I quit my £90k job but still saved £24k in one year – here’s my 13 tips for a VERY budget Christmas your kids will love

FORMER high-flyer Kel Galavan quit her job in 2018 - but has still managed to save an astonishing £24k. 

The former high-flyer, from Kildare, 30 miles west of Dublin, lives with husband Dave, 43, an IT worker, and their kids, aged 10 and seven.

Exhausted by the rat-race and keen to spend more time with her family she decided to walk away from a job she loved - and now she works as a money-saving expert. 

She says: "My mission was to slash our outgoings so that I could afford to stay at home.

"In just 12 months, we saved more than £4,000 on beauty plus another £20,000 on clothes, takeaway coffees, meals out, childcare, and holidays.

"It was the best thing I ever did.

"Christmas is a challenging and expensive time of year, often leaving us exhausted, stressed, strung out, and very, very broke. 

"So before you rush out the door to grab up every ‘must have’ item and wishlist luxury gift, which is a recipe for becoming totally bankrupt, by the way. Instead, make a change this year, consider how much you can afford, and plan how to pay for it. To help with this, here are some of my top tips on how to save money at Christmas."

Ban unnecessary presents

Consider not giving gifts this Christmas! 

Now we’re not talking about our nearest and dearest. 

Such as from parents or grandparents, but instead the vast jumble of friends, extended family and colleagues who you barely know. Remember Christmas is about giving and cheer for loved ones, not going into debt for all and sundry. 

We need to end onerous giving and think about what we’re giving, to whom and why.

Rethink the gifts you do give

If you’re stressing over what to get a loved one, remember gift-giving creates an obligation on the receivers to give back, whether they can afford it or not. 

Sometimes the best gift is none at all. Sometimes taking the pressure off others is the best gift you can give. 

You could always make a ‘no unnecessary present Promise’ (NUPP) with friends and work colleagues if that’s not a runner agree to a Secret Santa with a max spend of £10 on gifts.

Focus on experiences

If you do want to give a gift, focus on experiences. For example, meet a friend for coffee or an early bird lunch out and offer to pay for it.

This way, you get to enjoy their company and give them an afternoon to remember. 

Swap your cheque book for free Christmas gift cheques

Gifts don’t have to equal big bucks.

Creating a chequebook of special things that you know will be enjoyed by the receiver can be one to remember.

Things like breakfast in bed, cleaning the garage or car, cooking a meal, anything that costs time instead of cash could be the best present. 

Buy one unique decoration each year 

This is a personal favourite. Rather than stocking up on heaps of picture-perfect tree decorations, reduce costs by getting each family member to pick out (or make) one special decoration.

For example, you could choose one linked to something that made the year special.

Your tree will become a lovely mishmash of memories that you can layer on year after year. 

Haven’t used it since last year? Flog it. 

We all have plenty of unused items, barely used items around our homes.

If it’s just taking up space in your life for no reason, you may as well move it on.

You get the extra cash for the festive season, and someone gets a thing they need for a fraction of the price.

Many platforms move unwanted stuff to a new home, from eBay to Facebook Marketplace. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Slash the cost of Christmas with kids

Kids rarely remember the expensive turkey or finest brand chocolates; however, they remember the time spent with their families.

Christmas light drives

Take a nighttime drive past twinkling homes and marvel at the creative gardens and colourful lights.

Many Christmas lovers go to town on festooning their houses with bright lights and glowing reindeer.

Jump in the car for an impromptu drive and admire the lights. 

Christmas movie nights

Nothing beats the instant cheer from grabbing a blanket, switching on the fairy lights and snuggling up with a Christmassy movie.

The cheesier, the better. Make it extra special with hot chocolate topped with whipped cream or marshmallows.

Few things beat snuggling up to The Polar Express and a rich hot chocolate. 

Festive traditions

Other Christmas rituals like a night by the fire to read ‘The Night before Christmas’. Leave clues to make it look like Santa has been.

He’s such a pro at shooting down the chimney; he rarely leaves clues that he’s come to call.

So leave some clues like glitter or flour around the fireplace or creep past their bedroom door with jingle some bells after little ones have gone to bed.

Winter fun

Bust boredom and create lifelong memories by making your own Christmas decorations and cookies.

There’s no need to spend a fortune on transforming your place into a TV-worthy advert.

Create wonderful Christmas traditions by wrapping up for a winter forest walk. Collect heaps of fir cones to paint, then deck the house out with them.

Camp out under the Christmas tree the night it’s up.

Nothing screams Christmas like the moment you put the tree up. So make adventure memories by camping out in the living room under the twinkly lights. It doesn’t have to be the first night; any night will work. 

Make a list - and check it twice! 

Impulse shopping is expensive and dangerous for your budget.

So take the time to sit down and make a list of all the gifts and things that you will need for the festive season and stick to that list.

Remember, shops spend vast amounts targeting our impulse spending tendencies – a list helps you beat them. 

Start your Christmas organisation as early as you can

This way, you can plan without panic, spread the cost over months, and reduce the chance of leaning on credit. 

For more Christmas news, check out how much the average Brit spends at Christmas.

Plus, Mum shares her 11-year-olds VERY detailed Christmas list with £25k trainers and £500 jumper.

Meanwhile, a dad reveals his trick to get kids to behave around Christmas time by wrapping up empty boxes and throwing them in the fire if they're naughty.

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