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How to Enjoy the Holidays on a Budget

Want to celebrate the magic of the holiday season without breaking the bank? Our article features affordable gifting ideas, festive meals and more. After all, you can have a festive and joyful holiday on a budget!

1. Think homemade

When it comes to gifting friends, colleagues and loved ones for the holidays, something from the heart can go a long way. Whipping up homemade caramel, a batch of cookies or a bright marmalade, perfectly decorated, will mean a whole lot to the recipient, and you’ll feel good knowing you didn’t spend a fortune on gifts.

2. Shop sales ahead of time

Don’t wait until the last moment to buy the ingredients or foods you need. If you know you’ll be baking cookies and other desserts, purchase that butter and flour if they’re on sale, even if it’s over a month until Christmas. If you spot a deliciously festive frozen cake in this week’s flyer on discount, buy and store it in the freezer until the holidays. Anything that’s non-perishable is fair game!

3. Shop smart

Another great way to save money is knowing when to save, even if it means steering away from traditional recipes. For example, if you can’t afford a large turkey this year, turn to other cuts of meat, like ground turkey or pork chops, instead.

4. Shop your fridge and pantry

Try to use up any fridge, freezer items or pantry items you have hanging around for a holiday season free of food waste. This includes a can of chickpeas to make a delicious soup to start, leftover miso sauce to make a unique turkey glaze, or simply a jar of peanut butter to make scrumptious mini tarts.

5. Eat less meat

It goes without saying that meat can get pricey. This year, save money by cooking vegetarian dishes that are affordable, but by no means less delicious. From starters and sides to main dishes, you can serve up a beautiful, satiating meal that everyone will enjoy.

6. Host a potluck

A potluck is a wonderful way to share both the cost and effort with your guests! Everyone contributes a dish, bringing variety and a sense of community to the holiday feast.

7. Or brunch!

A morning meal is a great way to host loved ones without all the fuss and the cost. After all, rather than plan a menu that includes a cocktail, appetizers, starters and sides, a main and dessert, you can scale it down so that it doesn’t cost a fortune. A stack of pancakes, some eggs, a side of bacon and fresh fruit, and a pitcher of orange juice are all you need to fill those bellies and make everyone around the table happy.

8. Make some magic

A holiday meal doesn’t have to be expensive to be beautiful. With a few basic ingredients and a bit of creativity, such as choosing different ways to chop a food or present a dish, these can make all the difference in hosting a memorable and festive night that looks lavish without overspending.

Want more budget-friendly holiday tips? Let our RICARDO staffers share a few of theirs with you: