I love the holiday season, the giving of gifts and participating in a holiday party or two, but like many, the expense at this time of year is always on my mind.

Instead of having a bunch of credit card debt to deal with in 2016, look at the expenses associated with the holiday season; think about what you can do without or how you can make do with what you already have. “Cutting down on holiday spending doesn’t have to mean cutting down on holiday cheer”.

Here are some creative ways to plan a great holiday season:

Budget Budget Budget

• Create a holiday budget. A less expensive holiday season starts with a solid spending plan. Look over your finances and decide how much you can afford.

The Who’s Who

• Trim down the gift list, make a list of essential people you need to buy for. The rest can get a heartfelt Christmas card.

Set Rules

• In my family we have set some rules. We buy presents for our parents, nieces and nephews aged 12 or under.

Gift Of Wine

• When it comes to friends, we go out for a glass of wine as our holiday cheer instead of giving gifts.

Re-Use And Bedazzle

• Use what you already have, swap decorations with friends, scour yard sales, make something new with your own hands or dress up your decorations with some sequins and glue.

Pot Luck Dinner

• Throw an affordable holiday dinner. Years ago, when I couldn’t make it home for Christmas dinner I would host an “Orphans Pot Luck Dinner”, it was for all my friends who were on the island for Christmas. I always cut the cost by having people chip in whether it’s the mashed potatoes, a dessert or a bottle of wine. What I discovered was everyone is happy to bring something.

With the holiday season upon us, remember it is about time with family and friends and not about creating credit card debt.

Article published in Bernews, December 16, 2015