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Holidays are expensive, especially if children, food or parties are involved. Many wait until the holiday season comes around before beginning any shopping or real planning. That can be too late, as people rush around to get what they want, leaving very little behind for late planners.

The first rule is to start shopping ahead of time; even if the plans for the holiday aren’t set in stone yet, begin shopping around to find what is out there and what the costs may be. Once someone has an idea of what they want, it’s easier to figure out a budget for the event.
Or, once a budget is figured, the planner can then look for what they want in their price range. Either way is great, but choose one plan and then carry it out.

Be Resourceful for Your Shindig
Delegating is another good way to get something big and expensive done. Ask some willing friends to take care of certain parts of the event for you, like shopping for costumes (think Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, etc.). Online shopping is a good way to get your look.
A great way to afford a holiday on the fly is to arrange a large gathering and have everyone bring a dish. The planner can decide what each should bring – appetizer, entrée, dessert, etc. Ask guests to also bring extra chairs, card tables and the like to help with seating, saving the planner from having to rent these items.

Borrowing is a great way to get what is needed, also. Aunt Betty has a nice punchbowl and matching glasses and Uncle Bob has a limo with which to bring the guests of honor, etc.

Be creative and resourceful, and it’ll all go off without a hitch.