With adverts blaring at you to buy, buy, buy and snagging FOMO with clickbait ‘bargains’, we’re here to help you take a breath and find out how to feel #FestiveReady without piling on the money worries.
When we asked a nationally representative sample of 1000 UK adults how they feel about their Christmas spending, more than one in five said they feel stressed, anxious, guilty or regretful about their festive splurge by January, and more than a quarter of respondents don’t plan or budget for this season’s hiked-up spending at all.
No wonder the thing our newsletter subscribers worry most about at this time of year is the cost of gifts, with anxieties including the fact that rising costs mean they might not be able to buy loved ones “the nicest items”.
One respondent shared that their biggest concern is “Not being able to show the gratitude I have for everyone around with thoughtful gifts (…) the people around me give very good gifts and spend a lot of money. I’d like to do that.”
Start the conversion
A mismatch between the spending expectations of friends or family with different levels of disposable income is troubling for many. It isn’t always easy, but one thing that can help is taking a moment for a chat about your festive spending.
You may find they’ve been worrying about the same things, or that they’re more than happy for you to set a maximum spend on gifts for each other. If you find yourself struggling to find the time or money to treat large friendship groups or extended family, why not suggest a Secret Santa, with each person buying just one gift?
The cost of hosting can add up quickly too, so why not follow the lead of Money Ready alumni Aimee, and invite each guest to contribute a dish? Festive Spending Tips for Budget-Friendly Celebrations
“If you’re with a big group of friends, suggest a bring-and-share meal, where each person brings a dish. That makes sure no one bears the full cost,” says Aimee. “The potential for random chaos adds a fun dynamic to the event.”
Hack the season
We’ll be sharing plenty of other budgeting and money-saving tips throughout November and December. During these seven weeks, look out for Money Ready’s three quick questions that could save you from buyer’s regret in the Black Friday sales. And if you have any little artists in your life, don’t miss our Winter Squirrel colouring and counting competition.
Our #FestiveReady campaign kicks off today for Talk Money Week 2026. Keep an eye on our socials and get involved by posting your own festive financial tips with the hashtag #FestiveReady.
It’s time to make the festive season truly merry in whatever way suits you.
Festive spending tips for budget-friendly celebrations
Hear from Money Ready alumni Aimee.