’TIS the season to be savvy as research reveals that Christmas celebrations could cost families an incredible £1,626.46.
A poll by MoneySuperMarket suggests presents, festive food, party outfits and visiting loved ones can add up to a bumper bill.
But with half of adults trying to cut back on spending this year, it
pays to shop sensibly.
Our great Christmas Countdown shows you how to make savings so you can eat, drink and be merry without breaking the bank.
TODAY, NOVEMBER 28
BAG a Black Friday bargain at up to 80 per cent off.
Use pricerunner.com to find the best deals.
For many, it’s the last pay day before Christmas, so search for discount codes at vouchercodes.co.uk.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30
IT’S officially the cheapest day to buy an air fryer, according to comparison site Idealo — and the cheapest weekend to buy Lego, too.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 1
CYBER Monday sees many online stores reduce prices further.
Grab a discounted advent calendar from £1 because stores really need to shift them today.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6
SEE smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com, where independent stores offer their best preChristmas deals.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 8
THE last day to claim your free Royal Mail letter from Santa.
See royalmail.com/christmas/letters-to-santa.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12
SAVE on party clothes, make-up, pamper gifts and scents.
The Perfume Shop and The Fragrance Shop usually offer up to 50 per cent off, and Boots does three for two deals.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17
IF you want to catch the second class post and save a huge 83p on each Christmas card compared to first class.
This is your last chance.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19
THE festive food wars begin.
Lidl will cut the cost of Xmas veg to just 8p per pack including a 2kg bag of white potatoes, 1kg carrots and 500g sprouts.
Last year Asda and Aldi did the same.
Frozen turkeys go on offer now too.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20
EXPECT up to 60 per cent off gifts on the last big weekend shopping day before Christmas.
Top buys include games, toys, gift sets and cashmere.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24
ENJOY the ultimate yellow label feast.
Stores will close from 4pm, so grab picky bits and party food at up to 80 per cent off.
Some Boxing Day sales will start online.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26
THE Boxing Day sales begin in full.
Snap up cheap gift cards and wrapping paper for next Christmas.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 29
KNOWN as “Boxing Up Day”, it’s the best time to sell unwanted presents, on online marketplaces like Vinted or eBay.
It’s also the last pay day of 2025, so try to clear that festive debt.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30
THE new energy price cap comes in on January 1, so check you are on the best deal.
In fact, compare all household bills to look for savings.
See moneysavingexpert.com.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 1
START the Penny Challenge — increasing the amount you put aside by one pence every day — and you’ll have £667.95 by the end of 2026.
Now save even more
JUST when you thought you couldn’t save extra on your Christmas shopping, there’s Lidl Plus.
Lidl’s brilliant rewards app is here to make your big savings even bigger, with great weekly coupons and prizes plus loads more.
Simple scan the QR code above to download, and start saving today.
