to decorate for Christmas.
For meals, prepare a simple menu in advance. This will help you find promotions at stores like IGA, Super C or Costco, and buy in bulk to save money. Choose seasonal produce, which is often cheaper and better. Think about preparing dishes in advance, such as gratins or desserts, that you can freeze and reheat on the big day. This will save you time and reduce stress.
2 – Travelling
If you must travel, book your tickets early to get the best fares. Use sites like Skyscanner or Google Flights to find the best deals. If you’re traveling by car, consider carpooling via platforms like BlaBlaCar, which allows you to share the cost of fuel and tolls, making the journey more affordable. It’s also a great way to meet new people.
If you have family or close friends, staying with them can save you on accommodation costs and allow you to spend more time together. You can also offer to help prepare meals or organize festivities to share costs. And even if you’re traveling from Canada to Africa over the holidays, the Transfergratis application is still available and as fast as ever. You can make your transactions and pay your bills at any time. Isn’t that great?
Don’t forget, a successful ceremony on a tight budget also means creating a warm, festive atmosphere without blowing your expenses.
II - Create a festive atmosphere without spending too much
1 – Low-cost decoration
To create a festive atmosphere without spending too much, start by making your own decorations. You can make garlands from magazines or books you no longer use, or create scented candles from recycled glass jars and essential oils.
For table centerpieces, use natural elements such as fir branches or pine cones found on your walks. These simple, inexpensive ideas will make your décor unique. Before buying new decorations, take a look at what you already have at home. You can give Christmas ornaments a new look by painting them gold, or transform old ribbons into new decorations. If you need to supplement, you’ll find affordable items at stores like Dollarama, Walmart or Amazon. Christmas markets are also a good option for finding handmade items at reasonable prices. Don’t forget to check out the sale sections at stores like HomeSense or Rona for quality decorations at reduced prices, especially after the holidays.
2 – The best festive family activities
Several activities are available, including:
Illuminated strolls: The holidays are the perfect time to discover the magic of Christmas lights in your city, without spending a cent! Imagine spending time with your family strolling the illuminated streets, admiring the decorated shop windows and beautiful lights, like those in Montreal’s Old Port or lively neighborhoods. These strolls create a festive atmosphere perfect for enjoying the holiday spirit. It’s also an opportunity to rediscover your city in a different way, while sharing precious moments with loved ones, without spending any money. A great way to enjoy the holidays with your family!
Game nights: Why not organize an unforgettable game night? It’s a fun and easy way to spend time together without spending a fortune. Bring out your favorite board games like Monopoly, Jenga or Scrabble, or take a Christmas quiz to test your festive knowledge. And if you’re in the mood for something new, platforms like Jackbox offer free or low-cost online games, perfect for livening up your evenings. You’ll see, these moments of fun and conviviality will become unforgettable memories, without putting a strain on your budget.
Creative workshops: Organizing a creative workshop for the holidays is a great and economical idea! Create personalized greeting cards or Christmas tree decorations using simple, inexpensive materials such as paper, beads or ribbons. Invite your loved ones to join in and create together, or even bake Christmas cookies to decorate. These shared moments are not only a fun way to strengthen bonds, but also a great opportunity to create warm, original memories that will make your holidays shine.
III - Reduce your spending on meals and gifts
1 – Simple, hearty meals
Organizing a festive meal doesn’t have to cost a fortune. For starters, you can opt for a participatory meal. Ask each guest to bring a dish, which will allow you to share the preparation effort while reducing costs. For example, you could suggest that everyone prepare a traditional dish from their own region or culture, to add a personal and varied touch to the menu.
And when it comes to shopping, it’s a good idea to buy in bulk from stores like Costco or Superstore. These stores offer products in bulk or in family packs, allowing you to benefit from lower prices on staples such as vegetables, meats or desserts. To add even more flavor and freshness to your dishes without increasing your budget, give preference to local and seasonal ingredients. For example, buy autumn vegetables such as squash, carrots or apples, which are not only cheaper, but also of better quality and perfect for Christmas dishes.
2 – Economical gift ideas
When it comes to gifts, take advantage of end-of-year promotions to score some bargains. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are perfect for finding discounted items, whether for gadgets, clothing or homeware. If you’d rather give something more personal, homemade gifts are a great option. You can make homemade jam jars, decorated cookies or even knit scarves or mittens for your loved ones. These thoughtful, unique gestures will always please, and cost a fraction of what you’d spend on a store-bought gift.
If you’re looking for an original and affordable gift, why not offer an experience rather than an object? A movie afternoon, a home-cooked meal, or even an in-home spa session with homemade masks and products are creative and affordable ideas. These shared moments will be just as memorable, if not more so, than a material gift.
Finally, if you need to give a gift to distant relatives, you can use Transfergratis to send them money quickly, with no hidden charges, so they can buy what they want. Digital gifts are also an excellent alternative. Online gift cards or subscriptions to streaming services, music or online courses are practical, modern and affordable options, perfect for giving something tangible without breaking the bank.
During this festive season, the most important thing is to create unforgettable memories while keeping your budget under control. Thanks to the practical tips we’ve shared, you can make the most of the festive season without breaking the bank, whether it’s for decorations, meals or gifts. And if you need to send money to relatives in Africa, Transfergratis is “The best plan” not to be missed! With its free transfer fees, you can send money to several countries, only at today’s rates and with no hidden charges, allowing you to maximize the amount received by your loved ones.
Make this year-end a magical one for your family, download the Transfergratis app now and enjoy your first free transfer!
