'Tis the season to be savvy... with five ways to save before Christmas

While 25 December may be a date many people are focused on, it's far from the only celebration on the calendar.

Families across the UK may also be budgeting for October half-term, Halloween, Diwali, Hanukkah and other important occasions, with costs adding up between now and 25 December.

With household budgets already under pressure, getting organised now could help avoid a financial hangover when the festive season is over.

Avoid the last-minute rush by picking up gifts over the coming weeks and months. Spreading the cost over time can make festive spending more manageable, help you keep a closer eye on your budget and avoid panic buying as Christmas Day approaches.

The same goes if you're celebrating Diwali, Hanukkah or Halloween. Picking up gifts, decorations, outfits or treats little by little can be much easier than paying for everything in one go.

Homemade gifts can also be a thoughtful, low-cost alternative to shop-bought presents, helping to create special memories without breaking the bank.

Keep an eye out for online and in store Black Friday offers, retailer promotions, discount codes and cashback opportunities. A little planning and shopping around can go a long way, leading to big savings on gifts, decorations and festive essentials.

Before snapping up a bargain, check whether the deal is really as good as it looks. Compare prices across different retailers, look at the item's price history and be cautious of eye-catching "was" and "now" discounts, as the higher price may not be the most recent price the item was sold for.

Whether you're buying a new outfit for Diwali, stocking up on treats and decorations for Halloween or getting ahead with Christmas shopping, hunting down deals now could leave you with extra cash to spend elsewhere.

Before the festive season arrives, review regular outgoings and cancel any unused subscriptions. Redirecting those savings towards celebrations can provide a helpful financial boost.

With the colder months approaching and the heating going back on, now is also a good time to shop around for the best deals on household bills. Energy prices are set to rise from October, so it could be worth checking whether a fixed tariff or a better deal elsewhere could save you money. A better rate on your broadband, insurance or energy could leave you with more money in your pocket for the months to come.

Nobody wants money worries to spoil the festive season.

Whether it's agreeing spending limits for gifts, suggesting a Secret Santa or chatting about what everyone can realistically afford for other cultural celebrations and get-togethers, talking openly with friends and family can help reduce money worries.

It can be easy to feel pressure to spend more than you can afford during celebrations, but your friends and family won't want you going into debt buying presents for them. Paying for gifts on a credit card or using a short-term loan might seem like a quick fix, but borrowing can be costly and missed repayments could damage your credit report.

If you're not sure how to start the conversation, MoneyHelper has practical guides to help you talk about moneyOpens in a new window with the people who matter most, making it easier to plan celebrations that work for everyone.

From Diwali outfits and gifts to Halloween treats, Hanukkah gifts and gatherings and Christmas dinners, festive costs can soon add up. If you're putting money aside, make sure every penny is working for you.

Keeping savings in an account that pays little or no interest could mean missing out on extra cash. Shopping around for a savings account with a competitive interest rate could help give your festive fund a welcome boost. However, be cautious of unregulated savings schemes that do not provide the same protections as regulated savings accounts.

Why not try a savings challenge and put aside a set amount each week between now and Christmas? MoneyHelper's free Savings calculatorOpens in a new window can help you work out how much you'll need to save to reach your Christmas goal and the Bank account comparison toolOpens in a new window can help find the right account for you.

As the festive countdown begins, the message is simple: start early, shop smart and give yourself one less thing to worry about when the celebrations arrive. A little preparation now can go a long way towards helping you enjoy the festive season, whatever and however you celebrate.

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