Cara Scott
The cost of living crisis has meant that many people in the UK are struggling financially. With rising bills and food costs, so many of us are forced to create rigorous budgets and cut back on even the smallest of spends.
From families and the elderly, to students like myself, the rising cost of everything is affecting everyone – especially those of us from lower socio-economical backgrounds who have been struggling financially since even before the crisis.
But with Christmas approaching fast, the cost of living has never felt this prominent. For most people, Christmas will always be an expensive time of year. Buying festive food and decorations, going to Christmas events and meals out, and buying gifts for your family and friends means there is so much to consider when putting money aside for the season.
The Economic Toll of Gifting
“In my experience, I have never had to think about money as much as it is on my mind now.”
We are constantly overwhelmed with the wide array of festive options on offer at our local supermarkets, and it can be so easy to over-purchase because more often than not, we want to enjoy the season and give in to the marketed excitement of these products. But the rising costs this year might constrain people from spending like they normally would, and shopping on a tight budget can seemingly suck the enjoyment out of what Christmas is all about – fun, joy and kindness.
Consequently, buying gifts seems to be the big issue when it comes to the cost-of-living crisis this Christmas. A YouGov survey found that six in ten parents said they will spend less on Christmas this year than they usually would, compared to just 2% who say they will spend more than usual. Fewer than a third expect to have a ‘normal’ Christmas, although this rose to 36% amongst those above the age of 65. Moreover, a third of adults said that they will cut back on gatherings such as meals with family, friends, and colleagues, or Christmas outings like Christmas markets and the pantomime.
From a personal standpoint, I love buying my immediate family, partner, and close friends unique gifts that I know they will love, but this year with my lower finances, it has been a struggle with budgeting Christmas presents for people. While I adore spoiling my loved ones, this year it has come with the cost of cutting back on other spending. Even with keeping costs down and not going overboard, it is surprising how the costs add up.
Ethical Options?
The cost-of-living crisis affects many families, especially when parents are still trying to make it a special occasion for children. But Christmas gifts don’t necessarily have to be expensive if you aim to buy albeit cheap, meaningful, or even homemade gifts. A toy company called TOMY have created a gift guide for parents who want to invest in toys their kids will receive from Santa, which are multi-use, hard-wearing, and the sort of toys that have remained popular throughout the years. These toys are long-lasting, environmentally friendly, and mostly priced for under £20, making them a sustainable and cost-effective gift.
“I will have to bow down to capitalism.”
However, sometimes cheap gifts come with the onus of being unethical. An anonymous student spoke to me about having to wrestle ‘between wanting to buy ethically and the cheapness of Amazon.’ “I am still wrestling with this but it is dependent on quite how big the cost difference is. If it’s more than about 25%, then I will have to bow down to capitalism.” She was able to make ethical choices last year when shopping for gifts, but this Christmas has been the ‘first time’ she’s had to think about her financial situation, because she hasn’t been shopping a lot throughout the year that’s not food for herself. But she explained that in itself is ‘because of the cost-of-living crisis.’
I’m sure her experience isn’t unique, in that many people will be struggling to buy ethically because of the higher associated costs.
In my experience, I have never had to think about money as much as it is on my mind now. Not only with Christmas, but with other events going on in my life, paying for rent, bills, and food, it has meant that I have had to stick to a strict budget. Whilst I know I have support around me if I need it, it can be a struggle to ask for help, which I know is a feeling felt by many others, especially at this time of year.
Affordable Living
Apart from gifting, people are also looking to save on day-to-day expenses during the holiday season. Richard Cano, who is the founder and director of QBuild, a Southsea building firm, says that he deals with customers every day who are looking to improve their homes in ways that will reduce the amount they’re spending on gas and electricity. Richard also argues that there are ‘more low-cost options’ for household appliances that people can look at for saving money at Christmas.
According to research by Utilita, the cost of running an air fryer is £55.71 on average per year, while electric cookers run at £335.5. ‘The one that surprises most people is the air fryer, which has shot up in popularity, thanks to social media sites like TikTok. Lots of people are buying them to save time, as they are faster than the oven, as well as to recreate viral recipes…you can pick up affordable ones for as little as £30, so I’d really suggest investing in one and lowering your oven use.”
So, with the on-going rising costs and Christmas creeping up on us, it seems like the right time of year to start investing in smarter, cheaper options across appliances, food and gifts. Moreover, as we enter this Christmas period, it is more important than ever that we are kind and respectful towards everyone’s financial situation, and maybe this will be the year that we learn that Christmas can be about so much more than presents: enjoying time spent with loved ones and making precious magical memories without the need for spending exorbitant amounts of money.
Featured Image courtesy of Nicole Michalou on Pexels. Image license found here. No changes have been made to this image.
Cara-Louise Scott
I am a waitress and writer currently living in London! Graduated last year from the University of Birmingham with a first-class BA English and Creative Writing degree. I am an aspiring young journalist with a love for writing anything related to current affairs, opinion, mental health, food and drink, and travel!