The holidays on a budget

Illustrations: Kira Shaimanova

Being broke for the holidays doesn’t have to suck. It can be the sort of harrowing experience you use as fodder for future party-convention speeches when out-sob-storying your opponent is mandatory. It can even be, dare we say, fun. Here’s some advice to help you make the most of these cash-strapped times:

Boozing on a budget
• The Krampus is the Lucifer of Alpine tales of yore, a monster who feasts on naughty children come Christmas time. To honor the beast, Rodan (1530 N Milwaukee Ave, 773-276-7036) hosts a Krampus Romp with music, booze, dumplings and hopefully no real monsters. Dec 23 at 6pm, DJs start at 10pm. No cover; average beer: $5.
• While the “Après-Ski Party” theme is a bit shaky—DJ Luis Aguilera plays retro, electro and world beats from Italy, Brazil and France under the premise that these are countries full of ardent ski-goers—we like that there’s no cover charge and abundant cheap craft beer at Maria’s Packaged Goods and Community Bar (960 W 31st St, 773-890-0588). Dec 22 at 9pm. Average beer: $4.
• Even though Logan Square quirk fixture Saki (3716 W Fullerton Ave, 773-486-3997) is a record store, not a booze store, its third annual holiday party, “A Very Girl Group Christmas w. Summer Girlfriends and Kitchen Hips,” promises plenty of free Goose Island beer, in addition to a photo booth, a cookie potluck and live music from the aforementioned girl groups. Cuts from A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector complete the effect. What’s not to like? Sat 15 at 7pm; free.