Easy ways to cut the cost of Christmas

Christmas is almost here and while the festive season is an exciting time for families it can also be worrying for others, especially those with financial concerns.

Many things, from the turkey to the latest games, are more expensive this year than they were last, so even festive food will prove a strain on the pocket.

In the United Kingdom, people are attempting to save £300 million (Dh1.8 billion) this year, according to the Centre for Economics and Business Research, on an industry that sees them spend £400 (Dh2,400) each during this time.

While this special event can't be ignored, there are ways make your dirhams go further. But what can you do to make Christmas less expensive without being a Scrooge?

Money saving expert Martin Lewis says: "The best way to deal with Christmas is preparation. There are a huge number of ways to cut the cost if you start early."

And it is not just Christmas, but New Year that makes the festive time even more expensive. While house parties or a picnic on the beach are free, venues across the country take advantage by upping their fees promising a night like no other, tempting us to part with more money than budgeted for.

Financial expert Alvin Hall says: "By limiting your spending to what you can afford, avoiding debt and focusing on those simple things most important to you – your family and friends – you can have a truly special Christmas and not break the bank."

To help you cut back, here are Emirates Business' top 10 ideas to save money over the coming fortnight.


Check the freezers

Fresh turkeys do not come cheap. Some might think they taste better, but look in the freezer as most supermarkets will have frozen birds for much less money. Do the same with vegetables and other trimmings and keep an eye out for local produce because imported goods from Europe, the United States and Australia are expensive.


Shop around

With less than a week to go until Christmas Day, time is running out to buy those all-important presents. Choosing one department store and blitzing your list in one go might seem like the easiest thing to do, but it could end up costing more in the long run.

Having all shops under one roof avoids the hassle of driving from one end of town to the other, so take advantage of this and look in all the shops for the cheapest deal. Also look out for stores that offer money back if you can find an item cheaper elsewhere.


Use the Internet

In a country where the majority of people have relatives overseas, stamps, packaging and shipping costs soon add up making presents much more expensive. The internet is awash with online stores, so take advantage by buying presents that way, especially when they offer free postage and packing. Gifts can always be sent to other relatives living nearby to be wrapped up thus saving you even more money this festive season.


Redeem loyalty points

Throughout the year loyalty points, whether they are Air Miles or those in stores such as Magrudy's or Centrepoint, have been building up and if not used there is probably a stack waiting to be taken. The perfect way to save money is to redeem them against products in store, but don't be tempted to waste points or spend more than planned as it will cost you later.


Sell unwanted gifts

Everybody gets gifts they don't like or don't fit. If you have kept something in a cupboard for more than six months unused sell it and use the money to buy something for someone else. Alternatively, give the unwanted gift to someone else this year because even though you don't like it, it doesn't mean your best friend won't either.

"Special gifts do not require excessive spending," says Hall.


Have a Christmas conscience

There are lots of ways to not only help your bank balance, but other people too. Giving friends a charity gift is a great way to make you both feel good and it is perhaps not something they would do themselves. One option is to sponsor a child who would struggle to survive otherwise. All As One has a sponsorship drive from just Dh4 a day. Visit www.aaodubai.org.

Alternatively, charity can be closer to home and cost nothing. If money is tight, give promises instead, which could include anything from decorating a room to tidying out cupboards, or cooking dinner for the family.


Plan your presents

Knowing what you are going to buy everyone will not only save time but also make it easier

to budget. Decide how much will be spent on each person and take this list to the mall. It will also prevent panic buying when the end of the day nears and there are still people you have not bought for. Only diverge from it if you find something cheaper.


Buy in bulk

Buying lots of the same item might seem expensive at first, but it is far more economical in the long run. As families and friends get together for lunch the chances are the hosts will need a lot of food, so look for the special offers on bulk-buy items. Food can always be stored in the fridge or freezer if it doesn't get eaten straight away so there will be meals ready to save money and time on Boxing Day.


Get creative

Personalised items make great presents and often it isn't about how much they cost but the time and effort that has gone into producing them. Café Ceramique or the Jam Jar both offer the opportunity to create some pottery or a picture for a loved one, or alternatively get knitting a jumper for Grandad or some booties for your niece.

"It's always said that children prefer the wrapping not the gift, so buy the biggest box you can, fill it with balloons and wrap the whole thing in Christmas paper; they'll love the huge box and jumping in the balloons," advises Lewis.


Don't buy on credit

Handing over a credit card is so easy to do but a "buy now, pay later" attitude is dangerous. Buy all gifts with cash so once it's gone, it's gone. Using credit cards is all well and good, but unless they are paid off almost straight away, interest charges soon mount up.

"You'll enjoy Christmas more if you know there are no unpleasant credit card bills coming your way," says Hall.

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