A “savvy saver” mum has revealed how she’s spending less than £350 on the entire festive season – and claims she’s already cooked her Christmas Day roast.
Stacey Victoria, 36, who leads a frugal lifestyle, is known for her “penny-stretching” tips – from reusing toilet rolls to saving hundreds with secondhand gifts.
Now, with Christmas less than five weeks away, and Black Friday deals hitting the market this week, many people across the globe are gearing themselves up to score the best bargains.
But the stay-at-home mum, from Huddersfield, has a few savvy tricks up her sleeve to get more “bang for your buck” – including handmade decorations and pre-cooked festive dinners.
“We’ve had to cut back hugely as a family to be able to still try and keep the life we have and enjoy it,” Stacey, who shares her expert advice on Instagram, (@home_with_stacey ), told http://NeedToKnow.co.uk.
“I think we need to do all we can to put things in place to try and ease the pressure off ourselves – and I feel going for less materialistic gifts is the way forward.
“They’re sentimental, personal, and most importantly, from the heart.
“I set myself the task of being able to manage with the items we have around the house, rather than forking out unnecessary money.
“And if I have to buy extra, such as food for our Christmas Day dinner, then I’ll do this a few months before to avoid the price hikes, cook it, and freeze it ready to defrost and heat for the big day.”
Stacey, who used to spend over £890 on the festive season, is now only forking out £310 in total – here’s how:
PRE-PREPARED CHRISTMAS DINNER
The mum believes it shouldn’t cost a fortune for a “simple” roast dinner just because of the occasion.
She said: “If you want to have turkey or other traditional Christmas Day dinner fixings, then I’d buy these months in advance – even up to a year.
“Look at the supermarket deals around New Year’s and stock up on the yellow sticker items, like pigs in blankets, or even leftover meat that is about to go out of date.
“Pop them in your freezer, ready for the next year, and you’re bound to save a fortune.
“If you’re like me and don’t like turkey, consider having chicken instead, as it’s so much cheaper – and less dry, too.
“I also use all frozen vegetables instead of fresh, as they’re just as good, but again with these, I always find time to raid the reduced aisles.
“If you do this, these vegetables can be bought months in advance, pre-prepared at home and frozen, ready for the Christmas period – cost and time effective.”
Stacey also says aside from buying yellow sticker items and freezing them right away while still raw, such as meat products, spread out the cooking costs beforehand.
The mum said: “Try to cook your meat of choice and any other products which can be cooked beforehand and then freeze it.
“You can do this over the course of the year, spreading out the gas and electricity costs – and avoid a hefty bill as the new year begins.”
HANDMADE GIFTS
While it’s nice to cross off people’s wish lists, the 35-year-old claims gifting DIY presents is better than buying something brand new.
She said: “I make themed biscuits instead of giving out presents, or simply get a secondhand frame and pop the kids’ drawings inside.
“You can also make decorations to give as a heartfelt gift, such as a snowman made from paper and tape.
“If you take a walk and grab some sticks, it’s easy to make a star using twine – and if you have some, add fairy lights for an extra pop.
“Personally, my go-to is salt dough, as this has so many options.”
Stacey uses her salt dough recipe, using one cup of flour, half a cup of salt, and half a cup of water, to make handprint moulds, festive shapes, and key rings.
The mum said: “Simply pop them in the oven when you’re done – and you’re left with a versatile gift for all the family to enjoy.”
Her other handmade presents include creating scrapbooks, jams, and chutneys, as well as hand creams.
FREE EVENTS AND BARGAIN DEALS
As kids begin to get overwhelmed with excitement, it’s important to keep them occupied – and there are lots of ways on offer, without having to spend a penny.
Stacey said: “Look at what’s on locally, such as seeing Santa at your nearest shopping centre, or going to a church and using their activity days.
“If you’re looking for an at-home activity, track Santa on Google, which starts at the beginning of December.”
And to get two jobs done at once, take the kids for a “give a gift, get a gift” shopping spree at secondhand shops.
She said: “We always have a clear out around this time of year and we use online sites, as well as going to charity shops to pass unwanted items onto others.
“I often let the girls give something away, and then pick up something secondhand – such as jumpers or toys – that are new for them.
“It helps them to understand how to truly appreciate what they have.
“I also go to charity shops to fill up their stockings, with socks, toothbrushes, bubble baths, or anything practical alongside pre-loved toys.
“And for more sayings, go for gifts that the whole family can use, such as puzzles or a board game.”
Before, she spent a “fortune” on Christmas, claiming over £400 was forked out on presents for each child alone.
Now, she’s saved £580 on the entire soirée – and hopes this will teach her daughters, Emily, nine, and Isabelle, six, gratitude.
She added: “Christmas can be a really challenging time of year, as well as a very happy time of year – but please don’t put the strain on yourself to spend so much money for one day.
Emily and Isabelle are grateful for everything in their life and they even write thank you letters to Santa, where they tell him to rest and have a cup of tea.
“I know they love Christmas very much and I do try to relive my childhood through them.
“I am hoping for health and happiness for those close to me, as I lost my mum just before the festive season last year and she really loved Christmas.
“All I want is to see the smiles on my children’s faces and I know I will have done my job.
“I think the financial crisis has taught me a lot and despite not spending hundreds of pounds, I know the gifts I give will mean more because I’ve put my heart into them.”
