What are your tips on saving money for your holidays? Do you book in advance? Etc...?

Answer 1

I expand my Christmas Decorations collections when the prices are between 50-75% off.

I look all year around for gift ideas, and purchase off season (mostly).

I save every month a bit of income and put it aside for Christmas Gifts.

I've honed my Christmas List down considerably -- just for those who mean the most to me ...

Every time I purchase something with cash -- the spare change goes into a bin ... and then in December when I pass the Salvation Army tins -- a lot gets donated, and some becomes an extra 'bonus' in Christmas Budget for me.

I am very CAREFUL with my budget all year -- nothing fancy, just concentrating on what is needed and using coupons is another way to boost the difference into savings.

I eat IN at home a LOT ... and I mean a LOT. I don't spend much time in restaurants (or money either). It is far cheaper for me to spend my time and cook at home.

Answer 2

sglmom does a lot of what I do. Some things I do are:
• I have a separate account earmarked for Christmas that gets a little every month. I have limited my access to the account so it makes it harder for me to dig into it during the year, such as an out-of the way bank, no ATM card, no extra checks, etc.

• I wait until the after Christmas sales to buy decorations, gift wrap, etc. Most stuff is 75% off by New Year's Eve nowadays.
• I buy gifts throughout the year, especially off-season items. Sometimes you can find Christmas items on websites and in stores during "Christmas in July" promos.
• I do a lot of cookie and candy trays for Christmas, so I peruse the thrift shops throughout the year for really nice trays I can use to load with goodies. Not only cheap, it helps the environment.
• Planning in advance can be your best friend sometimes. I have a Christmas organizer book ( I bought it at Barnes and Noble- at an after Christmas sale, natch-) that I start planning with as early as I can for things such as parties, gift lists, Christmas card lists, etc. People sometimes forget little incidentals, such as party favors, hostess gifts, or extra postage, which can run up to some hefty cash layouts in the end. So plan, plan, plan, and STICK to the plan.