Last three years, I have learned a lot about what makes me happy in life and how to make my family. I also learned that my happiness level has nothing to do with spending more money. You can be happier without money too. That’s not the message I was taught in America, and you probably weren’t either. Corporations and Hollywood would have me believe that the only path to happiness is to buy a bigger house, drive a better car, and never wear the same dress twice. For me happiness is the opposite is true – saving money and living a simple life is what makes me happiest, which is why we have downsized to live on one salary and follow a strict family budget.

At this time of Christmas if you are feeling the pressure to spend in order to make your family happy, here are the best ideas that I will share with you that can help to take the pressure off. Use these tips to replace some of the material things that pile up under the trees.

1. Season of experience:

Instead of buying the kids a pile of gifts they can’t possibly appreciate, spend this portion of gift money on a holiday experience. Go to a garden of lights, enjoy a sleigh ride, get out and cut down a Christmas tree by hand. Take them to the symphony Christmas concert. There are many ways to give them a happy Christmas. You can give them a long-lasting memory. 

2. Start shop early:

Start shopping now while the stores are not completely overblown with Christmas. You will be able to get the gifts you want without as much fuss. There are lots of time in December to focus on making awesome Christmas memories! In order to shop early, get a plan ahead. Create a one Christmas list with columns for the person, dollar amount, and some ideas. Total the dollar amount so you know exactly how much money is needed. Then hit the stores with cash in hand to avoid overspending.

There are many applications available to create your Christmas budget list. Christmas budget planner is a great application for Christmas. With the use of this application, you can manage your budget and make your Christmas more beautiful.

3. Turn off your TV:

Put the TV on mute during commercial breaks or stop watching it altogether. Rent your favorite Christmas flicks from the video store or on Netflix. Read meaningful stories to get your next year in a positive direction and leave the sales flyers to someone else.

4. Help others to enjoy Christmas:

This year, look into the multiple ways to give back during the season. So that everyone can enjoy this Christmas. Serve a meal at a homeless shelter, adopt a family, ring the bell for the Salvation Army, or walk dogs at the animal shelter. If there is a busy mom that needs a break, watch her kids so she can get her shopping done. Make your Christmas more memorable with Making Christmas cookies while they are visiting. Sing carols at the nursing home. This dark time of year needs people to brighten the world, not just lights. 

5. Focus on senses:

The best parts of the Christmas that awaken my senses like no other time of the year. I love the smell of Christmas cookies wafting through the house. I love how the white lights on the porch glow beneath a layer of icy snow. I even love Christmas music.