With the cost of living going up and UK households expected to pay a gigantic 65% more on their Christmas this year compared to last, it’s safe to say that many of us may be feeling the pinch as the nights draw in this year. That doesn’t mean that you have to scrimp out on the festivities though.
There are lots of ways you can make Christmas special, even if you’re on a budget. Here are five of our favourite tips for keeping the most wonderful time of the year just as special, but without the 2022 price tag!
Atmosphere on a budget
A large part of Christmas is about nostalgia and atmosphere – making your home look as festive as possible. Unfortunately, buying delicate décor from crafts fairs can get expensive, so opt for a fake Christmas tree instead of real, and decorate using value-shop decorations and battery-operated Christmas lights that will add to the sparkle.
That’s because, compared to using mains, opting for battery-powered electronics can keep us more mindful of the energy output and threat of power-off, and therefore more likely to turn them off, saving on energy bills in kind.
Consider a secret Santa
Presents are expensive, especially if you’re buying for 15 distant family members. Instead – at least among the adults – agree not to buy presents or organise a family secret Santa with an agreed-upon budget. That way, you can cut out present buying for people with everything, and focus on making Christmas special for the kinds.
Shop savvy
It can be easy to get carried away when doing our Christmas shopping, especially when stores flash plenty of festive deals in our faces. But deals aren’t always all they’re cracked up to be. Take Black Friday: 98% of deals weren’t worth buying last year, according to Which?
As such, be careful about deals, create a budget, and then stick to it. Using tools like price trackers can also be a great approach, letting you keep an eagle eye over whether retailers are trying to pull the wool over your eyes.
Reduced-price wrapping and cards
Are you the type of person that has a big box full of previous years’ Christmas cards and gift bags? Save money this year and see if you can recycle old or use leftover wrapping from previous years for gift tags without a price tag, use old cards with the message half of the card cut out!
Cheaper Christmas dinner
If you are having lots of people over for Christmas dinner and the costs are rising, don’t be afraid to ask people to contribute to the spread (well before the event – don’t send them an invoice out of the blue!). Another great approach can be to put your heads together and share the burden, allocating dishes to attendees in the same manner as a potluck.
What are your plans this Christmas? How are you doing to keep costs down? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
