Christmas Coping Calendar

Having loved and little ones you want to spoil over the Festive Season can make managing your budget feel like a challenge. To alleviate any worries about having enough and spending enough, it may be beneficial to establish a practical budget before beginning your Christmas shop. Take a moment to be honest with yourself, and consider what you can comfortably give.

It can be all too easy to bury our heads in the sand, especially when we get caught up in the whirl and excitement of the festive season. If you find yourself feeling concerned about spending, consumed over debts, or that your money worries are spiralling, please remember that seeking help from financial or mental health experts is a positive step. Don't hesitate to reach out for support and guidance.

Check what benefits you might be eligible for by using the free and confidential benefits calculator by Gov.uk

It's always a good idea to communicate your expectations for the festive holidays with your loved ones in advance. This way, everyone can be on the same page and ensure an enjoyable time together. Instead of exchanging presents, you can focus on cherishing meaningful experiences and quality time spent together. This can help alleviate any worries you may have about spending on others and will also reduce the pressure of trying to create the perfect day.

With or without all the trimmings, cooking at Christmas can feel overwhelming. But, don’t let the cost put you off. There are lots of delicious and cost-effective recipes out there that allow you to put on a spread without breaking the bank this festive season.

Do you have an idea of what your monthly budget might be? Have you had a chance to look over your bills? If you're finding it challenging to make ends meet due to the rising cost of living, please remember you're not alone. Find answers to the most frequently asked questions we receive regarding the cost of living crisis.

We all have a stress bucket that is being dripped into with the many stressors around us. The key is to have an outlet for our stress. If we don’t, our bucket will overflow, resulting in burnout, anxiety and overwhelm. You can save your stress bucket from overflowing by looking after yourself, practicing self-care, and spending time with friends and family. Remember you’re only human and there is only so much room in your stress bucket.

No one should go hungry at any time of the year. The Trussell Trust can connect you with your nearest food bank as they support a nationwide network of food banks and provide emergency food and support to people across the country.

Remember that the weight of creating the perfect day does not rest solely on your shoulders, so share the load with those you'll be spending time with. For a stress-free and enjoyable festive dinner, consider dividing up the meal preparations and asking each person to bring something different. This way, everyone can contribute their own special touch to the gathering, easing the burdens of responsibility while relieving your bank balance.

Payplan is here to provide support and assistance to individuals who may be facing the challenge of managing multiple debts. They can help you find ways to reduce the amount you pay to your lenders, allowing you to have more financial freedom for yourself and your loved ones. In just three simple steps, you'll have a clear plan to get your finances back on track.

Instead of focusing on endless social feeds about everyone else’s seemingly perfect Christmas, cherish yours in real time, and real life. Social media will likely give you nothing more than a constant feed of staged and filtered photos, which rarely represent people’s reality. Comparing your own situation to others can lead to unnecessary feelings of unworthiness, sadness, and financial guilt.

Make some new memories this festive season. Spend time with friends, family, neighbours and local community groups. Check-in on those around you who are looking for companionship, reach out to local organisations, charities and networks and see what free events they’re putting on.