Christmas Doesn’t End on 25 December – Help Is Available If You Need It

Don't worry. Help is available

For many people, Christmas is a season of generosity, warmth, and togetherness. But once the decorations come down and January arrives, reality can feel very different. 

Bills land on the doormat, credit card statements appear, and household costs suddenly feel heavier than ever.

If you’re finding yourself in a difficult financial situation in the post-Christmas period, please know this: you are not alone, and help is available.

Needing support is not a failure. It’s a reflection of the pressures many households face right now – especially during winter.

Foodbanks: No One Should Go Hungry

Across the UK, foodbanks exist to make sure nobody has to choose between heating and eating.

The Trussell Trust supports a nationwide network of foodbanks that provide emergency food parcels to individuals and families in crisis. Many operate discreetly and with compassion, often alongside additional support such as advice services. https://www.trussell.org.uk

Local independent foodbanks, church-run pantries, and community hubs may also be available in your area. GP surgeries, schools, councils, and charities can often help with referrals or point you in the right direction.

If you are struggling to put food on the table, reaching out is an act of strength.

Help With Energy Bills: Gas & Electricity Support

Winter energy bills can be frightening, particularly after the expense of Christmas.

Charities such as Citizens Advice can help you understand your options, check you’re receiving all the support you’re entitled to, and speak to energy suppliers on your behalf if needed.

The Energy Saving Trust also offers guidance on reducing energy use, improving efficiency, and accessing grants or schemes that may help lower costs in the long term.

If you’re behind on payments, don’t ignore the problem. Many suppliers have hardship funds or payment plans available – but you usually have to ask.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk

https://energysavingtrust.org.uk

Struggling With Water Bills?

If water charges are causing stress, there is help.

Some households may qualify for WaterSure, a scheme that caps water bills for eligible customers on certain benefits or with medical needs that require higher water use.

Your local water provider may also offer social tariffs, payment plans, or hardship funds. Speaking to them early can prevent matters escalating.

https://www.iwnl.co.uk/help-and-advice/watersure

Debt Worries: Free, Confidential Advice

If Christmas spending, rising costs, or unexpected expenses have left you worried about debt, free and confidential advice is available.

The StepChange offers practical support, budgeting help, and debt solutions tailored to your situation. There is no judgement – just clear, calm advice from people who understand.

You don’t have to face financial worries on your own, and you don’t have to make decisions in panic.

https://www.stepchange.org

A Quiet Reminder From That’s Christmas 365

Christmas is about kindness, compassion, and community – and those values don’t expire when January begins.

If you need help, please reach out.

If you know someone who may be struggling, please check in on them.

If you’re in a position to help others, even in a small way, that kindness matters more than ever.

From all of us at That’s Christmas 365, we send warmth, understanding, and hope to anyone finding this season difficult. Christmas lives on in care for one another – every day of the year.

How to Deal with Christmas-Related Debt: A Guide to Financial Recovery

The festive season is a time for joy, celebration, and giving, but it can also leave many of us with a financial hangover. 

Christmas-related debt is a common issue, as the pressures to spend on gifts, decorations, food, and travel often outweigh our budgets.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your holiday expenses, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and there are practical steps you can take to regain control of your finances.

1. Assess the Damage

Start by calculating exactly how much you owe. List all your debts, including credit card balances, loans, and any other expenses you incurred over Christmas. This might feel daunting, but having a clear picture of your financial situation is essential for making a plan.

2. Create a Budget

A realistic budget is the cornerstone of financial recovery. Review your income and essential expenses, such as rent, utilities, and groceries. Determine how much you can afford to allocate towards repaying your Christmas debt each month without compromising your basic needs.

3. Prioritise Your Debts

Not all debts are created equal. Focus on paying off high-interest debts, like credit cards, first. If you have multiple debts, consider using the avalanche method (paying off the highest-interest debt first) or the snowball method (paying off the smallest debt first for psychological motivation).

4. Cut Back on Non-Essentials

January is a great time to tighten your belt and cut back on discretionary spending. Cancel unused subscriptions, cook at home instead of dining out, and look for free or low-cost entertainment options. Redirect the money you save towards your debt repayment plan.

5. Consider Balance Transfers or Consolidation

If you’re dealing with high-interest credit card debt, look into balance transfer cards with 0% introductory rates or low-interest personal loans to consolidate your debts. These options can help reduce the amount of interest you pay, allowing you to pay off your debt faster.

6. Set Up a Savings Plan for Next Christmas

Once you’ve made progress on your current debt, start planning for the next festive season. Set up a dedicated savings account and contribute a small amount each month. By spreading the cost of Christmas throughout the year, you can avoid falling into the same debt cycle.

7. Seek Professional Advice if Needed

If your debt feels unmanageable, don’t hesitate to seek help. Organisations like StepChange or Citizens Advice in the UK offer free, confidential advice and can help you develop a debt management plan. Many local churches can tap into expert advice networks to help people in debt.

8. Reflect on Your Spending Habits

Finally, take some time to reflect on what led to your Christmas debt. Were there expenses you could have avoided? Could you simplify your celebrations next year? Setting boundaries and managing expectations with family and friends can help you stay within your means in the future.

Final Thoughts

Christmas-related debt can feel overwhelming, but with a clear plan and some discipline, you can recover and take steps to prevent it in the future. Remember, the holiday season is about spending time with loved ones—not about how much you spend. By focusing on what truly matters, you can enjoy a joyful Christmas without the financial stress.