The holidays are a great excuse for spending time with friends and family, giving and receiving gifts, and indulging in those seasonal treats and main courses you don’t think about for the rest of the year. Straight up, Christmas dinner is one of the biggest high-ticket items for families during the holidays. But, most people would be happy to have a cheap Christmas dinner and save some money without forfeiting all the enjoyable traditions. At Minute Loan Center, we have just the right ideas to help you plan Christmas dinner on a budget.
Is There a Way to Have a Budget Friendly Christmas Dinner?
Sure. A little planning can get you a cheap but unforgettable Christmas dinner. Here are a few suggestions to help you set and stick to a budget.
Plan the Menu
It’s not unusual to want to have all your holiday favorites for Christmas dinner. You only get them once a year, so why not indulge yourself? But, because that can get costly, and the point is to keep your costs down, especially since the price of food has been steadily climbing, you can try something different, something traditional, or a favorite dish for every family member. But let everyone know what to expect and involve them in planning your Christmas dinner on a budget. Ask them to give their ideas on how to make it more enjoyable for everyone.
If the planning feels like it’s already getting out of hand, it probably is. Don’t be afraid to cut the list. Most of the time, some dishes are barely even touched. You might end up with leftovers that probably won’t get touched either and end up throwing them out. So, stick to only what everyone enjoys and narrow your list as much as possible.
The Menu is Planned, Now Make a Shopping List
And stick to it. The supermarket can be a dangerous place to venture around the holidays, what with all the bright displays, the siren call of snacks, not to mention sales and promotional offers, but you have a list of what you need to have a cheap Christmas dinner in your hand, and you need to stick to it. If you aren’t getting a lot, you might be better off using a basket instead of a cart to limit impulse buying.
Are There Coupons?
Use them. You no longer have to wait for the Sunday paper; you can find e-coupons and sales at MLC Coupons. Just load them to your phone and use them at checkout. Also, consider paying with a credit card that rewards you with cashback.
You’ve probably seen shortages on the shelves, from food to electronics to kids’ toys during holidays. To keep Christmas dinner on a budget, you will have to lock in the low prices, especially when things are still available on the shelf. Consider buying in advance those things that won’t spoil.
Make it or Buy it?
Most supermarkets offer a full Christmas dinner with all the fixings already made. All you need to do is take it home and heat it. Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? But if you’re serious about scoring a cheap Christmas dinner, just remind yourself what you spend on presents, and you’ll swing back around to keep this inexpensive. You’ll want to make it yourself.
Sure, you may find some sale items in the deli or bakery that you couldn’t make at home for that cost. And if there are specific special dietary requirements — diabetic, dialysis, etc. — then a pre-made meal may be best, but otherwise, you’ll have success keeping your Christmas dinner on a budget by doing it yourself.
Also, do you have family and friends, or is it just for your immediate people? If that’s not a big number, consider getting a turkey breast instead of a whole turkey for a cheap Christmas dinner. There are just so many times you can eat turkey sandwiches and turkey hash before you end up throwing out the leftovers. By getting only the breast, you’ll cut down on your initial cost as well as not wasting food.
Make it Ahead
You can make several dishes before the big day — pies, cookies, gravy, cakes, bread — and leave yourself more time to focus on the big dishes of the day. Make sure you give the turkey plenty of time to thaw in the refrigerator.
BYO (Bring Your Own)
Is there any reason your guests can’t bring their contribution to the meal and for a cheap Christmas dinner?
Aunt Betty makes a killer green bean casserole, your sister’s stuffing is an old family recipe, and nobody’s ever topped your mom’s pumpkin pecan pie. So, why not ask each of them to bring their favorite dish? It takes the financial burden off of you and the stress of making everything and timing it all to be done by 4 pm. Just make sure you coordinate with your guests about who’s bringing what, or you’ll end up with a lot of butter noodles.
Contact the Minute Loan Center
For more tips on saving money or applying for a personal loan to get you through the holidays, contact Minute Loan Center. Our excellent customer service reps will attend to you immediately.
Kevin brings over 15 years of experience in marketing, with a specialized expertise in growing online businesses. As the Director of Marketing at a leading FINtech company, he employs innovative strategies to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement. Kevin’s passion lies at the intersection of technology and finance, where he pioneers solutions that not only meet but exceed consumer expectations. His commitment to leveraging his expertise ensures impactful results and the building of lasting relationships in the digital landscape.
