Budget Christmas

Budget Christmas

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Posted 2010-11-16 by Carly Ogbornefollow

Once again, Christmas is almost upon us. Fortunately, it's not too late to ensure that you enjoy a stress free and (most importantly) cheap Christmas this year.

The key to sticking to a reasonable Christmas budget is organisation. Before making a single purchase, sit down and make a list of everything you need, from gifts to decorations. Once you know what you want, you can start shopping.

Where to shop

Shopping around will always get you a better price. Have a good look online before you go anywhere. Online wholesalers are usually cheaper, but be sure to factor in the cost of postage and shipping.

Otherwise, find bargains at:
  • Aldi
  • Tom's Confectionery Warehouse (4/358 Nudgee Road, Hendra)
  • The Golden Circle factory outlet (corner Anderson Street and 200 Old Cleveland Road, Capalaba)
  • The Sara Lee factory outlet (Daisy Hill, Oxley and Zillmere)
  • The Darrel Lea factory outlet (3325 Pacific Highway, Slacks Creek)
  • Trade Secret and
  • The DFO complexes (1 Airport Drive, Eagle Farm and 16 Amazons Place, Jindalee).

  • The Brisbane Warehouse Shopping Tour makes fiscal sense if you are buying in bulk.

    Presents

    If you have a large circle of family, friends or co-workers, this year is the year to implement Secret Santa. It will save you a bucket load of time and money and everyone still receives a gift.

    If Secret Santa is not a viable option (or even if it is), you can save money by getting crafty. Check out All Recipes for Christmas recipes and Better Homes and Gardens, Martha Stewart and Craftzine for craft projects for all levels of expertise. Don't fear if you're the type to burn water or sew your fingers together – there is another option. A gift certificate volunteering your services (you could cook a nice meal, baby-sit or do some housework) won't cost you anything but your time.

    Got an altruistic friend? He or she might appreciate an Oxfam Unwrapped gift. Visit the Oxfam Unwrapped website to choose an item (like school books or a water purification system) that will be donated to people affected by poverty. Your giftee will receive a card from Oxfam letting them know what was donated. Gifts start at $10.

    And you don't have to spend lots of money on wrapping paper. Butchers paper, or even plain printing paper, tied with a bright ribbon looks provides a minimalist festivity.

    Christmas Party

    If you're stuck hosting the Christmas Party, don't tear your hair out – yet. Follow these tips for a celebration that's cheaper, but just as fun.

    If possible, make your celebration potluck. You provide the meat, while everyone brings a side dish. This makes it easier for you to provide for a large group.

    But if you're stuck doing the whole thing, the key is in the planning. Think very carefully about how many people are coming and the tools you have at your disposal (like, if you have a small oven you probably shouldn't prepare a roast for twenty). You'll also want to choose dishes that share ingredients, to prevent having to buy too many things. As an example, your menu might include beef vol au vents for appetisers, a steak pie for the main meal and baklava for dessert. This menu reuses beef and puff pastry, both of which are inexpensive. Also, an alcoholic punch is cheaper than providing individual drinks.

    If you have children or nieces and nephews, break out the scissors and coloured paper and have them construct paper chains for decoration. Likewise, you can make your own Christmas crackers using toilet rolls and tissue paper. Stuff then with homemade sweets or trinkets and jokes written on fun stationery.

    Free Christmas Events

    Check out South Bank for Christmas lights, markets and Santa Claus.

    Murri Claus visits the State Library of Queensland (Stanley Street, South Brisbane) on 4 December. Enjoy indigenous song and dance, plus children receive a free Polaroid with Murri Claus.

    Also on the 4 December is Christmas by the Sea at Scarborough Beach Park, with free entertainment including a 12 Days of Christmas pantomime, Carols By Candlelight and fireworks.

    And this year, the Lord Mayors Carols in the City sees performances from Troy Cassar-Daley, Stan Walker and Paulini.

    #shopping
    #community_events
    %wnbrisbane
    181757 - 2023-06-16 01:50:55

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