Deck the halls for less money this Christmas

December is never going to be a cheap time of the year however, the ongoing discussion about the credit crisis dominating the headlines have probably left you wondering how you can cut back to ease the pressure on your already tightened purse strings, without compromising on quality and style this Christmas.

The good news is it's still possible to have a financially-cautious Christmas without breaking the bank.

Persimmon Homes has put together 12 tips of Christmas for a frugal-friendly festive break - from how to decorate the home, feed the family to shopping for this season must-have gift for loved ones on a budget - it is the season for giving after all!

1. Crackers - think twice before buying them for the table. The jokes often lead to disappointment and very few laughs and your paper hat probably won't last until the dessert course. Spend your money wisely. A small token gift presented on the place mat can be a more personal, cost effective alternative.

2. Wrapping paper can also be expensive and is discarded immediately once the present has been opened. Why not buy some inexpensive brown paper on a roll and decorate it yourself using children's paint, sponges, cut-outs or make a collage of pictures of Christmassy things cut from magazines.

3. Desperately want a new outfit for this year's office party but simply can't justify the cost, especially when you know it'll end up in the January sale? Simple. Accessories can bring a LBD bang up to date so use a floral corsage for a Carrie Bradshaw-inspired look or if you're feeling more adventurous, experiment with this season's brightest, quirkiest tights.

4. Do you find there something about those Christmas songs they play in high street stores that make you want to spend, spend, spend? If so, consider buying gifts online and if you and friends or colleagues are shopping on the same websites, order together and split the delivery costs. It's the savvy way to shop.

5. Likewise buying in bulk will bring you savings. Visit wholesale supermarkets with friends and family and share the cost.

6. If you've shopped throughout the year at your favourite supermarket or high street store, chances are you clocked up a few loyalty card points along the way. Now's the time to cash them in so redeem your points and choose gifts for free!

7. Secret Santa can be a fun and inexpensive way to swap gifts on a minimal budget. Similarly, buying presents for others can be a minefield, especially if you're unsure about how much to spend. Fairest way? Set a limit. The smaller the amount could be a challenging, fun way to find interesting, quirky gifts.

8. Sending Christmas cards is a nice gesture, but the cost can add up. Consider e-cards as an alternative - not only will you save money but you'll be doing your bit for the environment too!

9. Hosting Christmas lunch? Ask guests to provide edible treats for everyone to share. Known as a potluck party assign your guests a specific course to bring along and ask each of them to commit to a general category of food even if they're not prepared to tell you the exact recipe. It all adds to the excitement of Christmas Day!

10. Homemade decorations can look lovely but cost very little. Make the most of a frosty morning by encouraging your children to hunt for pinecones and acorns. If you have pine scented oil to hand, a few drops will ensure your home exudes that cosy winter atmosphere. Alternatively, pinecones sprayed silver or gold look great as tree decorations or for displaying on shelves. Door wreaths can be made using dried orange and lemon peel, holly, red berries, glitter and shiny rolled up sweet wrappers glued onto thick cardboard.

11. Whilst there's no denying that real Christmas trees are beautiful to look at and smell good, consider investing in an artificial tree. They come in different sizes, different colours to coordinate with your interior scheme, look like the real thing and most importantly, they last for years so in the long term, they save you money.

12. Remember to hit the sales in January and stock up on Christmas essentials when the festivities have ended!

Claire Jarvis, sales manager for Persimmon Homes Mercia, said: "Christmas is a time for family, not stressing about unnecessarily stretching your finances. Consider planning for next year's Christmas in the January sales - you'll bag the best bargains, will avoid last minute shopping, will be able to spread the cost over several months. More importantly however, it'll give you more time to spend at home, the place that matters most."

Considering starting 2009 in new surroundings? If so, you'll be pleased to know that there are plenty of locations for you to choose from as Persimmon is currently building in Helsby, Newcastle under Lyme, Shrewsbury, Stafford, Wistaston and Wrexham. What's more, Persimmon has a range of tailored home-moving incentives including Part Exchange and deposit paid schemes and much more to ensure you get the New Year off to the best start possible.

For information on your nearest development, log on to Persimmonhomes.com.