Martin Lewis ’ MoneySavingExpert website has explained ten “easy” tips to help you save cash this Christmas.
Christmas is often an expensive month for families - and the cost of living crisis is heaping more pressure on households.
Two-thirds of adults are worried about being able to afford Christmas dinner, according to a survey carried out by the Salvation Army.
The research also found that 14% of parents cannot afford to buy their children a present.
But there are ways to cut back, save money - all while still having a merry Christmas.
Here, we round up ten tips provided by MoneySavingExpert. You can read the full list in the latest MSE newsletter.
1. Get a free letter from Santa
You can get a free letter from Santa for your kids through the Royal Mail - but you don't have long left.
To use the service, you need to get your little one to send a letter with their full name and address by this Friday, December 9.
Drop the letter into an envelope with a stamp, and send it to: Santa/Father Christmas, Santa's Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ.
2. Choose the cheapest delivery
If you need to deliver a gift, MSE says you can normally save money by getting the retailer to deliver it straight to the recipient.
This cuts out the middle man of you having to send it.
3. Check out Amazon Warehouse
Amazon Warehouse sells items that have been returned or slightly damaged goods at discounted prices.
You'll get an idea of an item's condition before buying - so whether it is "like new" or "acceptable".
If you're not happy with what you receive, you can return it within 30 days.
4. Give free Christmas gifts
You don't have to spend money this Christmas - MSE suggests gifting someone your time.
MSE has printable Christmas gift cheques that let you pledge to do something nice for someone else.
5. Do free things with the kids
MSE also has a round up of free things you can do with the kids to bring the magic of Christmas.
A couple of suggestions include driving or walking through streets to view Christmas lights, or simply watching a Christmas film together.
6. Choose to donate to charity
If you want to donate to charity, rather than give presents this year, there are plenty of catalogues out there that can show you how to make a difference.
It could be donating vaccines or mosquito nets. Check out the MSE charity catalogue guide.
7. Buy your supermarket shop online (if you're a new customer)
Supermarkets will regularly offer deals to new online customers - for example, Sainsbury's offers £15 off a £60 shop for newbies.
Make sure your chosen store still has Christmas delivery slots available.
8. Look out for Christmas deals
MSE tracks the latest bargains through its Christmas Deals Predictor.
It expects deals at M&S, John Lewis and Ikea in the coming weeks.
9. Volunteer this Christmas
Give your time this Christmas to those who need it most.
For example, you could help out at a food bank, or gift presents for children in need.
10. Track Santa
Another free thing to do with the kids is to track Santa using a free website called NORAD.
You'll be able to watch Santa as he starts his journey from the South Pacific, all the way to South America.
