Mums share their top tips for Christmas

Christmas Crunch Cuts: Even Santa is feeling the pinch

Never mind a white Christmas – it’s a frugal Christmas it seems we’re all dreaming about this year according to Post Office. New research reveals that 43 per cent of families intend to cut their spending this festive period. Normally a time of over-indulgence and excess, this Christmas will be noticeably tighter as families look to rein-in their spending as the economic climate worsens. Unsurprisingly, Mums are the most concerned about stretching their Christmas pounds with women in their 30s and 40s worrying about how to achieve frugal festivities this Christmas.

The research comes from the People’s Panel, a unique Post Office research tool, comprised of 2,000 consumers. The Panel, combined with the Post Office’s unique network within communities allows unrivalled consumer insight at a time of significant change in homes across the UK as the downturn looks set to continue.

Despite the doom and gloom, some women are determined to show that a frugal Christmas doesn’t necessarily mean losing the festive spirit. They are already hard at work thinking of ways to make Christmas special on a shoe string and are having loads of fun doing it.

Mum of two, Kim Lane from Berkshire says: “Having two small children means that I am determined to make Christmas special this year despite money being tighter at the moment. It’s my son’s first Christmas and I want to make sure it’s perfect although it does mean I have be clever on what I spend my money on.”

Kim’s top five tips for Mums:

Tip 1. Get the Kids involved: My daughter Mia and I have started to make Christmas decorations at the weekends together. They’re cheap, look great and are great fun to make

Tip 2. Start planning what you’re going to make for Christmas lunch now: I’m no celebrity chef, but I have started to make my own chutneys, jams and redcurrant jellies so I won’t need to splash out on expensive condiments nearer the time

Tip 3. Bake a gift: Mia and I plan to bake lots of Christmas themed cookies and goodies to be given to friends in pretty boxes as presents this year

Tip 4. Shop online. There are always amazing bargains on the internet and is stress free when you’ve got two young children to look after as well.

My favourite websites are:

• www.myvouchercodes.co.uk - provides discount vouchers on all sorts – from electrical goods, to holidays, mobile phones to eating out.
• www.asos.com - get the look for less. Just type in your celebrity style icon and they’ll show you a lookalike outfit at civilian prices.
• www.eBay.co.uk - a longstanding favourite place to snap up a bargain on any item under the sun. And a great way to earn money by selling things you no longer need.
• www.babyworld.co.uk - great products for your baby, with excellent customer service and 5% discount for all babyworld members

Tip 5. Organise Secret Santa with your loved ones. My husband and I have a large extended family so have a lot of people to buy for. This year we’ve decided to all do ‘Secret Santa’ within a £50 budget, which means I have a fixed limit on how much to spend on other relatives. This ensures that we all get something we really want and prevents us blowing the bank.

Findings from a Post Office Financial Services report into consumer behaviour during the downturn.

Where to next

• Breastfeeding advice - teaching you the tricks at Christmas

• Visit the Forums to a Festive chat

• Christmas shopping at Babyworld