the ultimate christmas survival guide

You’re probably looking forward to the festive season. But as you know it can be a stressful time as well as a happy one.
 
If you’re a student, then returning to the family home after a period of independence is challenging. Plus the most wonderful time of the year is also the most expensive!
 
What’s the best way of avoiding pressure at Christmas, whilst taking the strain off your bank account? Our guide is here to light the way.
 
From wrapping presents to warbling carols, our Santa’s sack is full to the brim with tips. So what are you waiting for? Let’s go-ho-ho…

​Planning Ahead
 
Even if you are planning on rocking up at your parents’ place and vegging out for a couple of weeks, it doesn’t mean you don’t have to organise.
 
Newsflash! What about the presents you’ll be giving? Don’t be like a worrying chunk of the population and leave it till the last minute. That path leads to maximum stress.
 
Buy stuff in advance, and by advance we mean weeks. Goods can be cheaper that way, and the quicker you can jettison that pressure the better.
 
Strapped for cash? Have you considered making your own presents? Homemade gifts are saddled with an undeserved bad reputation. The results can really stand out!
 
 
Get a Christmas job
 
Like it or loathe it, having a part time job is an essential part of life as a student. You probably already have one, and are busy racking up extra hours on festive shifts.
 
Tis the season to be wealthy. You will always need spare money at Christmas, no matter how frugal you want to be. Unfortunately bills don’t stop in December.
Biting the bullet and finding Christmas work on home turf is advisable if you don’t have anything lined up. Thankfully there are plenty of sites that find those jobs for you.
 
This is another area where the faster you apply for vacancies the greater chance you have of getting something, before those precious slots get snapped up.
 
 
Find something to watch
 
One of the major causes of arguments during the holiday period is what’s on the box. In previous years families would go ballistic and have to resort to board games.
 
Here’s the thing. Board games are cooler than you think, but you should have something else to entertain you just in case that game of Monopoly gets a bit more serious than it needs to be!
 
This deal from Amazon Prime Student gives you a free trial of their service for a whopping 6 months. That means access to hours of Prime Video and Music.
 
You can also check out numerous titles from their library if you fancy a read, plus the free next day delivery option comes in very handy for bagging some presents.
 
 
Healthy alternatives
 
One guarantee of your festive break is that your belly will be stuffed to capacity. There’s usually lots of delicious and fattening food and drink for you to consume.
 
Think outside the stomach. All those rich goodies take their toll on your system. So you might want to think about pacing yourself with some healthier options.
 
If you’re a carnivore, then all that meat is pummelling your arteries. Vegetarian recipes are a mere click away, delivering great taste and value while kicking out calories.
 
It doesn’t mean you can’t feed your face… indeed, that’s your Christmas duty! However the New Year detox will go a lot smoother by taking the edge off the feast.
 
Sing your heart out
 
The tendency with many people at yuletide is to shut themselves indoors gorging on grub and staring at screens. Why not socialise a bit and spread some Christmas cheer?
 
This is important. Not everyone is happy at the end of the year. International students may not have a home to go to, or you don’t have family and friends to rely on.
 
It’s a small thing, but a Christmas carol concert can lift your spirits if you’re feeling down in the dumps. Singing in a group is good, both for your mind and body!
 
There are many of these events happening up and down the country. And while some offer student discounts, others are absolutely free.
 
Should you be seriously struggling at the moment, remember organisations like the Samaritans are only a free call, e-mail or letter away

Author

Sylvia Nankivell is from studentmoneysaver.co.uk. A leading student website offering deals and discounts to students across the country as well as competitions, spending tips and life hacks to help you through the money tight moments.