Scrooge’s Christmas comes on Sunday
With a blink of an eye and the twitch of a sore head, it seems to have passed us by again.
You spent weeks, possibly months, building up to it and now that is all over, bar the shouting and recriminations, you are probably wondering what the fuss was all about. After a feed of drink, you managed to tell most of those closest to you what you really thought of them and, thus, you must be regretting all the money you spent on their presents.
You promise yourself that next year you won't be so stupid, and the only way to guarantee that is to prepare now. You won't be the only one, you would be amazed at just how many people rush out to the January sales to stock up on cheap Christmas presents for next year.
This makes sense, but remember to buy only for the people you know will be alive in a year's time, barring accidents and tragedies, you don't want to be shelling money out on older family members.
Many economic factors will push prices in 12 months inflation, tax increases and the odd whopping mark up by the retailers.
There is a tried and tested method when it comes to saving huge money, come Christmas time. The most important thing is to get invited to someone's house on the big day, this cuts out having to lay out for a dinner which costs a small fortune and ends up only half eaten.
It is vital that one does not meet anybody before the big day, that way, you do not have to hand over gifts. Even if one is invited somewhere and is expected to bring something, lie, and say you left your sack of goodies on the bus.
Ideally, it is best not to meet anyone until after Stephens Day. It gives you time to pick up some sale items and knock down wrapping paper, you would really be amazed at how cheap toys become 24 hours after the Christmas rush.
Turkeys and hams are also cleared to go, so if you really want, you could invite friends around, tell them you are orthodox something or other, and, celebrate Christmas around the 4th of January, and you'll save a fortune. Next week, our home economics expert tells us how to celebrate summer in the heart of winter.
