It’s a familiar story to so many students at Sinclair. They want to have a festive and fun holiday season, but the budget may be murky instead of merry. Here are some new, worry-free ways to enjoy favorite holiday activities without draining the budget:
Enjoying hot drinks. If you’re a coffee or hot tea fan, it’s okay to bring it with you from home or carry your own tea bags. It’s not always a necessity to have special coffee drinks in “holiday” flavors and they definitely don’t have to come from coffee shops. If money is tight enough, aim for saving the special coffee drinks as a treat for hitting a weekly goal. This can give you the soothing enjoyment of a warm beverage without costing you.
Quality time. Don’t underestimate this one! Especially if you can’t afford it or just don’t want to spend money on gifts for everyone in your life, quality time means a lot. That’s the one thing nobody can get back.
Whether we admit it or not, most people love getting or even just buying gifts this time of the year. If you have a ton of people on your list, but not a ton to spend, get creative !
If you’re crafty, scour your local craft store. Glitter, shiny paper, bows, and pretty beads can turn into something amazing and unique, your imagination the architect. Handmade gifts often mean more to people than proving you can buy something a lot of other people have, so don’t be afraid to get creative.
Remember, shoppingfor the holidays does not have to mean you only shop during the holiday season! Pick out a few things over the whole year for those really on your mind.Holiday activities don’t always come with a big price tag. Look for your local deals on sites like Groupon. Often, group rates can offer great deals to get your loved ones together for an affordable outing. Christmas lights are only a walk or a low cost drive around.The season has much to offer, so be sure you keep your eyes out and have an open attitude.
Try looking for reward problems. Many stores like Kohls and businesses like Speedway have reward systems or credit card offers that can be both manageable and worthwhile investments to cash in on the holiday season.
Any program that you can participate in and earn points on necessary goods like gas can be a much welcomed surprise to cash in for the gift-giving season.
Whatever you do this holiday season, just remember to enjoy yourself. After a long semester, you deserve it!
Meggan Lanahan
Reporter
Lindsey Huff
Intern