How to save money at Christmas

Christmas can be expensive so here is our list of hints and tips to save money

1. Set a budget. Decide how much you can afford to spend and make lists breaking it all down - presents, food, drink, decorations. Once you know how much you can spend you can see what you might be able to save money by cutting back on, or see whats of avoiding spending.
   If you're planning in advance for next year divide the amount you need to spend by 50 and that's the weekly amount (give yourself two spare weeks incase you're skint one week) you need to save to pay for Christmas in advance.
   Some people like to put their spare change in a jar and add this to their christmas fund too.
   look at supermarket savings stamp schemes - some give you free stamps through the year and all allow you to save weekly for your xmas feasting.
   
2. Christmas cards - usually the first thing we all start doing is sending tons of cards. You can save money by either buying cheaper cards and hand delivering them or by posting them second class or by writing a letter to each person instead. You could make your own cards if this is a hobby already or you could ring people instead - especially handy where you get free evening calls or very cheap calls.
   
3. Buy things in the sale - might be too late for this year but you can buy decorations, wrapping paper, crackers and cards very cheaply after Christmas. Perhaps set aside some money in your budget plan and get ahead for next year.
   Planning well in advance can save you heaps of money.
   
4. Wrapping gifts - buy plain paper in the sales - you can then use it all year for birthdays too. Use cheap paper - it only gets ripped off and thrown away.
   Make gift cards by using pinking sheers on your old christmas cards. Save tissue paper all year to help wrap gifts, save good paper by carefully peeling off the tape and folding it very flat. Reuse bottle bags if they've not been written on.
   
5. Decorating your home.
   Don't go mad with electric lights. They add to your electricity bill. Don't light candles - they last longer and look nicer if they've not been burnt!
   Find a neighbour with a holly bush or grow your own. Find a famer with mistletoe and get it free or cheap - don't buy it if its madly expensive.
   Make your own decorations. You can make simple streamers very easily and it's something fun to do with your kids. Make card balls by sticking circles together. Find christmas craft sites with free decoration patterns on.
   
6. Dinner!
   If you can save up club card points or vouchers for Christmas then you can use these for treating yourself.
   Make a menu. Work out what you need to buy. look at the prices of veg loose and bagged and see which is cheaper. Look at farmers markets for cheap veg. Compare the price of frozen and fresh turkey. Which is more cost efficient?
   Consider setting a bank account aside to save up money through the year. A little planning ahead and saving each week can mean you can relax next year.
   Buy things that'll last well in advance. Check sell by dates and cross them off your shopping list.
   Keep veg cold in the shed if you buy it in advance - a warm house and kitchen won't help it last.
   
7. Entertaining the kids
   A trip out can be expensive - so find cheap places and things to do to entertain the kids. If you're buying them a bike then find safe places to go out and cycle.
   Make christmas decorations, bake pies and biscuits with them, play board games. Sing christmas carols.
   Find out about local carol services in your area as these can be a great way of spending an hour out and often mince pies are served after!
   
8. Buying gifts
   For adults it's easy to explain that you're cutting back on budget for gifts so you'll be only spending a small amount - state the limit - and perhaps everyone could only spend that much. Some people agree to not buy each other gifts but talk about it with your friends and see if they're keen to also save money.
   For kids set a budget. Decide whether you're buying them one big gift or many small ones or only essentials and one treat.
   look for BOGOFs throughout the year and have a drawer for storing gifts in. Sometimes a bag of small gifts is better than one big gift.
   If you've got hobbies then use them through the year to create and make gifts for people - grow cuttings up, make cross stitch samplers, knit jumpers, make jam etc.
   Look in charity shops for gifts too they can be the source of brand new stuff as well as really good quality pictures, clothes and bric a brac.
   Look in pound shops for stocking fillers for the whole family, they have makeup, gardening stuff, diy products, sweets and toys. You can find some amazing things there.
   Use vouchers for getting money off gifts online
   
9. Alcohol
   Save money by not buying any. If you're not a big drinker then don't go mad buying booze just in case you have visitors. Just offer people a cup of tea instead!
   Buy supermarket own brand cheap versions of spirits.
   Buy wine from online clubs where you can get vouchers for huge discounts on your first case - A case of wine is a great way of ensuring you've got plenty to drink - and it's a lot cheaper than serving people spirits and mixers.
   You can always add some spices and make mulled wine too.
   
10. Useful gifts
    If you're saving money then think about the gifts you buy for other people. Buy them useful things you know they'll be able to use or enjoy.
    Biscuits and cakes make great presents as does booze!
    Buy energy saving lightbulbs as a gift - these aren't that expensive these days and will help save the recipient money through the year!
    Hampers go down really well too - packed with yummy treats that you wouldn't normally buy yourself they can make christmas time extra special.
    Calendars and diaries make excellent presents too.

Christmas Freebies lists everything you need for Christmas, from free christmas carols to money off vouchers for everything Christmassy! If you find a christmas freebie then please let us know.

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