The costs of Christmas spending can spiral out of control if you aren’t careful therefore those who are struggling financially will be in bigger debt than they were previously.

Therefore, here are some ways to create a nostalgic Christmas while sticking to a budget.

1. Plan ahead and make a Christmas budget

Before you start planning, make a list of everything that you need to do from knowing who you are buying Christmas gifts for to a food and drinks list and all the activities that you would like to do.

Make a Christmas budget and think about “what can I afford to spend?”

2. Make it magical for the children

• Make homemade gifts with them such as baking cookies to give to others
• Get crafty and make your own Christmas decorations
• Write a letter to Father Christmas
• Start new family traditions
• Create a reusable advent calendar
• Leave some clues to make it look like Father Christmas has been. For example, have a half-munched carrot in the garden to be discovered, floury boot prints and a half-eaten cookie

  3. Make a special moment for someone lonely or an elderly neighbour by getting in touch with them, making a dish for them, giving a card or even a small present.

4. Be on the lookout for free Christmas experiences

• As a family, watch special family movies together, go on a walk to look at the Christmas lights, play board games together or simply just have a laugh together.
• Go to your local area’s switching on of the Christmas lights.
• Dance to cheesy Christmas songs.
• Have a festive picnic in your living room
• Give gratitude – light a candle and give thanks. You can write a list of everything that you are grateful for.

5. Do something good at Christmas

Make someone else’s Christmas unforgettable by donating your time, money or something that you no longer need that can be beneficial to someone else.