Seniors probably have the longest gift list this Christmas! Just imagine those little tots and not so little ones lining up your doorsteps to receive their gifts or even your nosy neighbor inspecting what’s beneath your tree. No matter how hard life has been hitting you these past few months, Christmas still remains to be the season for giving and sharing. Gifts are the only thing that can complete the experience and indeed the best way to end your year right.

Christmas need not break your bank account further. Yes, it may give it a little dent but it should be no more. Unless you are planning to give a gift to an overly-materialistic person, a simple gift that expresses you thinking of the receiver is enough to be appreciated. In fact, a well-thought-of gift is much appreciated than an expensive one, although receiving one is also nice—anything half way is certainly out of the question so stay clear of it! The idea is to make your sincerity be felt and the message to come across so creativity means a lot during these times. Here are some tips on how to save money this Christmas but still make your family and friends feel special and loved:

·    If tradition has it that you give out—and never miss—giving cards to families and friends but it proves to be costly this year, find another alternative for your card giving activities. While making your own cards seems to be a good idea, time apparently, is not on your side. The best solution for this is to send ecards instead. There are hundreds, if not thousands of them over the internet, have a field day!
·    Gift giving is still the best but wrapping them up will cost you an extra. Gift wrappers can be bought in bulk which will automatically give you a discount and then be divided among friends who also need them—of course, paying you for their share. This can also be done for gift tags, or just skip the tags and slip a love letter instead.
·    Christmas decors strongly contribute to the festive mood so it is really important that your house sport the right accessories but changing it every year is not practical anymore. Opt to recycle your old ones, or rotate by year. If your friends are open with it, swap with them and for sure, no one will ever know.
·    Christmas is also a season of discounts—or is it their way of giving something back to us?—take advantage of them by knowing exactly what you need and what stores are selling them in discounted prices.
·    Some families mark the season by going out of the country. You, on the other hand, can scour the area for this Christmas’ happenings and enjoy your own city!