Cost of Christmas: How to save money on holiday necessities
Consumer prices are up about 21% since January 2019, according to Business Council of B.C.
'Tis the season to spend.
The cost of the holiday season can add up quickly — from gifts to parties, special meals to festive outfits, it can all seem overwhelming, especially when the basics can be out of reach for many.
According to the Business Council of B.C., consumer prices are up about 21 per cent since January 2019.
"Just about everything costs more than it did in 2019," said David Williams, the business council's vice president of policy.
CBC's Daybreak South spoke to experts about how to celebrate the season on a budget.
Decorations
If you're looking to add some new holiday decor to your home but you're on a budget, shop owner Angela Kirbyson suggests heading to the thrift store and in particular, thrift shops that support a cause, like the SPCA, Salvation Army or local hospital.
"I love thrifting decor of all kinds, but holiday decor is especially great because you can find some really nostalgic pieces," she said.
This year, Kirbyson found a ceramic light-up tree similar to one her mom made her but sadly broke during a move.
"After years of searching, I found a thrifted one that looks just like hers, and it just makes me smile so much."
Her advice: make a list and go in prepared.
"It can be very tempting to grab every shiny thing that you see."
If thrifting isn't your cup of tea, Kirbyson suggested picking up craft supplies and making your own decor.
The bonus to thrifting and crafting, Kirbyson said, is that it is sustainable.
"I just love the fact that, you know, you can buy stuff without it being new. Just think, everything that you've ever owned still exists, right?"
Meals
Food prices have gone up about 30 per cent since 2019, according to Williams.
And when you're cooking for a big group or trying to celebrate the season with a special feast, it can be tough to know where to make up that added cost.
Kelowna-based butcher Tom Looijschelder says that when it comes to meat, like turkey, ham or a roast, bigger is not always better.
"I think eating a little less is way better," he said.
Looijschelder suggests telling your local butcher what your budget is and how many people you need to feed in order for them to help you get the best bang for your buck and get some cooking tips.
He also said people should be using the entirety of whatever food they make and planning how to use bones and leftovers.
For some, the holidays are a time of celebration and libation, but raising a glass of your favourite wine can be expensive. Sommelier Mark Filatow says delicious, local, budget wines are available for any meal.
"Value, I mean, that's different for everybody," he said. "But I really shop for something that delivers."
His top white wine options include Orofino's Riesling 2022, Hendsbee Vineyard Clone 239 and Nichol's Pinot Gris 2023, which, incidentally, pairs great with turkey, Filatow said, adding that they both ring in under about $27.
As for red wines, he likes Tanatlus's 2022 cabernet franc from the further afield series and La Stella's Fortissimo of the same year. Each costs about $30.
"Sparkling goes with everything," Filatow said, recommending Blue Mountain's 2019 Gold Label Brut. "Lots of character."
Gifts
B.C. business owner Becky Krenzel says gifting doesn't have to be pricey; if you are on a budget, she said intentional gifts will mean more and cost less.
"The neighbour that lives beside you, maybe they love cooking, so maybe it's just grabbing a spice for them," she said. "It doesn't cost a lot of money.
"It's the thought that counts."
Krenzel said she prefers actual gifts over gift cards or cash, simply because it's more meaningful, and suggests low-price but meaningful items like ornaments and custom-made cards.
"Something that they're going to be able to put on their tree every year, they're going to remember that you gave them that versus the $20 or $25 you gave them in cash," Krenzel said.
Another way to save money on gifts, she said, is to buy in bulk. If you have more than five people to buy for who all might like something similar, bulk purchases are ideal, she said. Plus, it saves time and energy, Krenzel added.
With files from Daybreak South