5 easy ways to start saving now for a stress-free Christmas

Did you know there are less than 100 days until Christmas?

It’s hard to believe how quickly the festive season is sneaking up again — and with the ongoing cost of living pressures, many Aussies are already wondering how they’ll afford it all this year. Between gifts, food, decorations and travel, Christmas can easily become one of the most expensive times of the year.

But the good news is, a little planning now can go a long way. By getting on top of your budget early and making a few smart choices, you can still enjoy a joyful, stress-free Christmas — without feeling the financial pinch come January.

Here are some simple, practical ways to get started.

1. Start a Christmas savings fund

With prices up on just about everything — from groceries to petrol — setting aside a bit of money now can really ease the pressure later. Try opening a separate savings account just for Christmas spending and set up an automatic transfer each week. Even $20 or $30 a week adds up fast and can make December a whole lot easier.

2. Set a realistic spending limit

Before the shopping frenzy begins, take a moment to look at your budget. Work out what you can comfortably afford to spend this year — then stick to it. Remember, Christmas doesn’t have to be about big price tags. It’s about connection, not comparison.

3. Shop smarter and earlier

Don’t wait until the week before Christmas to hit the shops. Start keeping an eye out for early-bird sales in the coming weeks. You can often find great discounts on gifts, decorations and even pantry staples. Buying early also means spreading the costs out, so you’re not hit with one big festive bill.

4. Rethink gift-giving traditions

In tight times, it’s perfectly okay to scale things back. Consider doing Secret Santa with family or friends, or set spending limits that everyone agrees to. Homemade or heartfelt gifts — like framed photos, baked treats, or a shared day out can mean just as much, if not more, than something store-bought.

5. Review your regular spending

We all have small expenses that creep in without us noticing. Take a quick look at your monthly spending and see what could be paused or cut back until after Christmas — maybe a streaming subscription, a takeaway habit, or a few coffees out. Redirect those savings straight into your Christmas fund.

With a little forward planning, you can enjoy all the joy of the festive season without the financial stress. Starting now gives you time to save, shop smart and focus on what really matters — spending quality time with loved ones.

Read more: Beat the holiday hustle: How to prevent Christmas from becoming ‘Stressmas’

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your financial or legal situation, objectives or needs. That means it’s not financial product or legal advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a financial or legal decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get independent, licensed financial services or legal advice.