by Natalia Jones

Created on: November 09, 2009

Food and entertaining are always high on the agenda at Christmas, so the supermarket becomes a major area for scoring some savings for the season. It is possible to resist the urge to go crazy spending and save on groceries for the holidays. Follow the tips below and you just might have some change to spread some yuletide joy.

Make a List

You should never go to the grocery without a list, but doing this at Christmas time is especially troublesome. Chances are you are already high on the season and you mood will only get more festive surrounded by the sites, sounds and smells of Christmas at the supermarket. You may find yourself picking up extra items that are not only not necessary, they are in quantities that are way too much for you and your few guests can reasonably expect to consume. Stick to a list at Christmas and be sure to include all your entertaining supplies and you will be glad you did when you get to the checkout counter.

Don't Buy More Than you Need

Everything is bigger at Christmas. There are huge bags of snacks and large legs of ham at bargain prices. But how much do you really need? Indulging in excess at the yuletide season is not good for your budget and it actually goes against the spirit of the occasion.

Clip Coupons

There are always a lot of coupons available at Christmas time. Take the time to clip and organize them and save big on everything from staples to extras. You can even shop with a friend and split the deals between you if you don't need as much as the offer needs you to buy. This way you get to take advantage of the deal without saddling yourself with too much of one item.

Make Things From Scratch

Sure it's convenient to go for everything that is pre-cooked or pre-cut and ready-to-serve but you can save a bundle by doing things yourself. Skip the pre-cut wedges or roasted potatoes and buy potatoes that you need to wash and peel yourself. If you implement this idea throughout the aisles you can save big this Christmas.

Don't Fall for Packaging

Christmas marketing campaigns make other ordinary time marketing look wimpy. There are packages with ribbons and hollies in baskets and reusable containers and they are all done up to tempt and tantalize the senses. These items may be branded as specials or value deals but it is wise to check that you will use all the items in the container and that you are actually getting value for money.

Bargain hunting and shopping frugally might not be things that are normally associated with the trip to the grocery store at Christmas, but when the budget is tight and you have to deliver lots of cheer, you just might have to have the discipline to do just that.

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