HOSTING FESTIVE FILM EVENINGS, JAZZING UP OLD PARTY OUTFITS, BAKING MINCE PIES FROM SCRATCH – AND EVEN MAKING YOUR OWN CRACKERS – THE TOP WAYS SAVVY BRITS WILL BE ENJOYING A THRIFTY CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR
As many as eight in ten (79 percent) are planning a DIY Christmas this year in a bid to save cash, with hosting movie nights at home (30 percent) and making mince pies (26 percent), mulled wine (17 percent) and stuffing (14 percent) from scratch, on the back-to-basics list.
28 percent will choose to jazz up old party clothes rather than buying something new, while more than one in ten (13 percent) will be building their own DIY Christmas decorations.
And rather than splashing out on expensive advent calendars, as many as 12 percent will be attempting to create their own, while nine percent will even make their own Christmas wreath.
A fifth (18 percent) will also be using their baking skills to make gifts for family and friends, as four in ten (41 percent) believe that a homemade gift is more thoughtful and special than a standard shop bought one, while a further half (51 percent) cherish them more, according to the research from Dr.Oetker.
One in three (29 percent) say they will try not to buy ready-made food at all over the festive period, preferring homemade, while 55 percent will make as much as they can from scratch, and supplement with shop bought when they need to.
On average, Brits will spend £1,100 over the festive period, with over half (51 percent) saying Christmas is way more expensive than it was five years ago.
Head of Marketing – Cake, Jennifer Johnson commented: “It’s clear from the research that Brits are looking for ways to save money and we’re delighted to see how many Brits will be trying their hand at baking from scratch this Christmas.
That’s why this year we have created the first Festive Windough Display made almost entirely of cake to inspire the nation to start new traditions and bake a little joy this Christmas! We believe that Christmas isn’t about the expensive gifts or grand gestures, but rather the little moments that make a big difference – such as baking gingerbread as a family or making gifts that mean more to the people you love.”
It’s no surprise that two thirds (66 percent) think that Christmas is most expensive time of the year with the cost of presents (61 percent), increasing food and drink prices (57 percent), shops putting up the prices (37 percent) and feel compelled to buy a lot of presents (33 percent) all driving up the cost.
As a result, 64 percent have had to cut back their spending in the New Year after splashing out over Christmas.
A third (27 percent) begin their Christmas preparations at the end of November, while one in five (22 percent) start planning as soon as Halloween is over.
Despite this, 81 percent say that Christmas is the most stressful time of the year, 87 percent think it is all worth it in the end, with three quarters (76 percent) going a step further and saying it is their favourite time of the year.
Four in ten (46 percent) say that Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year.
The Festive Windough Display launched on Saturday 16th November at Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre, Tunbridge Wells ahead of Christmas Day. The first 1,000 visitors received a free recipe card and money-off vouchers, to help recreate home-baked treats and gifts from the display itself in the comfort of their own home. Showcase your festive bakes using the hashtag #BakeALittleJoyThisChristmas.
For more information on Dr. Oetker and its range of home baking products please visit www.oetker.co.uk.
20 WAYS BRITS PLAN TO SAVE PENNIES THIS CHRISTMAS..
Snuggling up on the sofa with a Christmas film – 30%
Re-wearing an old party outfit, with new accessories– 28%
Baking mince pies from scratch – 26%
Cooking or baking homemade gifts (chutney, pickle, cookies) – 18%
Baking a Christmas cake – 18%
Making mulled wine or cider – 17%
Making your own stuffing from scratch – 14%
Baking gingerbread – 13%
Creating DIY decorations – 13%
Making advent calendars for your kids – 12%
Choosing thrifty items to fill out stockings – 11%
Knitting socks, hats or scarves as presents – 11%
Regifting presents and wrapping paper – 10%
Making a Christmas wreath – 9%
Making Christmas crackers – 7%
