How to Make it Through the Holidays Broke

The holidays are a great time of year, everyone is making plans to visit friends and buying gifts for Christmas. Well, almost everyone; some people sadly find that they are rather broke at the end of the year and can't squeeze out even a few dollars to get the kids something small for the holiday. Those that find themselves broke during the season can sometimes avoid going to the store for even their basic needs because the scene of shoppers happily buying gifts if rather depressing. There are some things that can make getting through the holidays easier even when you feel as if you're too broke for even your basic needs.

Focus

You need to focus to get through. Often the most hectic time of year is the end of the year which can make it easy to lose focus but you have to be determined not to. Get an appointment book or print on out if you don't have one already so you can keep up with everything. The more organized you force yourself to be the easier it'll be to get by with very little money during the season.

Cut Corners

You don't have to cut out everything but there are a couple of areas that will allow you to cut corners during the holiday. These reductions can assist in preventing that feeling of overwhelming depression that comes from not being able to spend a lot of money on the kids this year. You don't have to go without food or sit in the a dark cold room on the floor. It's much simpler than that.

Getting to Work Is a Must

Does someone you work with live nearby? If you know them well and get along you can hitch a ride to work with them a couple days a week so that your gas lasts longer. The two of you can alternate days driving so that you both save about the same amount of money during the week. The two of you can even run your errands after work together if you have to go to the same places provided you both agree.

Utility Bills

The amount spent on utilities can go up drastically during the holiday season just like it does in the summer with all the lights and cold weather. The first few days of the fall are beautiful with lower temperatures and clear skies so take advantage of them. Open a couple of windows instead of using the air and when it gets colder put off turning the heat on for a little bit by allowing the sun to come into the windows heating the house.

While not ideal in the winter you can hand wash clothing and hang it out to dry. It'll dry outside it'll just take a bit longer because of the chill. There are a few things that you might feel better using the washing machine for; just make sure that you have a full load. Every dime less that you spend on your utility usage means more money that you can tuck away for the holiday.

Earn a Little Extra

You may be broke this holiday season but you don't have to stay as broke as you are. There are dozens of ways that you can earn a little extra money this year. Take a few minutes to think about your skills. It doesn't matter what you do to earn the money as long as it's legal. You could clean houses in your neighborhood, babysit a neighbor's child or cut grass for someone.

When you look around your house there are likely a number of things that you don't use but have keep stored just in case you need them one day in the future. Go through them and have a yard sale or post them on eBay. You can even check with your family and friends that are searching for Christmas gifts to see if they could use anything in the stack that you are going to get rid of. When dealing with family and friends you can either trade for something you can give as a gift or sell it cheaper than you would to a stranger.

Writers can submit additional articles for payment to online sources or print magazines. The online sources are likely to accept the article and pay you faster than your traditional print magazines do. The faster payment means that you'll have the money to spend on what you need and want to give as gifts sooner.

Recycling can also be done to earn a little bit of additional money during the holidays and relieve some of the stress of being broke. Aluminum cans, scrap metal and wiring that can no longer be used can all be sold to recycling centers. The more you recycle the more you'll earn; even if you just get a few dollars you can take it with you the next time you go to the store and purchase a couple of $1 items for the little ones.

Inexpensive Gifts

The ages of your children will determine what you buy them but it's rather simple to find inexpensive gifts when you take the time to think. Toddlers are the easiest to find inexpensive gifts for; the items you buy a special needs toddler can double as therapy tools. Items such as play dough, bubbles and stuffed animals can be gotten for next to nothing.

Older children/teens on your list can be given CDs, DVDs and jewelry. You can make a few of the items on the gift list with a little time and patience. When you take the time to go through your things you may be surprised at the crafting supplies you didn't realize you had.

Making through the holidays broke can be stressful but it doesn't have to be. There are a number of ways to reduce your expenses, earn additional income and still manage to enjoy the holiday. You can get some inexpensive gifts for the kids; add some colorful wrapping and some fresh baked goodies to make the kids smile.