Christmas is just around the corner, and while it’s the most magical time of the year, it can also be one of the most expensive. Between gifts, food, decorations, and festive outings, the cost of Christmas quickly adds up and for many this can cause a lot of stress and worry. However, the good news is that, with just three months to go, there are still plenty of ways to spread the cost of Christmas and make it more affordable for your family this year without losing and of the magic!
Here are 6 practical tips to help you save money on Christmas without missing out on the festive fun.
1. Start a Mini Christmas Savings Pot
Even with three months to go, setting aside a small amount each week can make a big difference. For example, putting away £20–£30 per week between now and December could give you an extra £240–£360 towards presents and food.
If you are worried you might be tempted to spend the cash if it's lying around, why not open a separate savings pot with your bank (many online banking apps now offer this feature), or use a savings app like Monzo or Starling to keep your Christmas money separate and avoid dipping into it accidentally.
2. Shop Little and Often for Gifts
Instead of waiting until December for one big (and stressful!) shopping trip, spread the cost by buying one or two gifts each week. This way, you’ll avoid a large lump sum going out all at once. Plus, it means you usually stand a better chance of finding the things you want rather than being faced with half-empty shelves and limited choice right before Christmas.
Look out for sales, 3-for-2 deals, and early Black Friday offers in October and November. Many supermarkets and high street stores also run regular toy sales and gift promotions in the lead-up to Christmas, which can really cut costs.
3. Use Supermarket Loyalty Points and Cashback
Supermarket loyalty schemes like Tesco Clubcard, Nectar, or Morrisons More can be a real lifesaver at Christmas. You can use points you’ve built up throughout the year to reduce the cost of your festive food shop or even buy gifts. If you have a partner, don't forget to get them to sign up too (on the same account), that way you don't miss out on any points of rewards when they go to the shop instead of you!
Don’t forget to check cashback websites like Top Cashback or Quidco when shopping online; the cashback you earn can quickly add up and help offset Christmas spending.
4. Organise a Secret Santa
Buying gifts for every family member or friend can quickly eat into your budget. Instead, suggest a Secret Santa within your family or friendship group. That way, everyone only needs to buy one gift, but you can spend a little more on making it something really thoughtful without feeling like you need to spread your budget across multiple people.
It keeps costs down, avoids duplicate or “filler” presents, and still ensures everyone gets something special to open on Christmas Day. It also makes it super exciting and fun to see who brought what for whom! You can even set a price limit (for example, £20) to keep it fair for everyone.
5. Spread the Food Shop Over 3 Months
Instead of leaving the entire Christmas food shop to December, start picking up non-perishable items now, we call in our Christmas snack box. Stock up on festive treats like chocolates, crisps, biscuits, and even cupboard essentials like gravy granules or stuffing mixes, a little at a time. Shops such as B&M and Home Bargains can be great for things like this as they seem to have different brands and treats to try every week so you can get some really fun, tasty bits.
By spreading the food shop across October, November, and December, you’ll avoid one big (and expensive) supermarket bill right before Christmas.
6. Plan a Family Budget and Cut Back on Extras
Sit down and work out exactly how much you can realistically afford to spend on gifts, food, and activities. Once you set your Christmas budget, stick to it. Cutting back on little extras (like a takeaway or a couple of coffee shop trips each week) for the next few months can free up an extra £50–£100 for Christmas.
Free festive activities such as Christmas light switch-ons, winter walks, and festive movie nights at home can be just as magical (and much cheaper) than costly days out. Some of my most memorable Christmas memories are my mum taking us out to look at all the houses lit up and, of course, the obligatory looking out for Father Christmas in the sky on the way home (and it was totally free!).
With just three months to go, Christmas doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. By planning ahead, spreading costs, and making use of loyalty schemes, budgeting tricks, and even a family Secret Santa, you can enjoy the festive season without the January money worries. Don't feel pressured into spending money you don't have and then spending the next year worrying about paying it off (and then ending up in the same position next year). Christmas is about family, time spent together and the Christmas magic, and none of that costs a penny.
Small changes now can make a big difference later, and that means you’ll be able to focus on what really matters: spending time with the people you love.
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