The That's Christmas Guide to How to Save for Christmas While Enjoying Summer

At That’s Christmas 365, we believe it’s never too early to start planning for the most magical time of year – even when you're in flip-flops instead of festive jumpers. 

Saving for Christmas during the summer months might sound a little premature, but it’s actually the perfect time to get ahead. 

And don’t worry – you can still enjoy the sunshine while setting yourself up for a stress-free December.

Here’s how to build your Christmas budget without missing out on summer fun:

1. Set a Realistic Christmas Budget

Work out how much you typically spend during the festive season – from presents and food to travel and decorations. Divide that total by the number of weeks until December and you’ve got your weekly savings goal. It’s much easier to tuck away £10 or £20 a week now than face a last-minute spending spree in December.

2. Open a Christmas-Only Savings Account

Treat your Christmas fund like you would a holiday fund. Open a separate savings account (many are free to open) or set up a ‘Christmas Pot’ in your banking app. Give it a name like “Festive Fund” or “Santa’s Stash” to keep yourself motivated. Set up an automatic transfer each payday – even small amounts add up fast.

3. Shop Smart with Summer Sales

Summer might not scream ‘Christmas shopping’, but there are some brilliant bargains to be had. Think ahead: books, toys, beauty sets, and even wrapping paper can be picked up at a discount now and stored away until December. You’ll thank yourself later when everyone else is panic-buying!

4. Embrace Budget-Friendly Summer Activities

The UK is full of free or low-cost summer experiences: coastal walks, village fêtes, free museum days, and garden picnics. Choosing affordable days out means you can enjoy the season while putting aside a little extra for Christmas.

5. Declutter and Sell to Boost Your Fund

Summer is a brilliant time for a pre-Christmas clear-out. Declutter wardrobes, toy boxes, or even the kitchen cupboards. Sell what you can via Facebook Marketplace, Vinted or eBay and pop those extra pounds straight into your Christmas pot.

6. Plan Your Christmas Travel Early

If you know you'll be travelling for Christmas, look into train fares or hotel bookings now. Advance bookings often mean better prices – and fewer December surprises.

7. Track Your Spending

With barbecues, holidays, and summer events, it’s easy to let spending run away with you. Keep an eye on your outgoings using a free budgeting app or a simple spreadsheet. Awareness helps you avoid overindulging and keeps your savings plan on track.

8. Make the Most of Loyalty Points and Cashback

Start collecting and saving supermarket loyalty points or cashback rewards. Come December, they can help cover the cost of festive food or last-minute gifts without touching your main budget.

Final Thought from the Elf-in-Chief: Summer is for sunshine, sandals, and spontaneous fun – but with a little planning, you can have a Christmas that’s just as joyful and financially stress-free. At That’s Christmas 365, we love the idea of spreading the joy (and cost!) all year round.

So go ahead – enjoy the sun, and save like Santa’s watching!

Christmas on a Budget: How to Save Money This Festive Season

The festive season is upon us, with its twinkling lights, joyful gatherings, and the unmistakable cheer of Christmas. 

But as magical as this time of year can be, it often comes with a hefty price tag. However, celebrating Christmas doesn’t have to break the bank. 

With a bit of creativity, planning, and a sprinkle of resourcefulness, you can enjoy a delightful and memorable Christmas while keeping your finances in check.

Here are some money-saving tips for gifts, food, and decorations that won’t diminish the holiday spirit.

1. Plan Your Budget and Stick to It

Before the festive frenzy takes over, take a moment to set a realistic budget. Outline how much you can afford to spend on gifts, food, decorations, and outings. Having a clear budget will not only keep you focused but also prevent that dreaded post-Christmas financial hangover.

Tip: Use budgeting apps or even a simple spreadsheet to track your spending. Set limits for each category and stick to them!

2. Gift-Giving: Thoughtful, Not Pricey

Gift-giving is a beautiful tradition, but it doesn’t mean you need to splurge on the latest gadgets or expensive jewellery. Sometimes, the most cherished gifts are those with a personal touch.

DIY Gifts: Handmade presents are heartfelt and often more appreciated than shop-bought items. Consider baking a batch of festive biscuits, making a jar of homemade chutney, or crafting a personalised photo album.

Secret Santa: If your family or friends group is large, suggest a Secret Santa exchange. This way, everyone buys one meaningful gift rather than multiple presents.

Set a Gift Limit: Agree with friends and family on a spending limit for gifts. It takes the pressure off and encourages creativity.

Gift Experiences, Not Things: Give the gift of time or experiences. Whether it’s a voucher for a home-cooked dinner, a cosy movie night in, or a picnic in the park, these gifts often create more meaningful memories.

3. Save on Christmas Decorations

Decorations are an essential part of making your home feel festive, but they don’t need to be costly. Here’s how to deck the halls without draining your wallet.

DIY Decorations: Make your own Christmas wreaths, garlands, and ornaments. Pinecones, holly, and evergreen branches can be foraged for free and make charming rustic decorations.

Upcycle and Reuse: Before buying new decorations, check what you already have. Old decorations can be given a fresh look with a coat of spray paint or by adding ribbons and bows.

Minimalist Decor: Sometimes less is more. Focus on a few statement pieces like a beautiful Christmas tree or a festive centrepiece rather than overloading your home with decorations.

4. Feast on a Budget

Christmas dinner is one of the highlights of the season, but it can also be one of the most expensive parts. With a bit of planning, you can serve a delicious meal without breaking the bank.

Plan Your Menu Early: Make a list of what you’ll need and stick to it. This helps avoid last-minute impulse buys and ensures you don’t overspend on food that may go to waste.

Buy in Bulk and Freeze: Items like vegetables, meat, and baking ingredients can often be bought in bulk and stored in the freezer until needed. Look out for supermarket deals in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Go Potluck: If you're hosting Christmas dinner, ask each guest to bring a dish. This way, the cost (and workload) is shared, and you get to enjoy a variety of dishes.

Homemade Treats: Instead of buying expensive desserts, consider making your own Christmas pudding, mince pies, or gingerbread biscuits. Not only are they budget-friendly, but they also make your home smell amazing.

5. Embrace Free and Low-Cost Festive Activities

Christmas is about spending time with loved ones, not necessarily about how much you spend. Focus on activities that bring joy and create lasting memories.

Go for a Winter Walk: Bundle up and take a stroll through a nearby park or nature reserve. If you’re lucky, you might even find some festive displays or Christmas lights to admire.

Host a Christmas Movie Marathon: Gather your friends and family for a cosy night in with classic Christmas films, hot chocolate, and popcorn.

DIY Craft Night: Organise a crafting evening to make homemade decorations or cards. It’s a fun way to spend time together and get creative.

Attend Free Local Events: Many towns and cities offer free festive activities like carol singing, markets, and light switch-on events. Check your local council’s website for details.

6. Don’t Forget the After-Christmas Sales

Once Christmas Day is over, shops often slash prices on festive items to clear stock. This is a great time to stock up on decorations, wrapping paper, and cards for next year at a fraction of the cost.

Bonus Tip: Start a savings jar in January for next Christmas. By putting aside a small amount each week or month, you’ll have a cushion ready when the festive season rolls around again.

Final Thoughts

Christmas doesn’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. By planning ahead, getting creative, and focusing on the things that truly matter, you can enjoy a joyful festive season without stressing over your bank balance. Remember, the magic of Christmas is found in the warmth of shared moments, not in how much you spend.

Wishing you a budget-friendly and merry Christmas!