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Tasmanian anglican

December 2005

 

Tips for a happy Christmas and an affordable New Year

Anglicare's Financial Counselling Service recommends that people set up a Christmas budget early, and put money aside during the year. But if that hasn't been you this year, then here are some suggestions:

  • make your own gifts and decorations - this can be a lot of fun, especially if you have children joining in.
  • send Christmas cards by email - visit your Online Access Centre if you don't have a computer at home.
  • remember that size or cost doesn't matter: you can give someone four Saturday nights' worth of babysitting, a day in the garden, or a month of washing up.
  • you don't have to 'match' someone else's gift to you - give them something that is thoughtful and personal, and they'll love it because it's from you.

Share the cost of Christmas dinner by asking everyone to bring a contribution - a bowl of salad, a Christmas cake - and their own alcohol.

Even workplaces can help:

Keep the cost of Christmas events down - if you go out for a meal, go somewhere cheap and cheerful, or hold a barbeque or picnic instead. Put limits on office Secret Santas - remember that for some people even $5 is a lot of money.

And if your kids or grandkids are asking for things that you just can't afford, then sit down with them and explain it to them - they will understand.