Has anyone else sorted their Christmas food shop?

Hannah_Alumni
Hannah_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,866 Championing
in Coffee lounge
Last week, I spent a few hours sorting out who was coming over and when around Christmas. So the Christmas food shop could be booked in. 

Slots are going fast for many retailers!

I was very surprised to see such an increase in prices compared to last year. Working for Scope and being with you all in the community, I see the effects of the cost-of-living day to day. But for some reason the basket total really took me back. 

I do budget and save in preparation. And I have taken a few tips from Scope's Get Ready For Winter campaign in regards to energy bills. That will hopefully help but I wanted to get your thoughts.

Over to you:
  • How do you feel about the price increases now we are getting to Christmas?
  • Has anyone else started to budget for the festive season? 
  • Are you looking at cost savings ways in other outgoings? 

Comments

  • 66Mustang
    66Mustang Online Community Member Posts: 14,987 Championing
    My family are going to be buying less unnecessary food and drink this year, just enough for the main days. We don't need to have Christmas food to last into mid January. Also past years we had a bottle of just about every type of alcohol in, just in case someone wanted some kind of niche cocktail. This year we are just getting a few bottles in and people can have what is on offer or do without.
  • durhamjaide2001
    durhamjaide2001 Scope Member Posts: 13,010 Championing
    No I don't need to as my parents do the Christmas food shop 
  • Albus_Scope
    Albus_Scope Posts: 8,484 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    I'm noticing price increases on items just for slapping some Xmas packaging on them.  So my top tip is to shop around, you're bound to be able to get that item without the fancy packaging for a lot less money.  

    We've decided on roast chicken this year, so it'll be a lot cheaper.  
  • 66Mustang
    66Mustang Online Community Member Posts: 14,987 Championing
    One thing I never understood, and I am not judging anyone who does it, I mean my family do it...

    Is buying Christmas stuff in previous months purely for the purpose of spreading the cost.

    e.g. If something costs £100 and you buy it in November, so that in December you don't have to spend £100.

    If you didn't buy the item in November you'd have £100 extra in December so you could still afford it in December. The money doesn't just disappear.

    I have family members who say something similar... they make big purchases just after payday "while they still have the money" ... as if the money goes away on its own? If you didn't make a £200 purchase at the start of the month then you'd have that £200 later on in the month so could make the purchase then!
  • Hannah_Alumni
    Hannah_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,866 Championing
    @66mustang We haven't done anything as big as we have done before. We all have different food requirements too which can cause an extra cost. Maybe do a Christmas Cocktail Menu? :) I get what you mean about spreading the cost. I think some people have this mentality to squirrel money in case something goes wrong. I certainly do. So I am one of those people who thinks right buy it now while I have it and everything is going ok for now! 😂

    @Albus_Scope I've found chicken has gone up in price too! But yes, I have too seen a lot of normal items like biscuits are dearer because they have Christmas packaging. 

    @woodbine That's great to know about Aldi! Thank you :) 
  • Sandy_123
    Sandy_123 Scope Member Posts: 59,905 Championing
    The family are on about booking somewhere now for Xmas so will have to see what they are all doing
  • Hannah_Alumni
    Hannah_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,866 Championing
    @Sandy_123 Oh nice! You'll have to let us know! Who cooks if you don't go out? 
  • Hannah_Alumni
    Hannah_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,866 Championing
    @Ada I'm so Christmas has changed so much for you. Sending you a big hug <3 
  • Lottie1732
    Lottie1732 Online Community Member Posts: 125 Empowering
    I put in an application yesterday for grocery vouchers (£150!) as a new round of funds were available. Check your local council - you can find their individual pages here by doing a search. 

    The criteria and application is very simple. Only took 5 minutes. No guarantees of course, but if it gets approved, that's going to go a long way and all the big supermarkets do a lot in the way of gifts now.

    Go for it!  https://www.gov.uk/cost-living-help-local-council


  • cymbalfern
    cymbalfern Scope Member Posts: 25 Contributor
    I don’t actually celebrate Christmas long ago I stopped participating in any festivities. I have always felt Christmas is not for somebody like me & I am very happy with my decision. So Christmas & I get along fine as long as it cancels me out. I do hope everyone else enjoys their Christmas plans. At least it is one less aspect in life I don’t have to struggle with or afford, yeh for me.
  • Hannah_Alumni
    Hannah_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,866 Championing
    @Lottie1732 Thank you so much for sharing! :) It could be a big help for many! 

    @cymbalfern Do you like to celebrate bringing in the new year? 
  • cymbalfern
    cymbalfern Scope Member Posts: 25 Contributor
    Hi I hope Lottie gets her help towards Christmas as others do. Hi Hannah I am just one of those people who doesn’t like fuss, I think Christmas can sometimes lose its meaning & just become more stressful to people also New Year, so I eliminate any drama or stress & just focus on more important things. Thanks for asking, but seriously people should do what makes them happy. Hey ‘ you do you ‘ & I wish everyone all the best & at least some of their wishes to come true.
  • Hannah_Alumni
    Hannah_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,866 Championing
    @cymbalfern I have friends who are not Christmas people but big on New Year which is why I wondered. I hope you have a stress free time! :) 

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