We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

SPONSORED

8 small spends that will make a big impact on your Christmas

Time to get thrifty.

CHRISTMAS CERTAINLY DOESN’T come cheap.

Decorating your house, hosting parties, buying presents and festive food all add up. Check out these Christmas hacks that can save you some pennies so you have a little extra to treat yourself in January.

1. Art attack

Whether you have just run out of wrapping paper or fancy a change this year, why not try making your own? Transform a roll of classic brown paper with a festive ribbon or decorate it with some of your own designs.

Pinterest Pinterest

2. No gift tag? No problem

Gift tags are something that are easily forgotten and often illegible. Try something a little different this year by using photographs instead.

And as an added bonus, these look particularly nice with the brown paper wrapping paper.

Result.

Pinterest Pinterest

3. Snow is falling

It’s probably not snowing inside your house but you can still give your house that snowy cosy glow. All you need are some empty jars, epsom salts and candles.

Simple.

Pinterest Pinterest

4. Party on

In need of a Christmas jumper for the office party?

Be original and make your own. Pin some bows or tinsel onto a wool jumper for an authentic feel or you could go all out and attach some battery powered lights to your jumper and shine all night long.

shutterstock_157285487 Happy man with some tinsel. Shutterstock Shutterstock

5.  Turn it up

Having trouble hearing your favourite Christmas songs on your phone? Fear not, your empty toilet roll tube holds the answer.

With all of your Christmas visitors coming and going, you are sure to have plenty of these lying around the house…

Pinterest Pinterest

6. Let’s get personal

When it comes to making personal gifts that people will actually use, this one is right at the top of the list. All you need is a permanent marker and a plain white cup.

What you do next is up to you…

YouTube YouTube

7. Fake it til you make it

Your tree may be fake but you can still enjoy a home that smells like the season. Sprinkle some pine cones with essential oils like pine or cinnamon and use them decoratively throughout the house as they spread the seasonal scent.

pine Decorative pine. Shutterstock Shutterstock

8. The main event

We spend all year dreaming about it and then all day afterwards regretting how much we ate. But still, it’s tradition.

Popping an ice bag on the turkey breast before you roast it will save the lighter meat from cooking faster than the dark.

Check out how it’s done here.

shutterstock_164282822 Christmas dinner menu. Shutterdtock Shutterdtock

Do you have any other tips? Let us know in the comments.

You could save yourself some more by getting a brand new Dacia from Ireland’s fastest growing car brand from as little as  €99 per month. You do the maths. 

Your Voice
Readers Comments
12
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.