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The British seem to be preparing for a tight Christmas rather than a white Christmas this year, a new study shows.
The average person plans to spend £560 on the Christmas festivities, according to research from popular cashback site TopCashback.
With the cost of living biting, the Brits are coming up with several ways to stretch the wallet, with half of British adults planning to change their usual plans.
Thrifty Britons: Half of adults say they’re spending less on Christmas this year
According to a survey of 2,500 people, as many as one in 20 people will charge loved ones to stay with them, at an average cost of £34.79 per person.
And many will take more ‘sober’ measures to reduce their spending.
Nearly a third of Britons are cutting back on alcohol this season, and for those changing their Christmas shopping lists, spirits and bubbly are the top items to cut.
Turkey ready for the pork chop?
With the country’s newfound obsession with air fryers, it should come as no surprise that one in six people are also looking for a way to prepare their Christmas dinner in a more economical way.
The survey shows that nearly two in five Britons plan to switch to a cheaper supermarket or own-brand products to save money.
And one in seven also trades in their turkey for a cheaper piece of meat.
A large whole turkey that can feed between 15 and 18 people currently costs £37.45 at Tesco. However, people can pay much more depending on which store or supermarket they buy from.
A medium-sized Waitrose free-range bronze feathered whole turkey, enough for eight people, currently costs between £56 and £84.
Chicken is a popular and cheaper alternative. A large whole chicken from Tesco, which feeds four to five people, currently costs just £4.60.
Count your chickens: one in seven is forgoing their turkey for a cheaper cut of meat
Christmas gifts are perhaps unsurprisingly in the firing line for many Britons, as nearly two-thirds of people plan to change their current shopping habits this year too.
Of these, six in ten will cut their per person budget, more than half will buy for fewer people this year, and almost one in five will only buy gifts for children, not for adults.
One in five will choose to send their cards and presents by second class mail to save money.
Practical gifts – and less partying
But it’s not just to indicate that the British want to make changes this year. It’s also in the reception.
Nearly three out of five people are changing what they ask for gifts this year.
Of these, more than half have told people not to buy anything for them, one in eight will ask for money in lieu of physical gifts, and another one in eight will ask for gifts to help pay for other essential expenses, such as a grocery store voucher.
The research also revealed other measures the British are taking this year to cut costs, particularly in the area of socializing.
With regard to seasonal social gatherings, nearly two-fifths said they will not go to a work party.
More than a quarter of Britons have apparently been asked to pay or contribute the Christmas dot in full.
Nearly two in five also stay indoors on New Year’s Eve to save money.
A third have said they will wear last year’s party outfit again, and four in 10 will budget for everything.
As for other austerity measures, one in six say they will not donate to charity this year.
Expect something bigger? Six in ten Britons are cutting their per-person budget and nearly one in five will only buy gifts for children this year
Adam Bullock, UK director of TopCashback said: ‘Under normal circumstances, Christmas can be very hard financially for many of the population, especially when they are under increasing pressure to have a ‘perfect’ time.
“The rise in the cost of living means that budgets now need to be stretched even further, and our research shows the extent to which some Britons are prepared to recoup some of the costs.
“Remember, there are many elements of Christmas that you can change – and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.
“Whether it’s dropping the turkey, setting a budget for gifts, recycling party clothes, or even just saying ‘no’ to social occasions, decide what’s best for you, and if it means that if you feel more financially secure, don’t compromise.’
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