SuperSave Your Social Life: How to Party Smart This Season

With the festive season fast approaching, many of us are gearing up for a month of parties, presents and prosecco.

A recent survey of 1,000 UK adults¹ found that one in ten Brits rely on credit cards, overdrafts or loans to get through December.

Another 9% turn to Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) schemes to spread the cost. Even with these financial lifelines, 15% run out of money before their January payday, and 11% are counting on a festive bonus or extra pay to stay afloat .

Despite the financial pressure, Christmas remains a priority for many households. Nearly a third of people budget for the season in advance, with younger adults leading the way - 31% of 25 - 34s and 30% of 25 - 44s plan, compared to just 25% of over - 55s.

But with the average UK family expected to spend £1,626 on gifts, gatherings and celebrations this year , even the most organised budgeters are feeling the squeeze.

Festive Fun Comes at a Price

From pub quizzes to party outfits, socialising is one of the biggest drivers of festive spending. The average Brit plans to spend £78 on drinks, £65 on Christmas clothing, £52 on work parties, and £76 on seasonal activities.

But with the cost of living still biting, 12% admit to spending more than they can afford in December just to join in the fun.

One in ten say they experience ‘financial FOMO’ - the fear of missing out - feeling pressure to keep up with friends and colleagues.

Younger generations are feeling it most: 19% of 16–24-year-olds overspend on festive socialising, and 26% feel embarrassed turning down plans because of money.

How Money Worries Are Changing the Way We Celebrate

Financial concerns are shaping how people celebrate. One in ten 16–34-year-olds say they’ll only attend events that are fully paid for, while others are cutting back on other spending to make room for holiday celebrations.
Even traditional workplace festivities are losing their sparkle.

Only one in five Brits plan to attend their office Christmas party this year, with attendance peaking among 25–34-year-olds (37%) and dropping to just 11% among over-55s.

Secret Santa is also on the decline, with just 13% of workers taking part. Yet the desire to celebrate remains strong.

A fifth of Brits set money aside specifically for festive nights out and events, and 20% say they enjoy the holiday season without worrying too much about cost.

Others are taking a more mindful approach, finding creative ways to celebrate without overspending.

The good news? You can still enjoy the season without overspending. With a few smart swaps and savvy planning, you can super-save your social life and start 2026 financially fresh.

1. Start with a Smart Seasonal Budget

Start by setting a realistic budget for your Christmas social calendar. The Bank of England reports that UK households spend nearly 30% more in December than in a typical month.

By starting early, you can spread the cost, protect your credit score, and avoid a financial hangover in January. Planning ahead also means you can earn cashback, points, or rewards to put toward gifts or travel, and reduce the risk of maxing out cards or falling into high-interest debt.

2. Spring Clean Your Finances Before You Celebrate

Get your budget a thorough review before the festive rush. Look your outgoings, cancel unused services, and check for hidden costs.

This helps you avoid overspending and ensures you’re only paying for what you use, leaving more room for festive fun.

This includes everything from drinks and dinners to travel and gifts. Review your current outgoings and identify areas to cut back. Pausing unused streaming subscriptions or rotating services based on what you actually watch can free up extra cash.

Many people subscribe to multiple platforms but only use one or two regularly. Cancelling or rotating these services can save you a significant amount over the course of a few months.

3. Automate Your Savings and Stay in Control

Set up a standing order to transfer money into a savings account on payday ensures that you’re prioritising your financial goals before discretionary spending kicks in. Some bank accounts even offer round-up features that automatically save spare change from everyday purchases.

If your current bank doesn’t offer this feature, consider switching to one that does - some providers offer cash bonuses of up to £175 for new customers.

4. Use Your Golden Hour to Stay on Track

To stay on top of your finances during the holiday, carve out a dedicated hour each week to review your budget and shop around for better deals.

This “golden hour” can be used to compare prices on household bills such as broadband, mobile contracts, and insurance. Using a technique called body doubling - a productivity technique where you work alongside someone else either in person or online, can help you stay focused.

Websites like Focusmate offer free sessions to connect with others who are also tackling their financial admin.

5. Borrow Responsibly

If borrowing is part of your plan, make sure you’re doing so responsibly. Choose credit options that suit your circumstances and always check the small print. That way, you can enjoy the festivities now and head into the new year feeling confident about your finances.

6. Unlock Free Experiences and Cashback with SuperSaveClub

If you’re looking for even more value, MoneySuperMarket’s SuperSaveClub is your secret weapon. After your first qualifying purchase - whether it’s car, home, pet, annual travel insurance, mobile, broadband, or even loans and credit cards - you’ll unlock a year of free experiences worth £180.

This includes unlimited access to venues like London Zoo, English Heritage sites, Go Ape, and Hussle Swimming.

But that’s not all. SuperSaveClub members earn up to £15 in their digital wallet for every qualifying purchase, which can be redeemed as gift cards or prepaid Mastercards to use for your Christmas shopping².

You can also earn up to 10% cashback when shopping with top brands like Just Eat, eBay, and Argos. It’s a simple way to stretch your festive budget further - whether you’re buying gifts, ordering takeaways, or picking up party supplies.

<sup>Sources
1. Research conducted by Censuswide surveying 1,000 Brits in October 2025.
2. Accurate as of November 2025. Terms and Conditions apply.</sup>