Each Christmas seems to be more expensive than the last, the displays of food and gifts brighter and higher and the pressure to buy more demanding. With many people still feeling the aftershocks of the credit crunch the quest for a cheaper Christmas becomes more poignant.
Some of my happiest Christmas memories are of mingling with happy bustling shoppers bowed under generous armfuls of bags as they shop under the soft glow of brightly lit windows, but with a firm eye on my ever dwindling resources, I’ll be making do with window shopping this year.
The online world of shopping may not be as exciting, but the money you’ll save will undoubtedly be cause for cheer. The trick, though, is to buy everything before the beginning of November and therefore before the end of reasonable prices.
I always keep an eye out in the days just after Christmas as well; some sites are packed with people selling unwanted Christmas presents. It may be a good solution for those who are willing to wait for their present or to help you get a head start on upcoming birthdays and next Christmas. I always find this is a good time to also stock up on wrapping paper, crackers, cards and decorations for next year.
It’s not an option for everyone, but if you’re creative, you could consider the home-made approach. Home-made star-shaped cookies in a pretty box or your own special blend of mulled wine spices wrapped in little sachets tied at the neck with ribbon are good for co-workers you don’t want to spend a lot of money on.
A painting, home knit scarf or even a hand-made photo album can be a great way to add a personal touch.
Decorating can end up being pretty costly. It’s tempting to follow trends and buy all new decorations every year, or to buy all your decorations at one go, but if you stick to buying just a few quality pieces every year, they’ll keep forever, and you can enjoy looking forward to adding to your collection year after year.
Nature offers decorations which are not only beautiful but free; go for a walk and gather twigs to gild or leave natural in a glass vase, foliage and fir cones can be used in a fresh wreath or draped elegantly over arches and table tops.
Alternatively, you can try your hand at making a few decorations of your own; a simple popcorn garland for your tree costs next to nothing and will look simple and sweet when tied with red ribbon. Paper ornaments vary from the more complicated origami if you’re up for a challenge or basic shapes that children can help make.
If you have a few old mismatched china tea cups and saucers, use them as candle holders by melting down old candle butts, give them a new wick and a few drops of scented oil and they’ll add a touch of elegance to the centre of your table.
For a Victorian feel, deck your tree with home-made biscuits decorated with icing, chocolates, gilded nuts and fruit which have the merit of being both beautiful and edible later on.
Christmas cards can be expensive if you send a lot, so cut your old ones in half and send them as postcards; all you need is a stamp!
Choosing a tree is always subject of much debate; a synthetic tree can vary from just a couple of euro to a couple of hundred. If you choose a synthetic tree it’s worth considering the long term: a pricier tree will likely last longer and will see you through a good many Christmases.
If you decide not to go down the traditional route, think about using a tree you already have growing in your garden or look at plants that can be decorated and still used after Christmas for a modern but cheaper alternative to a traditional tree.
Good food often isn’t cheap and is the area you ought to sacrifice quality in least. If you’re willing to be flexible, however, you can find cheaper alternatives to turkey, like lamb or roast beef, or go for a vegetarian option and don’t have meat; a lot of people I know admit to not actually liking turkey that much and, save for deference to tradition, never eat it.
The one benefit a turkey has is that if you plan carefully you can make it last several meals, by making soup and curry – if you do buy a turkey, order early or else you could be looking at paying almost double.
Just remember it’s only 24 hours; there’s no need to hoard food as if the Ottoman Turks were on their way to besiege our island. Calculate exactly how much food you’ll need and stick scrupulously to your list, avoid the pressure to buy things you wouldn’t normally or don’t need.
Though it sounds like the opposite should be true, the many buy one get two free offers often leave you with far more food than you can eat and can actually end up costing you more. To make the most of them – go shopping with a friend and split both the food and the cost.
Just remember there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to the holiday season. Let your wallet set the tone: whether you stick with tradition or do it your own way, there are lots of options out there for people who don’t want to start their New Year with a financial hangover, wondering how on earth they’ll make it till next Christmas.