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Christmas is an exciting time of year with so many lovely, tempting things in shop windows and lots of opportunities for festive socialising with friends and family. But, when funds are tight, things don’t always seem so enjoyable.
Luckily, there are many ways to enjoy the Christmas season without spending lots of money. And, at Beyond Lettings HQ, we know a few thrifty little secrets that we’d like to share with you.
In this article, we'll explore some top tips and ideas to help you enjoy Christmas on a student budget.
Decorate your student home for less
Skip the expensive store-bought wreaths and baubles and opt for homemade decs this year. With a bit of clever planning and some online inspiration, you can create your own unique and personalised decorations for your student room and house.
You can pick up useful materials like paper, twine, and bows relatively cheaply in stores such as B&M, Home Sense and Poundland, as well as foraging things from nature like twigs, pine cones and holly leaves.
If you have a creative bunch of housemates, then why not plan a Christmas crafting night to share supplies and creative ideas.
Home-made Secret Santa
While you are at it with the Christmas decorations, why not carry on the creative streak with some homemade gifts for friends and family.
Swop your usual secret Santa tradition to a homemade version, and this way, everyone gets a thoughtful gift without breaking the bank.
Handmade gifts add a personal touch and can be much more meaningful than store-bought ones. Consider baking cookies, crafting 2024 calendars, or creating a photo album full of amazing memories from 2023.
Find free festive events in Leeds
From tree lighting ceremonies, seasonal parades, and festive markets, there are many ways to get into the festive spirit in Leeds without having to fork out on expensive tickets.
The ever-popular Millennium Square ice rink has already returned to the city, but this doesn’t mean you have to pay for a ticket to skate. In our opinion, it’s just as much fun to hang out around the edge of the rink and secretly giggle at other people trying to keep their balance as they take to the ice! It’s also pretty cool to watch the skating pros showing off their stag leaps and triple turns as you sip on a hot chocolate.
Check out Visit Leeds for a full lowdown on all the Christmas Events taking place in Leeds and the surrounding areas this year.
Christmas movie nights
Ready for a Christmas movie marathon? We sure are!
From traditional classics like Home Alone and Miracle on 34th Street, to modern sensations such as The Christmas Chronicles, Noelle and Klaus, there are so many festive flicks to get you in the mood for the holidays.
Want a challenge? Check out Time Out’s 50 best Christmas movies list, and see if you and your housemates can make your way through all 50 before Santa arrives!
Share the goodwill with those who need it more
Embracing the Christmas spirit is all about sharing and giving to others to make them feel good. So, why not do something special and volunteer your time to a local charitable organisation this December?
Many community centres and charities have seasonal initiatives that welcome support, such as the Food Cycle or Emmaus, or perhaps you could take the time to have a clear out of your student wardrobe and donate a few items to The Clothing Bank to ensure everyone can stay warm and safe in Leeds this Christmas.
Utilise your student discount
Used your student card recently for discounts?
There could be many more stores, restaurants and services offering student discounts than you realise in Leeds. Plus, many businesses will be offering special student discounts especially for the Christmas season, so, make sure to take advantage of them while shopping for gifts or festive essentials.
Check online platforms for exclusive student deals on everything from decorations to travel.
Give the gift of your time
Everyone is pushed for time, but it’s one of those things that money just cannot buy. Therefore, why not skip the expensive gifts this year and treat your loved ones to treats that a gift that will really benefit them by freeing up some spare time.
You could offer your time and skills to friends and family by creating personalised gift certificates or vouchers for services like babysitting, dog walking, cooking a meal, or helping with chores. This not only saves you money but adds a personal touch to your presents and your family are sure to be really grateful for the kind gestures around the busy, festive period.
Remember that celebrating Christmas on a student budget doesn't mean sacrificing the joy and magic of the season. By embracing a little creativity, frugality, and the spirit of giving, you can create lasting memories without breaking the bank. Remember, it's the thought and effort that count the most for those you love and who love you.
Cheers to a budget-friendly and festive Christmas!