How the 2025 Budget Could Shape Christmas: What It Means for Your Festive Season. That's Christmas 365 Takes a Look

Worried about bills?

The Chancellor’s 2025 Budget has dominated headlines, with households and businesses alike wondering what it all means for daily life. 

But at That’s Christmas 365, we’re looking at what you really want to know: how could the Budget affect Christmas? 

Whether it’s the cost of your festive food shop, the presents under the tree, or the winter energy bill you dread opening, policy decisions made in spring and summer have a habit of catching up with us by December.

Here’s how the Budget could influence your Christmas—for better or worse.

Potential Positives for Christmas 2025

More money in your pocket (if tax thresholds shift)

Any rise in personal allowances or adjustments to National Insurance rates could give households a little financial breathing room. Even a modest increase in take-home pay adds up over the year, and by December that could mean extra room in the budget for gifts, entertaining, or travel.

Support for energy bills could soften winter costs

If the government maintains or extends support schemes for gas and electricity, this will be especially welcome when the nights draw in. With Britain’s winters getting colder and pricier, any relief could help families heat their homes comfortably while still enjoying festive treats.

Retail incentives may boost shopping deals

Should the Budget include measures to support high streets, small shops, or online retailers—such as temporary business rate relief—consumers could benefit through more competitive pricing. Christmas sales may start earlier, run longer, or simply come with better value.

Help for families on lower incomes

Increases in Universal Credit, child benefits, or pension support would lift some pressure for families who often feel the festive squeeze most acutely. These measures, announced earlier in the year, will directly affect how much flexibility households have when December arrives.

Possible Negatives That Could Affect Christmas Spending

Higher VAT or duties could push up festive favourites

If VAT rates rise or duties on alcohol, tobacco, sugary foods, or imports increase, the cost of traditional Christmas purchases could climb. This might affect everything from your prosecco and whisky to chocolates, biscuits, and party snacks.

Inflation impact from broader tax or spending changes

Budgets that restrict spending or shift taxation often ripple through the wider economy. If inflation rises later in the year, festive essentials—including food, decorations, clothing, and toys—may cost more. This could lead to tighter gift budgets and more careful planning.

Energy bill uncertainty could overshadow celebrations

If support schemes are scaled back, or if the Budget signals future increases in energy pricing, households may become more cautious. Festive displays, longer heating hours, and Christmas entertaining all become harder when utilities rise sharply.

Travel could become more expensive

Changes to fuel duty, road tax, or rail funding often influence winter travel prices. For families who trek across the country to see loved ones, this could mean pricier petrol or costlier train fares—making the journey home for Christmas a bigger financial undertaking.

How You Can Prepare Now

Not so worried with careful planning

Start budgeting early

If you suspect costs will rise, spacing out your Christmas spending through the year can soften the blow.

Look for price-freeze products

Some retailers and supermarkets commit early to freezing prices on festive favourites. These are worth bookmarking.

Consider energy-efficient decorations

If energy support looks uncertain, switching to LED lights or using timers could manage costs without dimming the magic.

Support small businesses while saving

If the Budget gives independent retailers a boost, you might find better deals—and more unique gifts—by shopping small.

Final Budget Thoughts

Budgets always arrive with a mixture of optimism and uncertainty. While the 2025 Budget could bring welcome support for households and businesses, it may also introduce price pressures by the time the festive season rolls around. Keeping an eye on key areas—energy, retail costs, tax changes, and inflation—will help you plan a Christmas that’s joyful, affordable, and stress-free.

Whatever the Budget holds, That’s Christmas 365 is here throughout the year to help you prepare, save, and celebrate in style.

Christmas Dinner to Cost 6% More This Year, Warns BRC – Here’s How to Save Without Sacrificing the Festive Cheer

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has issued a sobering forecast: Christmas dinners in 2025 are expected to cost around 6% more than last year. 

This comes as food inflation continues to outpace wage growth, squeezing household budgets at a time traditionally associated with indulgence, generosity, and gathering.

The rise in cost is largely attributed to increased prices of staples like poultry, potatoes, vegetables, and festive favourites such as mince pies and stuffing. Rising transportation and energy costs, coupled with labour shortages and global supply chain disruptions, are also playing their part.

But a pricier Christmas dinner doesn’t have to mean a poorer celebration. Here’s how savvy shoppers and home cooks can trim costs without trimming joy.

1. Plan Ahead and Budget Smart

Create your Christmas food plan now, yes, in the summer if you can. Note what you’ll actually eat and what typically gets wasted. That forgotten third dessert? Probably not worth the spend.

Write a detailed shopping list and stick to it. Budget by meal or per guest and avoid buying “just in case” extras that end up in the bin.

2. Embrace Seasonal and Local Produce

British-grown carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts are not only cheaper when in season, but also fresher and tastier. Shopping from local farm shops or markets can help you bypass supermarket markups.

Look for veg box schemes or local suppliers offering festive bundles at lower costs than big retailers.

3. Consider Alternative Centrepieces

Turkey prices have surged, so why not opt for chicken, pork shoulder, a meat-free nut roast, or even a pie? A whole chicken can feed a smaller group for less than half the cost of a turkey, and vegetarian options can be both budget-friendly and showstopping.

You could even consider serving a hot buffet of comforting seasonal dishes instead of a formal sit-down meal, reducing both meat quantities and overall costs.

4. Share the Load

Hosting? Don’t be shy, ask guests to contribute. One could bring the pudding, another the wine or crackers. This makes the meal more affordable and inclusive.

Hosting a potluck-style Christmas dinner is growing in popularity and turns meal prep into a shared celebration.

5. Start Stocking Up Now

Take advantage of offers and discounts on non-perishablesm cranberry sauce, gravy granules, stuffing mix, and tinned goods. Spread the cost across the autumn months rather than swallowing a massive December food bill.

Use loyalty points, discount vouchers, and cashback apps to help ease the financial load.

6. Shop Around and Compare Prices

Don’t assume your regular supermarket is the cheapest. Use comparison apps or websites to track prices on key Christmas items, or explore budget retailers like Aldi, Lidl, or local cash-and-carry stores.

Some butchers and smaller retailers offer pre-order discounts or bundle deals, so ask early and book ahead.

7. Reduce Waste and Use Leftovers Creatively

In the UK, we throw away around 7 million tonnes of food annually, much of it around Christmas. Plan meals that use leftovers creatively: turkey curry, bubble and squeak, festive soup, or a hearty sandwich with all the trimmings.

Store leftovers properly and freeze what you can for January “freezer surprise” meals.

8. Make Your Own

Homemade items like stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and even mince pies can be cheaper and tastier than shop-bought. Baking together is a low-cost activity that adds meaning to the meal.

If time is short, enlist help from family members and make it a communal experience.

Final Thoughts

While the BRC’s prediction may cause some festive fret, it’s also an opportunity to rethink our approach to Christmas dinner. Spending less doesn’t mean enjoying less, it means making smarter, more conscious choices.

A well-planned, joyfully cooked meal, shared with loved ones, has always been the real heart of Christmas. And no inflation figure can price that out.

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!