How Do I Save Money Leading Up To Christmas?

YoungBlueEyes

We never had turkey for christmas growing up, prolly cos mum would've been sick of looking at them as she was growing up ha haa! We always had goose+duck for christmas+new year. Then when me and himself got together he wanted turkey so I went to Iceland and bought one of those little roast-in-it's-tin joints. If I remember rightly they were 3 for a tenner - I got a bacon-wrapped turkey joint, an orangey gammon joint, and a stuffed chicken joint. They were very acceptable and I've bought them since. But not the turkey one. 

OrkneyStar

joedenise said:

We always had capon at Christmas when I was a child.  It was made illegal in the UK at least 20 years ago but if you're lucky you might find a butcher who can get you one but it will be imported from somewhere where it is not illegal.

I had to quickly double check what a capon was as I wasn't 100% sure I was remembering it correctly, alas I was and the thought of a 'castrated rooster' was never that appealing. Even though they are apparently outlawed here I do see places advertising things with the word 'capon' clearing written in brackets after the name 'Christmas Cockerel' or something, but presuming they are imported as you say (or not true capons, though I don't know what they'd taste like)? I know that all sorts of things happen to animals before we eat them and we all have different views on things, so not slating those who enjoyed them, it just wasn't something I like(d) the thought of!

freyasmum

As most have said, the best way to save FOR Christmas is to decide on a budget and start putting money away as early as possible (it's not a bad idea to start saving for NEXT Christmas now).

As well as putting money away, I also usually buy cards and wrap in the January sales. Though for the past few years, I've used brown paper, cheap black ribbon and got the kids to make stars out of white clay and used those as tags (it keeps them quiet for a minute, gives them something fun to do, and gives the recipient a little ornament at the end. I think it looks quite effective as well.

Same for small gifts and "generic things" like pyjamas, smellies, lego sets - buy them throughout the year at the best prices you can find and out them away. Do make sure to keep a list though so you don't overbuy - it's easy to do... so I'm told

However as we're here now, work out what is important to you, then make a list - and stick to it.

Plan to pick up a few bits whenever you do a shop, so that you're buying things when they're on offer and you're spreading the cost over the next few weeks. Remember to check the dates on anything you buy early. This could be things like a jar of Cranberry sauce, or a packet of nice crackers, some par-baked baguettes, anything you need. As said, there's only so much you can eat so you don't need to be laden down with truckloads of treats.

Focus on trimming the fat in your regular budget, where possible. We're a bit close to Christmas to be able to cancel unused memberships/subscriptions and have lots of extra money, but it's good practice to have a look through your bank and see what you can find to cut back on. 

Can you move bank accounts? Some banks offer money to move to them.

Also, remember that you don't have to do something you're not that bothered by just because it's Christmas. If you don't fancy a massive turkey... don't have it. 

I have seen someone who made chicken cushions with a chicken thigh and some stuffing inside, apparently they worked out at 60p a portion. 

Family days out at Christmas can be so expensive  - it would be nearly £100 for 5 of us to go to winter wonderland and do some skating! Bur you needn't spend a packet to have a great time. I plan to take the kids to a local park that has reindeer. We'll take a sack of carrots and feed them - the kids love it! This will be probably a tenner, absolute max with parking (well take drinks and snacks).

Finally, if you're not stressing out (whether that be by trying to do too much - this is me, I'm currently trying to sew fabric Christmas cracker hats - or by spending money that you could do with not spending) then your family will be happier, and that's what's important. 

Finally, if you check out my old thread - https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5907432/christmas-2018-mega-index-and-christmas-chat - there may be something that could help. 

Merry Christmas.

skogar

Meat - it may be worth thinking what you would like for Christmas dinner. We're not that bothered about turkey here so have had various things depending on how many are to be fed etc. With only 2 a pheasant is a nice option and can be picked up round here for about £4. A chicken may well be more practical or a smaller turkey joint or a completely different type of meat. One side of the family always had beef because they preferred it to turkey. Another option may be to have a combination with a cheaper option (so less turkey and more sausages) - good quality sausages may well be cheaper than the meat. Ham may be a cheaper option and a home cooked one is a rare treat. Another option is to plate up the meat in the kitchen rather than carving at the table - as you may be able to make substitutions more easily / less noticeably. You might go for a selection of home cooked ham with cooked turkey breast fillets. Look out for suitable joints reduced and freeze them. Yorkshire puddings are nice with any roast and are a good filler. You could serve a more filling cheaper starter and or pudding if you want to cut back on the amount of meat. Serve your meet with plenty of veg, potatoes, cheaper fillers like stuffing etc.

Think about what foods you actually want to eat for Christmas. Ask what people like - you may find you are spending money on things people wouldn't miss if they weren't there. My Mum has always fed everyone to the eyeballs at lunch and then wondered why people don't eat everything she puts out for Christmas tea - you may find that people may be happier with less / a different option.

weenancyinAmerica

We go to my sister's for the holiday. We divide up the meal and someone brings sliced turkey and a salad; someone else bring sliced ham and a salad, and another person brings roast beef and a salad. We have different breads and my sister provides the condiments and miscellaneous. We just make sandwiches now - no fancy meal. Then we go in and open presents. Afterward have desserts. Not much work for anyone. 

Wednesday2000

JGB1955 said:

Going forward - join the 2023 Christmas challenge.  Saving for Christmas 2023 - £1 a day — MoneySavingExpert Forum
£1 a day and you're sorted!

I'm going to have to remember to do that next year!:)

Laurasiamos

We put away £20 a month into a separate 'christmas account' via a standing order. I also put any money made from receipt scanning and cashback sites into it. I also have it linked to my groceries debit card via save the change and so every time the card is used Lloyd's round it up to the nearest pound and send that money across. Means I save a good few hundred every year for Xmas with what feels like little effort. I also buy in sales throughout the year if I see anything the children will like. 

maryb

There are certain breeds of chicken that are called capons because they are allowed to grow very large quite slowly so the meat tastes richer.  That’s what we are having for Christmas 

Rosa_Damascena

weenancyinAmerica said:

We go to my sister's for the holiday. We divide up the meal and someone brings sliced turkey and a salad; someone else bring sliced ham and a salad, and another person brings roast beef and a salad. We have different breads and my sister provides the condiments and miscellaneous. We just make sandwiches now - no fancy meal. Then we go in and open presents. Afterward have desserts. Not much work for anyone. 

Swap the meat for a nice cheese, and that is my kind of lunch! People think I'm mad but I'm just not fussed about hot food. I do enjoy bread though.

For me the best part of a meal is serving coffee afterwards with a little something sweet on the side