While many Bay families tend to over-spend at Christmas time, Tauranga social agencies say there are ways to enjoy a festive season on a tight budget, while avoiding costly bills in the New Year.
Tauranga Budget Advisory Service manager Diane Bruin said clients' planning for Christmas happened all year round.
"We recommend clients budget to allow for the basics of food, presents and visitors; dependent on their personal situation and income."
The burden of over-spending detracted from the fun, happy time Christmas could be for families, she said.
"Instead we recommend keeping gifts to a minimum spend. The quality of time spent
together is far more precious."
Mrs Bruin warned against getting into debt to pay for Christmas.
"Late January and February are our busiest times of the year when the credit card statements come in. People who are paid holiday pay when they break up at Christmas can quickly run out of money if they don't allocate or spend it wisely. Be aware of specials and sales. If you don't need it, it isn't a bargain.
There was always a hype up until Christmas and people bought more than they needed, she said.
"Department stores have big sales and long-term finance deals. Interest-free deals can be helpful but only if it is repaid within the interest-free time.
"The stress of the credit card bills hitting you in January and February, and cost of children returning to school, is not sustainable," Mrs Bruin said.
Family or friends who stayed during the festive season needed to make a contribution, she said.
"If you are going away during the holidays involve the family in managing the budget. It is amazing what savings children will identify that you may not think of."
The Salvation Army Tauranga community ministries manager Davina Plummer said post-Christmas could definitely be tougher financially for Salvation Army's clients.
"Not only is the budget tight from the celebrations, but school holidays tend to incur extra food and activity costs. Then there is the New Year costs of going back to school. It can be a very tough financial period which often causes stress."
Seeing a budget adviser was always a great idea, Ms Plummer said.
"Budget advisers can help you have more control of your money, get rid of debts and help you meet your own goals."
Tips for Christmas on a budget
Christmas gift ideas:
* Create a coupon - If you have a skill or talent, share it with a voucher. It could be for babysitting, home help or even hugs. Give your family member or friend a coupon that can be redeemed at a later date.
* Make special memories by giving an experience - Take someone on a picnic, a walking tour, or plan a dinner date at home.
* DIY it - Get crafty and make a personalised gift using items you already have. There are lots of ideas online or in old magazines you can find cheap at op shops.
* Save on wrapping paper - If you have children, get them involved and use their paintings or drawings as wrapping paper.
Plan ahead:
* Give one gift for the family instead of individual gifts, or just buy for the children.
* Set a present limit - Agree with family that you all set a limit on how much you will spend on gifts for each other to keep your gift budget at an affordable amount.
* Watch specials - Take advantage of sales and clearance shelves. Visit second-hand shops that often have brand-new or great condition items. Use layby throughout the year.
* Use lists - Keep a record of what you have bought and how much you spent, to keep it under control.
* Don't use credit.
* If you have rewards points, Christmas is a great time to redeem them. You can use them to claim a voucher. Be wise and check the conditions carefully.
* Plan Christmas menus - Bulk up side dishes with salads that use cheaper vegetables such as carrots or cabbage. Then you can use less meat.
* Join a Christmas club with one of the supermarkets and/or The Warehouse. Ten dollars a week will give the family $500 plus bonuses for Christmas.
* Start a separate savings account for Christmas.