How to save money in Christmas

The other day, chatting with some friends, we were worried about the Christmas expenses, we all wanted to share something nice with our loved ones, with our coworkers, the collaborators or the people who give us some type of service. But when you start to make your own list, then you realize that it's over 50 people and then the economic problem starts.

Considering that we are close to the most expensive season of the year, I will  make some recommendations for your Christmas shopping:

1.- Make use of your additional gifts: Each time that you receive a buying deal, like 2x1, an additional gift of a product you buy, consider to think if that extra product could be given to someone else. The past year I buy a cellular phone and they included an extra set of speakers, one of my sons keep them as his Christmas present, and I save something for his gift.

2.- Haggle: In some different countries it is expected that you ask for discounts while buying a product, like China or Turkey. In Mexico we use to do it at the flea market or bazaar. But I suggest that you can get into a store and ask: What is your today's offer? You may find some products that you could get with a discount and buy a better present.

3.- Seize your job discounts: There are a lot of companies that have some agreements with other stores to benefit their employees. In some point you may find products at a very good price or you may get them at regular payments. If you have the luck to work for a medium or big size company, you can ask to your human resources personal and get the information from them.

4.- Use the rewards programs: Every time you can subscribe to some reward program, like airplane miles, hotel nights, programmed shopping, register your number so you get the points. At the end of the year you may give away a stay at a nice hotel, an airplane ticket or some other benefit without spending a lot of money.

5.- DIY or Do It Yourself: Some of my friends are really good at handcrafts, or at cooking, or they simply use their spare time on hobbies for making beautiful presents. If you are among this people, consider using your skills to make you save some money when giving presents.

6.- Organize an exchange: If your group of friends want to gather and celebrate the moment, without spending a lot of money, an exchange may be the best option. This way everyone gets a present and you may not be on chapter 11 at the end of the season.

7.- Give away some moments: Remember that the most important thing is the friendship, and not the gift by itself. Spending time with your love ones should be enough to keep your Christmas Spirit Joyful

Have you any suggestion to save money in this season? Share it with us.