Wednesday 23 December 2015

#CheapestChristmasEver – makes for success


With the big day almost upon us, shoppers up and down the country are rushing to the shops to get their last minute Christmas presents. 

But for me the preparation for the 25th December started months ago.

I hear people moaning left right and centre that they haven’t got the dreaded Christmas shopping done, and how they wish they’d done it weeks ago instead of leaving it until the last minute to buy gifts.

Of course I've been told I’m mad to plan so far ahead, (my mantra for everything especially in business) but I’m the one getting the last laugh as usual.

For me, Christmas is about putting that extra bit of thought and feeling into creating something different. From homemade jams and chutneys, to bath salts and infused oils, I love to create that special gift for my friends and family. And it has certainly gained a reputation among them. There is no better feeling than heading into the Christmas holidays than knowing they’re excited to receive gifts from me.

The best part is I spend a lot less money instead of shelling out each Christmas – I reckon I saved about £500 a year since I began making my gifts, which is certainly helpful!

When the dust settled on Christmas last year, I was already on the lookout for ways to save money. In January you’ll find me rifling through the Christmas cards and wrapping paper during the sales (at about a quarter of their pre-January price!), and then stashing them away for the following year.

Upcycling is a trend that has really taken off in the last few years and it can be easily applied to the build up to Christmas. For instance, pine-cones are a fantastic way to bring a delightful rustic atmosphere to your Christmas decorations. When you’re out bring a bag with you to collect some, then pick up some glitter and glue from an arts-and-crafts store. After covering them with a layer of sparkly Christmas frosting, you can string them up around the home with some thread to create some authentic-looking decorations.

Of course, all of this thriftiness does require a bit of forward-thinking. On Christmas morning too, if you can remember to get out a pair of scissors before ripping into your Christmas presents, cutting them open makes it a lot easier to recycle wrapping paper for next year!


From me and everyone at redheadPR, we hope you have a fabulous Christmas and New Year!