Date Published 06 December 2024

How to Enjoy Christmas Without Spending a Fortune

Don't blow your budget by buying Christmas presents for all and sundry this year. Follow these tips to simplify your gift-giving.

Christmas is supposed to be a time of comfort and joy, but many people face the festive season feeling a different emotion: anxiety.

About 44% of people worry about the cost of Christmas, rising to 58% among renters aged 18 to 35*.

A big part of this financial anxiety comes from the pressure to buy gifts for friends and extended family. Not wishing to look like Scrooge, many people run themselves ragged, buying lots of presents that they can't afford (and face a nasty credit card bill in the New Year).

So, how can you and your family have a merry celebration without spending beyond your means? Here are some tips on spending less on Christmas gifts.

Streamline your Christmas list

It's easy to get caught up in a gift-giving merry-go-round. You feel obliged to buy something for each extended family member, and they think they must do the same for you. And when Christmas Day rolls around, no one's happy about the tat that they unwrap.

Instead, have an honest conversation and agree that you'll only buy gifts for close family and small children. Your relatives will probably thank you for your honesty.

Secret Santa

If you can't quite face the no-present option, why not go down the Secret Santa route?

Each family member gets a name (drawn from a hat) and buys a gift for that person. Set a price limit so that everyone knows where they stand. It's much better to get one well-considered gift than lots of little trinkets you don't want or need.

Use loyalty cards

If you shop at the same supermarket each week (and most people do), you'll most likely have a loyalty card to pick up discounts throughout the year.

Now's the time to check your account and see how many points you've accrued. Many supermarket loyalty programmes are affiliated with other companies and organisations, including theme parks, cinemas, and restaurants. Why not give someone an experience or a day out to enjoy in the New Year?

We'd love to know your savvy Christmas shopping tips. Comment below.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I reduce financial stress during the festive season?

Streamline your gift list and focus on buying for close family and small children. Consider setting a budget and sticking to it.

2. What's the benefit of Secret Santa for large families?

Secret Santa reduces the financial burden by ensuring everyone buys just one gift, and it adds an element of surprise and fun to gift-giving.

3. How can loyalty points help with Christmas shopping?

Loyalty points can be redeemed for discounts or exchanged for experiences like cinema tickets or theme park trips, making for unique and cost-effective gifts.

4. How do I approach family about reducing gift-giving?

Have an open and honest conversation. Many people feel the same way but hesitate to bring it up. Suggest alternatives like Secret Santa or no-gift policies.