How do you avoid a post-Christmas financial hangover? Share your tips with Lloyds Bank and you could win a £300 Love2Shop voucher NOW CLOSED

[ZaneMumsnet]

We've been asked by Lloyds Bank to get Mumsnetters' tips and tricks for stretching every pound in the run-up to Christmas.

”Christmas is a joyous time of the year, however, many parents find it difficult to truly enjoy it. Somehow, your money (and time) is needed to cover presents, food, drink and travelling amongst many other expenditures. We would love to hear how you make sure Christmas doesn’t leave your bank balance a Santa shade of red.” – Lloyds Bank

So, what's your secret? Do you have a special knack to shopping that saves you pounds? Or are you more into the homespun approach, making your own gifts (and fun). Have you perfected the art of negotiating a lengthy list to Santa with a budget in mind? We’d love to hear your top tips.

Everyone who posts on this thread will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £300 Love2Shop voucher.

Thanks,

MNHQ

I start my Christmas shopping in January buying up cards, wrapping paper, and gifts at up to 90% off, then buy throughout the year to spread the cost.

I start shopping in September to spread cost. I never use a credit card - if I can't afford it, they don't get it. This year I doubled up my Tesco points, saving around £100. I also used £50 of complimentary M and S vouchers which I got from my insurer. I took advantage of 3 for 2 offers and made these stretch to nearly £100. It's just one day...the presents shouldn't cripple you financially for the rest of the year.

I don't think I've ever managed to keep my Christmas budget totally reined in. But I am getting better at resisting all the Christmas food temptations and sticking to normal food shopping choices except for our special family Christmas meal.

I start buying early. There's some good bargains to be had even in the January sales and I start properly shopping in September to spread the cost. It's a good idea to do this with food as well, with things that last well, start picking them up along with your weekly shop.

I save weekly to spread the cost :)

I avoid it by not spending more than I can afford to. And buying wrapping paper and cards in January.

I've set aside a small savings account to pay for Christmas. It's not big so gifts aren't extravagant this year but I've been disciplined to stick with a budget rather than be tempted with the credit card.

put away a small amount in September

I only spend what I can afford and avoid borrowing. I also make plans for the leftovers from Christmas dinner!

We plan ahead and stick to the budget, it's all very well spending and spending but it feels awful when you have no money in January x

Save or just done spend more then I NEED

Buy things throughout the year, when they're on offer or in the sales to reduce the cost and also spread it throughout the year.

Don't go over board and buy things just for the sake of bulking out the pile of gifts. Don't feel you have to comete with everyone who shows their pictures on social media of mountains of gifts, just buy what you can afford and spend the day making memories and having happy times :)

I start buying presents early in the year and get a few extra bits of food each week to put away for Christmas. I only spend what I can afford to and don't let myself go into debt.

Try and budget all year and don't spend what I can't afford

I spread the present buying throughout the year

I buy throughout the year and take advantage of special offers. Also, shopping online through cashback sites helps to provide a bit of extra money. I never buy on finance - if I haven't got the money it doesn't get bought!

Stick to your budget, and don't run out and panic buy! Have an idea throughout the year of things that you will definitely buy - toiletries, clothes, etc and get them when they are on sale - crackers and wrapping paper too. January is the time to buy them, not December!

And don't get too carried away. A toddler doesn't care how many gifts they get. For a one year old you may as well wrap some of their existing toys, because it's the wrapping paper they'll find exciting!

I start shopping early and wtach the budget. But there is still a bit of a hangover here.

Start shopping in the January sales! Buy throughout the twelve months means no large sums of money to find in December. Certainly makes Christmas and January much more pleasant and enjoyable!

I don't I always have debt!

Yes I confess I have a bit this year, but not excessively so I can claw it back over the next few months

I have a budget and stick to it

I start buying my presents in the january sales and over the year I pick up bargains in the sales so that by christmas I have the bulk of my pressies bought and paid for

Start your Christmas shopping in the January sales - easy to pick up cards, wrapping paper, decorations, lights etc cheaply. Pick up bargains in the shops during the year and if you have older children explain that they can have exactly what they want for half the price or less if they wait for the next January sales!