Four Ways to Celebrate Christmas Without Going Broke

For less than $100 you can buy an artificial tree that looks realistic enough you have to touch it to tell the difference, and the same goes for wreaths. Compared to spending $60 to $100 every year on live decorations, it pays for itself in one year.

Experiences and memories tend to be a better value than generic gifts that will probably soon be forgotten. With some simple craft supplies, you can combine holiday decorating with quality family time: paint ornaments, string popcorn, or try any of the holiday crafts you can find online.

Christmas only comes once a year, but the credit card bills that follow keep coming. Pay your bills first, put aside a little money for an unexpected emergency, and make sure the pantry is stocked before spending hundreds or thousands on presents.

Kids who don't know what to expect can end up disappointed even surrounded by a pile of presents. If they know in advance they'll get two or three gifts on their list, they won't be let down on Christmas morning, and you'll reduce some of your own stress too.

Why buy new when you can reuse? Cleaning the house often turns up a treasure trove of holiday paraphernalia: gift bags, boxes, tissue paper, ribbons, bows, and decorations saved from last year. Take inventory of what you already have before buying anything new.