The average Brit spends £1,626 on Christmas, forking out more than £650 for gifts and food alone.
According to a recent StepChange survey, over a quarter of UK adults are worried about covering the cost of the big day, and around 4 million British will start the New Year in debt as a result.
With two young kids and a single income, it’s a thought that’s certainly crossed Money Problem reader Zoe’s mind.
Like many parents at this time of year, the 42-year-old, from Leicester, is worried how she’ll afford the festivities. So, she reached out to Metro consumer champion, Sarah Davidson, for help.
The question…
I’m a single mum of two children under 10 and I am really worried about how much Christmas is costing me already. I haven’t done the food shop yet and I haven’t done most of my present-buying.
I work part time for the NHS but, being realistic, even with child benefit my income just isn’t up to more than covering our normal living costs. I’m already careful about budgeting but I’m still having to spend on two credit cards – not huge amounts but always towards the end of the month.
My parents aren’t in the best of health so want us to travel to them in Leeds on Boxing Day, which for the three of us is going to be another £100. My partner left us almost a year ago, so this is going to be the kids’ first Christmas without their dad.
I really want it to be perfect for them but I just don’t know how I’m going to pay for it. It’s making me really stressed. Help!
The answer…
Zoe, you are not alone – millions of people across the country will be feeling exactly as you are.
The cost of living, eating, staying warm, travelling and socialising has gone through the roof over the past four years and it is really biting for a most of us.
In fact, when you account for the fact that inflation means our money can’t buy what it used to, Christmas spending this year is expected to be a massive 25% below the five-year pre-pandemic average.
I can totally understand why you’re feeling stressed and why you don’t want to scrimp on anything for your children but there are lots of tiny things you can do which should at least help.
1. Work out what you have to spend and plan backwards
If you’re clear about the total amount you can spare, you can budget accordingly. Putting a figure on it will make you feel less overwhelmed and allow you to shop without feeling stressed that costs are spirally out of control.
2. Write down everything you need and want to buy
This should include food and any booze you want to have on the day, Christmas presents for everyone in your family you normally give to, bits and bobs for stockings, travel costs to visit family, the tree and any decorations you want to put up. Don’t think about the cost, just write the list.
3. Against this list, write down fixed costs you can’t change
This is probably only going to be your train tickets to Leeds – book them now before they get more expensive. If there are specific presents you are really committed to getting for your children and you need to buy them new, add those to this list. You should have a bit of control over the cost of everything else.
4. After your fixed costs, work out what you have left
Taking your list, break each section down into specific items. Turkey (or switch to chicken which is cheaper), potatoes, Christmas cards, wrapping paper, chocolates, crackers – you get the picture. Go to Trolley.co.uk or HelloSupermarket and compare prices across all the major supermarkets. Pick and choose based on the price rather than doing the whole shop in one place.
5. Be ruthless about who you buy presents for
I don’t mean be mean. But talk to family and friends you usually give to and suggest either skipping presents this year or scaling down what you give. For example, rather than buying individual presents for nephews and nieces and siblings, put a family hamper together. Hobbycraft is brilliant for picking up bits and pieces to help you do that yourself rather than forking out for, usually, wildly overpriced specially created Christmas hampers.
6. Shop secondhand
Try Vinted – if you haven’t already discovered the resale app, get on it now – eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree. Heck, get yourself down to the charity shops on the high street. You’ll be amazed at what people are offloading – and a lot of it is new.
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7. Get creative
If you normally buy Christmas cards, you can save by making them yourself. Get your kids involved and make it part of the festivities. My sister-in-law saves her cards every year and uses them to make new ones by cutting out the pictures and sticking them onto plain card.
With a bit of effort, it can actually be far nicer for people to receive because of the effort. Same goes for decorations – paper chains, glue, holly and ivy from the great British countryside.
8. In January, set up a direct debit for next Christmas
Either do this the traditional way or have a look at Plum, Emma, Moneybox and any of the other budgeting and savings apps available. Transfer a set amount – say £50 a month – into a dedicated Christmas spending pot for next year. Some apps and banks will round up your spending and automatically sweep small amounts into savings pots so you barely notice.
9. Don’t be ashamed to ask for help
If you’re overspending and having to rely on credit cards, even if it is small amounts, ask for help from StepChange, Citizens Advice, Turn2us, National Debtline or the Trussell Trust.
Good luck, and I hope this helps you to enjoy Christmas rather than dreading it.
