Budget-friendly festive food, gifts, and decorations | Tenant news

The festive period is a time of spiritual reflection, family, and gratitude but it also comes with the extra expense of decorations, gifts and festive food.

Thankfully, there are ways you can reduce your spending without missing the fun.

Gifts

Every year the Salvation Army charity runs a Christmas Present Appeal which donates presents to families who are experiencing hardship. Visit www.salvationarmy.org.uk/ christmas-present-appeal to find out if you’re eligible.

Food banks

Did you know that UK food banks provide extra items during the festive period such as chocolates, cakes, stockings, and biscuits, as well as Christmas dinner items?

To be eligible for a food bank, you usually will need a referral and a voucher from a recognised agency or housing association.

Your local food bank will be able to tell you which referral agencies they work with within your area. Find your local foodbank at www.trussell.org.uk/emergency-food/find-a-foodbank.

Festive food

The Salvation Army offers Christmas lunches and companionship to older people living alone and Christmas food parcels to families who are struggling to afford a proper Christmas lunch. Contact your local Salvation Army centre to find out more.

Supermarket deals

Last year, all the major supermarkets reduced the price of festive vegetable produce in the lead up to Christmas. Vegetables such as carrots, broccoli and potatoes were priced at 15p and under or even for free

Go veggie or low meat

If you’re trying to reduce your Christmas Day food bill, consider vegetarian or low-meat dishes for your festive meal.

You’ll find great vegan and vegetarian recipes online at www.bbc.co.uk/food/collections, so why not make vegetables the stars of your Christmas dinner this year?

Festive decorations

Many people get rid of old decorations in the run-up to Christmas. Facebook has ‘reuse’ community pages where you can give away and receive usable items for free.

Simply type your area into Facebook’s search bar and ‘reuse’ to find your local group.

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