By Tania Ngima

Lately, the festive season always seems to happen upon us, finding us less and less prepared for it. October might seem too early to start preparing for the Christmas holidays, but it’s not.

In fact, it is the opportune time to start planning and budgeting. After all, there are only two pay cheques between now and the holidays, unless you want to start 2010 on a low, broke note.

Budget

There’s really no getting away from budgeting if you want to preserve your sanity and cheque book.

In reality, chances are that the amount we spent last year will only buy us a fraction of the festive goodies this year, and we have inflation to thank for that. While preparing your budget, include all of the following:

- Intended trips — airline and transport costs, accommodation and food expenses.

- Christmas cards and related postage expenses.

- Gift list with two or three gift ideas for each person and a spending limit.

- Dinners and parties you intend to host and the expected expenditure for each.

- Decorations.

How much money do you have available for the holidays? Ideally, this would be your net available salary less budgeted expenditure.

Is this amount sufficient for your possible expenses as planned for above?

Looking at your total anticipated expenses on your budget gives a rough idea on whether every gift, dinner and trip is feasible or if you might have to cut down in certain areas.

Look for other cost-effective and creative ways to enjoy the holidays without going broke.

The unfortunate truth about gifts is that we tend to, probably unwittingly, equate them with love whether as the giver or recipient.

If cutting down on gifts is not an option for you, there are other ways to save.

Buy gifts early. Chances are that if you wait until the last minute guilt will drive you into being extravagant and probably end up with a case of buyer’s remorse.

Also, many shops will be clearing their existing stock to make way for Christmas sales and you are likely to get a good deal on certain items.

Gift ideas

If you come across a gift at a great price, pick one for several people on your list.

In fact, general gifts like scented candles should be kept on hand for anyone you might have forgotten or for people you hadn’t planned for.

Prepare your own gift baskets with themes like homemade cookies or pastries, confectionery, fragrant soaps and oils, fruits, the list is as long as your creativity.

If you are still hard pressed for money, prioritise.

Is it more important to you to spend time with close family and friends than to go away on holiday?

If you prefer spending time with loved ones, a big dinner party will work out fine.

If there are any traditions you have been carrying on just because they have always been there, such as giving gifts, skip on it and do something else that is truly important to you this year.