Christmas can be the best time of the year, mainly because we finally get some time away from Uni, but it's also expensive as fuck. I do not know about you guys, but my bank account is not so much my flatmates will be a renewed subscription to my friendship.

For those of you in the same situation, I have come up with a solution! Have a Secret Santa this year. You just have to buy one present so it's cheaper and it's exciting not knowing who your secret Santa is. Even though secret Santa is fairly easy to understand, there are still a few 'Gift Do's and Don'ts' that you'll need to know. You did not think what would you do?

 

Do not Go Overboard

Set a price limit that everyone can afford. A fiver? A tenner? Whatever it is, make sure you're all ok with that. Yes, it might be the goodwill, but you do not have Bill Gate's fortune to plunder. 

 

Do Re-Wrap Presents

At some point in your life, you've probably got a present that you've never liked or used, which is why the art or re-wrapping is so handy. As long as the present is in a really good condition (preferably unused) you're good to go.   

So the only thing you have to buy is the wrapping paper, and a card if you're feeling generous. Just make sure you do not give the re-wrapped present to the same person who gifts it to you originally! That would be awkward, especially if you do not care about it. 

Do Not Leave Anyone out 

Get everyone in the house involved, even if it is that one who will never leave their room. Knock on their door, introduce yourself (just in case they have forgotten who you are even though you've been living together for three months) and say; "Hi, I know we have not officially with - I think we'll have to go to Secret Santa?" 

If you do not want to play, at least you're finally with the 'other' flatmate. Congrats! Your flatmates will be proud of your bravery. Getting everyone involved makes the game much more interesting, and you'll avoid feeling bad if anyone were accidentally (or on purpose) left out. Congrats! Your housemates will be proud of your bravery. Getting everyone involved makes the game much more interesting, and you will avoid feeling bad if anyone was accidentally (or on purpose) left out.   

 

Do Play It Safe

Some people are generic gifts like a pack of scented shower gels or a mix and match makeup kit, but it is perfectly acceptable. You can never go wrong with buying gifts like these, and you can find some cracking bargains. If you want to get something, just grab a bar or luxury hand-made organic soap. They smell delicious and can be a subtle point in the house who does not always like to wash as frequently as everyone else!  

Do Not Forget

To actually buy a gift, otherwise, you'll find yourself in a moment of panic, frantically trying to find something last minute to give them. Giving them a packet of crisps or a pack of jam doughnuts might seem like a great and useful "gift" but frankly, it's a bit rubbish and thoughtless. You might be in Santa Claus, but there are limits to how low you can go! Do not leave it until the last minute (you've heard about it from your lecturer plenty of times). otherwise, you'll find yourself in a moment of panic, frantically trying to find something last minute to give them. Giving them a packet of crisps or a pack of jam donuts might seem like a great and useful "gift" but frankly, it's a bit rubbish and thoughtless. You might be in Santa Claus, but there are limits to how low you can go! Do not leave it until the last minute (you've heard about it from your lecturer plenty of times). 

The More the Merrier

Flatmates are not the only ones on your Christmas list. Remember to include the people that are moving to a lot easier and less stressful than it could have been. You know, the people you lived with for the previous 18 years of your life? They may be painful, but they're your pain because they're your family, so get them something nice this year. Besides, if you were not in the same t-shirt you've been wearing for eight days. you youSo you better treat yourself to your laundry. Now, this is not the gift has to be expensive. It could be as simple as a box of chocolates, a bouquet of flowers, or a delicious bottle of wine. As long as it's not dirty, she'll love it. And get your dad a Christmas gadget. Now this does not mean the gift has to be expensive. It could be as simple as a box of chocolates, a bouquet of flowers, or a delicious bottle of wine. As long as it's not dirty, she'll love it. And get your dad a Christmas gadget, or something silly or funny from somewhere like Hawkin's Bazaar , there's no shortage or gifts out there that will not cost the earth.   

Because at the end of the day, it is the thought that counts.