Due to the COVId-19 pandemic, Christmas planners are struggling with financial and social pressures. However, there are specific ways to minimize Christmas stress and save money, according to Forbes. 

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Lancashire Goes Into Tier Three Coronavirus Lockdown BLACKPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 16: A woman wears a face masks against Covid-19 as she walks past Christmas jumpers for sale on the promenade on October 16, 2020 in Blackpool, England. The Lancashire region will go into Tier 3 of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions from 00.01 Saturday 17th October.

Here are some shopping tips and smart money-saving ideas you could do in preparation for this year's Christmas celebration, according to Cathy Toogood of Forbes:

Make a list

When preparing for Christmas, you could easily get carried away buying gifts as many people you will see are panicking at the last minute and buying more.

To avoid doing the same, work on making a list to know how much you can afford to spend this year and break it down into the items you will spend more money on, such as foods, travel, and presents.

Stick on the list as you assigned the allocated budget to each item on your list to prevent financial stress on Christmas and beyond.

Buy strategically

Many retailers conduct pre-Christmas sales that will tempt you to spend even more in the run-up to Christmas. One of the popular dates for this is Black Friday, with Cyber Monday. 

Consult your list and think if you could buy some items in sales. Then, look at potential sale dates and put them in your calendar to not forget about it.

But don't be too excited about grabbing deals that would cause you to overspend. Remember that you are getting sales that are only listed. You can also do some research to check out the actual price and choose better discounts.

Read also: 6 Surprising Differences Between A Rich vs Poor Mindset

Start saving

For you to feel more in control of your finances, but at least a small amount of money away in the run-up to Christmas. Saving some cash will help you during emergencies. 

Prioritize first what you can afford to put one side. Then, work out how much it will leave you with to spend on your essential needs. Consider if you can cut the non-essential in the run-up to Christmas if you don't have much to spare weekly.

Think differently this year

People realize the importance of friends and family more deeply during the coronavirus pandemic. In a full lockdown, people missed social gatherings more than any material possessions of habits. So take note to make Christmas presents uniquely this year. Efforts have been more overwhelming. If you know how to bake, why not do it for your loved ones?

You may also make homemade treats for friends and family on Christmas, rather than buying instant gifts. For children, getting them involved with homemade gifts will make their day. 

This might sound old, but homemade cards and personally wrapping gifts could make people memorable. You could conduct a family art session on budgeting in one.

Don't pay interest on borrowing

If you have no other option but to spend Christmas through a credit card, make sure you have chosen the right one. However, it's always been the best only to spend what you have and not to borrow. 

When applying for a credit card, choose the one with 0% purchase to eliminate paying interest. However, ensure you will pay the monthly minimum payments and remember when the 0% period will end. This will help you clear everything off the card before your card kicks in a high-interest rate.

Read also: How Could This Year's Shopping Season Be Different Among the Previous Years