Ideas for celebrating Christmas with your family on a budget

Christmas can be a time of joy, but costs can add up. There are some things you can try to help save money.

You can also get support if you’re worried you can’t afford Christmas.

Gifts don’t have to be expensive. A few thoughtful presents and experiences will mean a lot to people.

You could try:

• finding free or second-hand items online or as part of local groups
• running a book or toy swap with friends
• creating your own coupons for family days out to the beach or museum
• asking your child to help you make homemade Christmas cards
• making salt dough decorations to gift to friends and family
• making homemade edible gifts
• suggesting a ‘Secret Santa’ with friends and family, where you each have one person to buy for

Where you can, plan your meals in advance and only buy as much as you need. Pick up ingredients as you notice good deals.

It can help to:

• check the bottom shelves at the supermarket to find better value items, like supermarket own brands
• go to the supermarket in the evening (between 7pm and 9pm) to pay clearance prices
• cook from scratch where you can and where it makes sense to
• look for cheap christmas recipes
• buy in bulk where you know something will last
• ask any guests to bring something to eat to share the costs
• make the most of what you have by planning what to do with your leftovers

Save money on socialising by:

• inviting people for a pot lunch, where everyone brings an item to share
• suggesting meeting for a walk rather than going for drinks or a meal
• having a virtual party, quiz or games night so that you don’t have to host
• hosting in the afternoon, when you can offer mince pies and hot drinks instead of a full meal
• arranging to meet up to watch your local Christmas lights switch-on

It can sometimes be difficult to keep children entertained during the Christmas holiday. It’s worth thinking about low cost or free activities that everyone will enjoy.

You could:

• create a nature trail for your child
• have a games night (swap games with a friend or neighbour if you want to try something new)
• watch Christmas films together
• make Christmas masks and hats from cardboard boxes and unused decorations then have a party
• find karaoke versions of Christmas songs with lyrics on YouTube
• read Christmas books from the local library with your child
• challenge your child to make a bauble from recycling and materials that you have at home
• look through photos and videos from the past year and re-live your favourite memories

You might also like to make a family list of things you’re grateful for during the past 12 months and what your hopes are for the new year. Put it somewhere safe to reflect on next Christmas.