I love Christmas. It is something I still look forward to as much as I did as a child, except now of course I am the one in charge of planning our day in terms of what food to buy and cook, and what presents to choose for our friends and family. However, as much as we might all love Christmas, it can be a strain on our finances because it does encourage us all to spend over and above what we normally would. I think we can all feel the pressure to over spend at Christmas time, especially when we have children because it is very easy, and tempting, to be swayed by all of the offers on the high street, and the constant stream of adverts on our televisions.
Here are my money saving tips for your family at Christmas
It is never too early to shop!
As soon as Christmas ends, there are always bargains to be found in the shops. You can buy wrapping paper, cards, gift tags, cheap Christmas decorations, crackers and even presents all at marked down prices, which you can hide away until next Christmas. You can actually pick up gift ideas all year round, because there are so many sales in the shops, that you can stock up and spread the cost of Christmas throughout the year. Also keep an eye out for any 1/2 price toy sales or 3 for 2 offers which hit many stores in October, as you can get some good bargains this way which will save you money.
Saving for a Festive Day
As soon as Christmas ends, why not start saving for the following one by putting a little money away each month. Just £10 a month would give you £120 by December, which would go some way towards paying for the Christmas Dinner and alcohol, or maybe even the cost of some presents.
Nearly New
You do not have to give brand new gifts at Christmas. There are plenty of good quality second hand items that are in great condition for sale on auction sites and Facebook pages locally. Things like bikes, ride on toys and garden toys can be very costly bought brand new, but you can pick up some real bargains second hand. There is no need shame in up cycling other children’s unwanted toys to give to your kids, because they really do not care. In fact they do not even have to know. All they care about is that they have got themselves a cool new bike or a brilliant new slide to play with. Big brand items such as Lego or Playmobile still keep their value so you can get some great second hand items from these ranges by shopping around.
Planning is key
Write a list of what you need to get for Christmas. Just like meal planning, by keeping a note of everything you need for Christmas will stop you from buying extras that you do not really need. If you keep a list it will add as a great checklist for keeping you organised and it will help you have a wonderful Christmas on a budget.
Food for Thought
If you are lucky enough to have a large freezer, then you can start buying things for Christmas dinner early and freeze them until they are needed. There are often deals in the supermarket for many food items that can be stored in the freezer until the big day, indeed my turkey has been bought already and is doing just that. Keep any eye out also for the offers available in supermarkets once the kids return to school in September, as you can usually pick up great deals on chocolates, biscuits, alcohol , mincer pies, Christmas puddings etc. It all helps in spreading the cost so that it is not all left until December.
For more useful tips on how to have a stress free Christmas this year, please visit Emma’s Diary