Vouchercodes.co.uk has revealed we’re set to spend £91.12 billion on Christmas food, drink and more. Funds aren’t as healthy as you’d hoped? Here are our top tips to save money during the run-up and over the festivities.
Christmas cards
Sure, it’s nice when a Christmas card lands on your doormat, as it means someone’s thought of you — but is it really something you need to buy when a WhatsApp or email can do instead? Besides the fact that the UK government revealed in 2022 that over 1 billion Christmas cards are thrown away each year, there’s the cost of each pack you buy — not to mention the price of stamps, with four second class priced at £3.48, and four first class setting you back £6.80. And that’s just the UK, never mind sending one abroad! Look at the maths: sending 20 cards second class means you’ve already spent over £17, without even factoring in the price of the cards.
Christmas presents
Gifts are well-received come 25 December, but consider who really needs one in the first place. MoneySupermarket says us Brits are set to spend an average of £181.07 on presents alone. Then there’s an after-Christmas struggle — credit management company Lowell revealed 74% of households rely on credit products like Buy-Now-Pay-Later schemes and credit cards to manage expenses, with repayments stretching into mid-April. How to save? Set a limit and stick to it, no matter how tempting it is to add that extra item into your Amazon basket. Secret Santas are also ideal if you’ve an extended family, or get creative and make something yourself — biscuits, coasters, candles, and more.
Christmas dinner
Want to know how much an average feast for eight to 10 will set you back? According to London Mutual — a not-for-profit financial co-op — turkey and trimmings cost £50-£70; sides and veg £30-£40; desserts £20-£30; and drinks £50-£60. Don’t want to fork out that amount? If you’ve the guts to wait, nab your supermarket turkey late on Christmas Eve — if you time it right, the prices are hugely reduced. Shopping earlier? Look at frozen over fresh: nibbles and pigs in blankets tend to be cheaper than ones you find in the chilled section. Buy misshapen veg — also lower in price — and don’t forget about those supermarket coupons: the buzz you’ll feel at the checkout as the total goes down is worth it in itself!
Christmas tree
Figures from Christmas.co.uk show the average price of a real tree is £88 — hefty when you think how long it’s up for. Artificial trees are significantly less: Home Bargains is currently selling a six-footer for £9.99! If you’re adamant real is for you, there are still ways to save. Variety plays a factor: the most expensive are Nordmann and Fraser firs, as they hold needles better, so if you can cope with extra tidying, opt for Norway spruce, which is more affordable but with an increased needle drop. Taller, of course, means the price is higher, so consider whether you really need it to hit your lounge ceiling. And don’t forget to shop around — supermarkets and DIY chains tend to offer the most competitive prices.
Christmas family time
One final thing to consider? What matters the most: spending time with those you love. Because at the end of the day, can you really remember what type of stuffing you served last year? What about the crackers you laid out on the table? As for little ones in your family — ask them to name what gifts were in their stocking or whether their presents were wrapped with ribbons and bows or just a simple name tag. Unless they’ve the memory of a dolphin — said to have the best due to an experiment suggesting they’re able to remember other dolphins they’ve been separated from for over 20 years — we’ll have you know they really won’t have a clue.
