I stockpiled for Christmas, dinner’s in the freezer & I’m flogging other bargains – I don’t care if you call me selfish
WHILE many of us will likely be panic-purchasing our sprouts come December 24, one mum has already got her entire Christmas dinner prepped in her freezer.
Marketing consultant Cassie Cooper, 37, from Darlington, County Durham began stockpiling her festive feast in October and says her cut-price food shop will save her a small fortune.
Cassie has also hoarded kitchen cupboard staples and says other people should do the same to beat the supermarket price hikes.
Her seasonal stockpile has saved her hundreds, and even earned her cash, and as the prices continue to hike, Cassie is feeling rather smug.
Speaking exclusively to Fabulous, Cassie said: “In the months leading up to December I check the price of Christmas dinner staples every time I hit the shops.
“I write down the price of turkey, chicken, roast beef, specialist custards, cupboard staples as well as dried fruit, canned fruits, alcohol, vegetables, brandy sauce, Christmas puddings and even crackers.
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“Had I purchased all the items I needed this week, dinner for my five strong family would have cost £120.
“It’s a shock to see the total figure rise every week.”
But Cassie Cooper, 37, who is mum to Jonah, 15, Cyrus, 12 and Clover 9 and married to Nick, 40 - an HR Manager - isn’t worried about the rapidly rising cost.
In fact, she is smiling because she could serve her Christmas meal tomorrow due to her quick thinking and frugal form.
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“Over summer when grocery prices started skyrocketing, I decided to buy early,” Cassie says.
“My Christmas dinner ingredients are safely tucked away in the cupboard and freezer and I feel a huge sense of relief knowing that I got a lower price.
“I’ve done the same for all my Christmas gifts which has also saved me a fortune. I don't know why everyone else isn’t doing it.
“I don't trade the stock market. I just watch my stockpiled dry goods increase in value.
“Given the current economic crisis the savings I am making increase literally on a daily basis.”
Savvy Cassie bulk bought plenty of yellow sticker vegetables, meats and puddings in October to shave masses off her final bill.
“I earmarked Brussel sprouts, greens, potatoes, meat joints and some mince pie options like the tiny apple pies we love for Christmas,” she says.
“I prepped the vegetables and froze them. I’m storing it in my freezer and the rest in my mum’s larger stand alone freezer.
“I added carrots for ten pence, Brussel sprouts and peas on an end of day special for 50 pence, parsnips, leafy greens and onions all on special or yellow sticker prices.”
Cassie also found discounted berries as well as beef and ham joints.
“I made my family's favourite stuffing using almost stale bread and the cheap vegetables back in October and I’ve frozen that too,” she says.
“Doing it this way it cost me £3 to make compared to £15 if I had bought a luxury stuffing the week before the big day.
“I visited nearby orchards and bought up their wonky fruit and went home and made mini pies and a mixed fruit trifle filling which my family love and froze them.
“I used discounted Brussel sprouts which I cooked up using bacon and onions and they are ready to defrost and reheat for Christmas day.
“It saves on cooking and using the oven. I just pop these in the microwave.
“I’ve also hidden away plenty of chocolates and nuts and specialist Christmas sauces I found at discount supermarkets or on sale.”
According to Cassie her grocery bill has increased by over 25 per cent in the last two months, and she’s been able to use any festive extras to keep her family well fed.
“I have been batch cooking meals with a Christmas theme and freezing them so we can use them in the leadup to December 25,” she says.
“It saves money and we can simply defrost and pop in the microwave.
“Knowing I could hold Christmas dinner tomorrow and have many of the pre-Christmas dinner batch cooking is a massive relief.
“I plan on using my ‘stockpile and freeze’ method for New Year and the rest of winter. It takes a little planning, but it works.”
And it’s not just food that Cassie has bought ahead of time with the mum stockpiling two wardrobes and a suitcase full of gifts, decorations and even the family’s festive pyjamas.
“People always talk about the huge savings they make by shopping for the following Christmas on Boxing Day, and this year I am glad I took their advice,” Cassie says.
“It’s not only saving me money because I bought in the sales, the rising price of everything due to inflation means there is another huge benefit added on.”
And Cassie’s efforts to save money have even made her a little extra on the side.
“I bought double of some items and I am now selling some of these items on eBay or Facebook Marketplace and actually making money on them,” she explains.
“That’s extra cash that I can use towards Christmas as well as my energy bills.
“My advice if you spot a super bargain, you know is a ‘must have’ at a low price. Buy two or three and stockpile it to sell if you must or on-gift.”
Cassie is well aware that some people may criticise her strategy.
“I know some folks will tell me it’s selfish,” she says.
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“I am not bothered. It helps my family. I offer items to friends at a discount of course but my aim is to ensure there is a small profit or my family benefits.
“My frozen and stockpiled Christmas assets are paying off.”