Christmas is undoubtedly one of the most expensive times of year. It’s the season of spending, and the excitement and anticipation surrounding the festive months could leave you spending more than expected. With the right planning and these tips, you can avoid spending a fortune over the festive period and start 2022 with a greater sense of control over your financial situation. Below I’ve put together some solutions which can help you save money without taking the merry out of your Christmas.

Make a Christmas budget

List names of everyone who needs a present. If you are struggling financially, try to make this as streamlined as possible. Your loved ones would much rather you feel comfortable with your financial situation than spend money you don’t have. It’s okay to be honest about what you can afford.

Create a Christmas menu to help work out the food expenses and stick to it! You can also note other festive miscellaneous costs such as decorations, wrapping paper, etc. Try setting a budget you do not wish to exceed

Prioritise your Christmas purchases

If you have found your Christmas budget will leave you in the red, you may need to prioritise purchases. Try to decide what is the most important thing to you at Christmas time – what are your essentials? Your Christmas can still be a wonderful time even if it’s stripped back a little. Perhaps cut down on the alcohol you’d usually buy? Or recycle last year’s Christmas decorations?

Beware of Christmas ‘deals’

As we get closer to Christmas, the sale season begins, but not all items are authentic offers, so be sure to do your research before buying. Try to avoid temptations by sticking to your wish list without too much deviation.

Spend less on your Christmas dinner

You may share the shopping list with family or friends to reduce the expense, or each Christmas dinner attendee could bring a dish or contribute a certain amount of money. Christmas is about spending time with the ones you love, so asking for a monetary or edible contribution is totally reasonable. Alternatively, you can shop around to source supermarkets with the cheapest costs and best offers.

Buy gift cards

You can spend excess amounts because you can’t think about what to buy your loved ones. Try a gift card instead; it may work out cheaper, and you allow them to buy what they really want. The best things always do come in small packages!

Get Christmas creative

Christmas doesn’t have to be costly; get creative with presents and try hand-making to save money. Making soap, pressing flowers and sticking them in a frame, creating a collage of your favourite memories all make for wonderful gifts which will last.