Christmas is a season usually associated with over-flowing food, so it’s not surprising that in 2022, Australians estimated they’d spend an average of $248 each on Christmas food. Yet sadly, much of this food is wasted – food waste increases by 30% at Christmas versus other times of the year. What’s more, food waste is bad for the environment; accounting for about 3% of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions. Here are some tips for spending less on food and reducing food waste at the same time:

• Don’t over-buy. Get a clear idea of the number of people you’re catering for. Estimate how much food you need, write a shopping list and stick to it.
• Serve buffet-style. This means your guests can choose what they want to eat and how much, minimising the uneaten food left on people’s plates.
• Change-up your menu. The prices of certain foods, such as seafood and turkey, spike at Christmas. Try a different menu using cheaper ingredients in creative ways, such as a menu drawn from old-fashioned favourites or foods inspired by a country that you enjoyed visiting. When planning your menu, choose food that when leftover can be easily eaten later or frozen. And make sure you free up some freezer space in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Last year, Australians estimated they’d spend an average of $104 each on Christmas alcohol. If you’re organising a get-together, here are some ways that everyone can have fun without spending up big:

• Provide appealing non-alcoholic drink options such as flavoured sparkling waters, homemade cordials, punches or mocktails. Not only will you save money, you’ll also be providing more choice for your guests who want to limit their alcohol intake.
• Plan activities such as yard games, karaoke, trivia, charades or other games that give your guests something to focus on rather than drinking.
• Consider the time of your gathering as people tend to drink more in the evening than during the day. A breakfast or brunch gathering can mean you skip the cost of alcohol entirely.

Presents are a way that people often show love to each other, so it’s not surprising that the average Australian spent $716 on Christmas gifts in 2022. If your Christmas traditions centre around lavish gift-giving, then consider mixing things up this year:

• Think outside the box. Consider the secret Santa stealing game where everyone brings a gift and makes sure they go home with something they like.
• Give meaningful experiences and personal time gifts. Create homemade coupons for experiences such as teaching a family member how to cook a favourite recipe or a massage or foot rub for a partner. And if your friends or family members have young children, perhaps gift an evening of babysitting.
• Shop around and look for specials. You may be able to find a cheaper option.
• Convert reward and loyalty points from your credit cards, store rewards or frequent flyer programs into gifts or money to spend in-store.

In 2022 the average Australian planned to spend $140 each on eating and drinking out. And while it’s fun to gather with friends and family at a restaurant or bar, there are other low-cost options:

• Enjoy an experience together such as a walk through a neighbourhood Christmas light display, a free Christmas event such as a carols concert, a picnic or a walk at a park or through the bush.
• Dine or enjoy drinks at home where everyone contributes something. Linking the gathering to a theme can also add to the fun. For example, if your group of friends met in the 1990s, you could play the music that was popular at the time.
• For many, Christmas is a time to appreciate family and friends. And so, simplifying our spending can make Christmas much more enjoyable for everyone and a lot less stressful.