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The grocery store is a big expenditure around the holidays — and an important one! Gathering family and loved ones together for a holiday meal is a priceless tradition. By prioritizing expenditures and cutting costs in optimal places, you can make a delicious memorable meal your whole family will enjoy.
Creating Great
It’s no secret. Prices for everyday goods have gone up, especially at the grocery store. This can be a challenge for families trying to enjoy the holiday season on a budget.
Good News?
The
It’s entirely possible to create lasting holiday memories and still stay on budget. After all, spending quality time with your loved ones is what the holidays are truly about. Savor the most wonderful time of the year with these helpful tips on how to create great holiday memories on a budget, at the grocery store and at home.
Plan Before You Go
It’s never a good idea to go to the store without a plan, especially if you’re shopping on a budget. Save time and money by creating a detailed meal plan for the holiday season, including all the ingredients you'll need, before you hit the store. This will prevent impulse purchases and reduce food waste.
Once at the store, use a grocery list based on your meal plan and stick to it to avoid buying unnecessary items. Prioritize spending on the centerpiece of your meal. For example, if your holiday dinner features a roast, talk to your butcher about the best cut of beef that fits your budget and then use the following tips to save on the rest.
At Home
Home is the centerpiece of holiday memories, but the components that make it so — your family and friends — should come free and need minimal accompaniment. As such, here are ways you can simplify your celebration without losing the holiday spirit. Just add family and enjoy!
Budget Quiz
Having a budget is a key part of celebrating the holidays efficiently and with less stress. This insightful quiz will help you craft a budget for your holiday dinner. Just answer a few questions and then receive a delicious, budget-conscious recipe your whole family will love.
Holiday Memories
on a Budget
At the Grocery Store
01
/04
Avoid the Decoration Superstore
… and Host a Gift Exchange
Bring the
Outdoors
Indoors
01
/04
Avoid the Decoration Superstore
Mass produced holiday decorations are fun, but they’re not as meaningful as decorations you make yourself. This year, get creative with homemade decorations. You can make ornaments, wreaths, and garlands from materials you already have at home, like paper, fabric, or pinecones.
02
/04
Bring the Outdoors Indoors
The most expensive holiday decoration is usually the tree. This year, find a smaller tree that can serve as the centerpiece of your holiday dinner table. Take those handmade ornaments and decorate your tree before dinner!
Pro tip for next year: Consider buying decorations after the holiday season when they are on sale.
03
/04
Merge Your Holiday Celebration with Friends…
The saying “the more the merrier” was invented for the holidays! Merging your holiday celebration with other families and friends by hosting a potluck dinner not only adds variety and excitement to your meal, but it reduces expenses while adding the chance of making new holiday traditions through the discovery of other families’ traditions and favorite dishes.
04
/04
… and Host a Gift Exchange:
Instead of buying gifts for everyone, consider doing a Secret Santa or White Elephant gift exchange. Set a price limit to keep it budget-friendly.
Celebrating the holidays on a budget isn’t as daunting as it may seem. Above all, if you prioritize what’s important, your holiday season will be just as special as if you had unlimited resources. You can’t buy the holiday spirit; that comes free.
02
/04
Buy Frozen Vegetables Instead of Fresh
The idea that frozen vegetables are inferior to fresh vegetables is a misconception. Frozen vegetables are not only just as good for you as fresh, but they are, at times, healthier. Because frozen vegetables are picked at their peak in terms of freshness and nutrients, the process of freezing vegetables locks in those flavors and nutrients. Frozen vegetables are also less expensive than fresh vegetables, allowing you to save money without sacrificing flavor and nutrition.
03
/04
Avoid Pre-Packaged and Pre-Cut Items
Pre-packaged and pre-cut fruits, vegetables, and meats are convenient but often more expensive. Buying whole foods and preparing them at home may take a bit more time, but it’s cost effective. Plus, preparing at home provides an opportunity to share that prep time with a loved one.
04
/04
Shop Early
Grocery stores are like any other business. When demand rises, so do prices. Shopping early helps you twice: once when you shop since prices tend to be lower before the holiday, and again when you don’t have to go to the store last minute, allowing you more time to stay home with your family.
Tune In for Culinary Inspiration!
Why don't you
Listen now
How To Smoke
A Holiday Roast
Episode 1
Learn how to smoke a holiday roast to perfection with the timeless, tasty tips in this podcast episode.
Listen now
Beef Appetizers for Your Holiday Meal
Episode 2
Choose from a range of delectable beef hors d’oeuvres to fit your ideal holiday gathering.
Listen now
How To Shop for Your Holiday Roast
Episode 4
Know the ins and outs of buying different types of beef roast to plan for your holiday needs.
Listen now
Interesting Rubs for Your Holiday Roast
Episode 3
Discover a new flavor palate for your holiday roast rub to make it a standout dish.
Listen now
A Quaint Holiday Meal (for 2 or 4?)
Episode 5
Get expert recipe and technique recommendations well suited for a small gathering.
Listen now
How To Smoke
A Holiday Roast
Episode 1
Learn how to smoke a holiday roast to perfection with the timeless, tasty tips in this podcast episode.
Listen now
Beef Appetizers for Your Holiday Meal
Episode 2
Choose from a range of delectable beef hors d’oeuvres to fit your ideal holiday gathering.
Listen now
Interesting Rubs for Your Holiday Roast
Episode 3
Discover a new flavor palate for your holiday roast rub to make it a standout dish.
Listen now
Beef Appetizers for Your Holiday Meal
Episode 2
Explore mouthwatering beef appetizers for your festive holiday meal celebration.
Listen now
Interesting Rubs for Your Holiday Roast
Episode 3
Discover a new flavor palate for your holiday roast rub to make it a standout dish.
Listen now
How To Shop for Your Holiday Roast
Episode 4
Know the ins and outs of buying different types of beef roast to plan for your holiday needs.
Listen now
A Quaint Holiday Meal (for 2 or 4?)
Episode 5
Get expert recipe and technique recommendations well suited for a small gathering.
Listen now
Interesting Rubs for Your Holiday Roast
Episode 3
Discover a new flavor palate for your holiday roast rub to make it a standout dish.
Listen now
How To Shop for Your Holiday Roast
Episode 4
Know the ins and outs of buying different types of beef roast to plan for your holiday needs.
Listen now
A Quaint Holiday Meal (for 2 or 4?)
Episode 5
Get expert recipe and technique recommendations well suited for a small gathering.