After some of the financial challenges of this year it seems like there going to be more people who don’t have much cash for Christmas gifts this year. If you are in a tight spot this year and want to have a debt-free Christmas, then we need to get a little creative.
Get some Christmas money from Ebay
You still have time to sell off unwanted stuff on Ebay before Christmas. Believe it or not, you really can make a few hundred bucks pretty easily by selling stuff around the house. I wrote a full article on how to sell stuff on Ebay.
Decorating for Christmas without much money
I was in the local thrift store the other day and I saw all kinds of Christmas decorations that were NEW and still in the box at super cheap prices. We are just about overflowing with Christmas lights and ornaments, so I didn’t dare buy anymore. But, it is an idea that I will keep in mind.
Make your Christmas decorations
Some of my favorite decorations are natural ones! The beauty of this is that they are often the cheapest as well!
Last year I made my own Christmas wreath from chopping off the lower branches of our fresh-cut tree. They also make great centerpieces if you put them in a vase or on the mantle of the fireplace.
Pinecones are also a great inexpensive decoration. You can place them on shelves, fill a vase, use them as ornaments, spraypaint them festive colors, the list goes on and on.
Remember popcorn strings? You know, you just run a needle and thread through a bunch of popcorn then hang it on the tree. Just keep it away from the dogs 
.
Christmas gift-giving without much money
If you are strapped on cash this year I have your solution. For guys give them food. For girls write them a long letter telling them how much you care. I am kind of joking, but not too much. I will always be happy with a batch of fresh homemade cookies as a gift!
Other “I don’t have any money for Christmas” gift ideas
Have everyone in your family make gifts. If everyone is doing it, it minimizes the “peer pressure” that Christmas sometimes brings. It doesn’t have to be a craft, you can make just about anything. Just Google it and you will probably find a video of someone showing you how to make whatever it is.
Give away things you already have. I am obviously not suggesting that you give away the junk that you don’t want. But if you have something that is of value that someone else will want, why not? Use it as an opportunity to pass along something that is valuable to you.
Cook your recipient dinner. Rather than buying a gift certificate to a restaurant, why not give them your hospitality instead?
Related posts:
- 8 tips to save you money on your Christmas shopping
- Now is the time to get the Christmas deals
- 6 tips for a debt free Christmas
- Are you spending less on Christmas this year?
- Christmas giveaways – Would you like to donate?
- Christmas CD Giveaway
- 12 cool Christmas gift ideas
- Merry Christmas to all!
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Ah! Popcorn strings!! How about decorated sugar cookies on your tree?? We did the popcorn strings and cookies one year when I was a teen. What fun!!! Just remember, if you have an animal they may be tempted to help themselves to a cookie!!! Our boxer did not….but she did sit in front of the tree and drool…she wanted one so bad!!!
I’m thinking about doing popcorn strings this year too! We’ve done a lot of homemade things already. Another great idea are cookies in a jar, where you have all the dry ingredients for a batch of cookies layered in a mason jar.
I am terrible with this stuff. I remember one year that I made something for a family member. It was a Christmas scene on a board, and using what I had, I thought that it came out rather nicely. Haven’t seen that sucker since.
In some ways, for me, making presents and then knowing that they aren’t well received is more annoying than buying something that doesn’t get used.
So, as for your comment…. this year…. it’s cookies for everyone !
You can also give time. Offer homemeade coupons for baby sitting, yard work, help taking down THEIR Christmas lights, back rubs (these are always popular), or house cleaning.
For the little ones, they almost always appreciate someone playing with them more than gifts. A child is just as happy with 3 gifts as with 30, so long as you get down in the floor and play with them.
great article.
I have been worried crazy trying to figure out how I am going to scrounge up enough money for presents. Then you mention eBay and it made me think, “that is an excellent idea”.
keep up the good work
Husband out of work going to be homeless! Just had 20 yr anv. on my b-day Dec. 18th. If anyone can help us we have 3 teenage children 2 boys ages 17 & 19 is disabled. 1 girl 14 yrs old. It has been hard to keep food and bills on.I have numerious health problems. Any help would be a god sent.
Happy Holidays!
I family in need this christmas!
May God bless you!