During the holiday season, many of us find ourselves facing financial stress. From presents to decorations, the costs can add up quickly. But there are ways to save money and still make the holidays special. Chris Moran from Vandervalk Farm in Mendon, Mass., shares how he lost 500 young Christmas trees due to the dry conditions in the Northeast. This just shows how unpredictable the holidays can be.

Discover Simple Ways to Save This Holiday Season

Budget-Friendly Gift Ideas

To avoid overspending during the holidays, it's important to create a budget. If your costs are too high, look for ways to cut down. One area to save is gift wrapping. You don't need expensive supplies to wrap a gift. In fact, using creative methods can be more fun. For example, reuse wrapping paper, bags, and tissue paper. Keep a bin of used gift items and reuse them when possible. Wrapping with old newspaper is another option. It not only saves money but gives a unique vintage look. You can also use construction paper and get creative with decorating. Kids can have fun decorating the paper, adding a heartfelt touch to the gift.

The Holiday Work Party Dilemma

As you wrap your gifts this year, keep these money-saving hacks in mind. Saving wrapping supplies year after year is a great way to save. Reuse bags and tissue paper whenever you can. For wrapping paper, if it's durable, keep it for future use. When it comes to old newspaper, it's perfect for gift wrapping and gives a nice vintage look. You can even use it instead of tissue paper. Another alternative to wrapping paper is construction paper. Let the kids decorate it to make the gift more special.

Buy Now, Pay Later Discounts

If you do choose to buy wrapping paper, make sure to measure before cutting. Guessing how much you need can lead to a lot of wasted paper and money. Roll out the paper and place the item on top. Fold the sides over and mark how much you need for a full cover. Have a little overlap but not too much. For any excess paper, fold it in half to make a gift tag.

Traveling for the Holidays and Saving Money

When wrapping difficult items, it's often easier to put them in a box and wrap the box instead. Look through your recyclable items to find old boxes that can be reused. You might be surprised at what you find around the house. Even if the box has nothing to do with the gift, it can still add a comedic touch on Christmas morning. An old shoe box or jewelry box can be repurposed for a gift.