Christmas

wendy1

I'm so sad at the thought of not having a traditional Christmas Dinner, it was always something I looked forward to. With everything else that this Government is doing to certain people, not being able to have Christmas Dinner this is another thing to put on the list. 😥

woodbine

@wendy1 is there are reason you cant have a Christmas dinner this year?

wendy1

Well yes, there is. I used to go over the top or go out for Xmas Dinner, but now I will have to save what money I have.

woodbine

Xmas dinner at home can be done quite well on a budget.

wendy1

How ?. Just some Potatoes, piece of Turkey and 1 or 2 Vegetables. The smallest Turkey costs at least £5. What about a Starter and then a Pudding. Before my plate would have that much on it, there was no room for anything else. 

MW123

@wendy1

Wendy, recognising that financial situations vary for everyone, I'd like to share my approach to creating a budget-friendly festive dinner. 

I personally opt for a solo Christmas dinner at home, upholding the tradition of a festive meal. However, being on my own means I avoid buying raw meat that requires cooking. This year, Sainsbury's once again offers their deli range, featuring pre-packed, cooked turkey breast slices at an affordable £3.00. I tried this last year, and it proved to be of excellent quality, particularly when warmed up in hot gravy. 

Regarding vegetables, I stay away from pre-packed options to minimise unnecessary waste. Instead, I choose individual items like loose potatoes, a sizable parsnip, a large carrot, and a handful of Brussels sprouts. Opting for shop brand bread sauce, cranberry, and stuffing, the entire meal cost me around £6.50. 

When it comes to starters and desserts, I usually pass on them, but I notice they're something you like to include. If you're interested, you can easily find reasonably priced options such as soup or pâté for less than £1.00. Many shops also offer individual Christmas puddings and various desserts for around the same price. 

Wendy, understanding the difficulties this Christmas may pose for you, my sincere wish is for you to experience a day filled with tranquillity and peaceful moments.

Lottie1732

@wendy1

Hi Wendy, have you tried an application to the household support fund? Below is a comment I made on another thread.  I received the voucher 20 days after submitting my application. 

Lottie1732 said:

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

Lottie1732

@wendy1

Hi Wendy, have you tried an application to the household support fund? Below is a comment I made on another thread.  I received the voucher 20 days after submitting my application. 

Lottie1732 said:

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

Adrian_Scope

You're definitely not alone in feeling that way @wendy1, I know my Christmas is going to look very different this year too. 

Have a look at the cost of living support available that Lottie has linked. And maybe have a think about what items you'll miss most from your plate, and see if there are more affordable ways to get some of them so you won't feel like you're missing out as much? 

2oldcodgers

woodbine said:

Xmas dinner at home can be done quite well on a budget.

I agree and to be honest who wants to have dinner with a load of strangers in a restaurant/pub?
Like everything else you have to cut your cloth accordingly - celebrate at home then put the telly on for entertainment.
I've never had dinner at Christmas in public even to the point when I lived alone when I was in my late 20's I made sausage & chips followed by a miniature of dark rum.

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @wendy1

I just wanted to comment as ask if you looked at the link Lottie provided? 

I did also see this article yesterday about which supermarket will have the cheapest of the "Christmas Dinner staples". Some supermarkets are doing discounts with their rewards cards, some are doing bundles. My friends did a bundle last year and then found they could budget for a few extra treats on top.

wendy1

Hi Lottie, no I haven't applied to the household support fund, I find it might have been to late. I will keep it in mind for next year. But thanks for your help.