At Christmastime, every household looks for ways to stay warm, stay comfortable and stay within budget, not easy when December seems to come with a never-ending list of extra expenses.
So when I realised I’d been quietly saving £50 to £70 a year simply by changing how I wash, it felt rather like finding an early Christmas present tucked behind the tree.
A change driven by comfort
The switch itself wasn’t planned as a money-saving tactic at all. An arthritic knee was making getting in and out of the bath increasingly difficult, so I began showering exclusively. It was a practical decision, nothing more.
But within a few months, one thing became clear: our household bill was running noticeably lower. All because the bath, lovely as it can be, had been replaced by shorter, far more efficient showers.
Why showers cost less
A festive tip worth sharing:
Baths typically use 80–150 litres of hot water. Heating that volume several times a week adds up very quickly.
A short shower uses far less, meaning far less energy goes into heating water.
Across a year, that simple difference can shave £50–£70 off your energy costs — and even more if energy prices rise again.
It’s the kind of saving you don’t feel day to day, but really notice when winter bills arrive.
A seasonal saving that makes a difference
With Christmas approaching, that extra £50–£70 can be redirected to something far more joyful:
a special festive treat
a little luxury for the dinner table
a stocking filler for someone you love
or simply a cushion against rising winter costs
In a season when warmth, comfort and generosity matter, choosing a routine that supports both your wellbeing and your wallet feels wonderfully fitting.
A reminder that small habits matter
We often think energy savings must come from big investments, insulation, new boilers, smart systems. But sometimes the most effective changes are the smallest and most personal. In my case, it was simply stepping into a shower instead of running a bath.
This Christmas, if you’re looking for an easy, comforting and quietly cost-saving habit, the humble shower might be the most festive switch of all.
