Cost-of-living threatens to blow out the cost of Christmas lunch for lots of Aussies, but one retailer reckons there’s an easy way to space out spending for the big day. Cost-of-living threatens to wallop Aussies at Christmas this year, but a simple hack could save Christmas lunch from breaking the bank in December. Retailer IGA recommends a staggered purchase plan, in which families spread out their expenses to prevent a concentrated hit to the hip pocket as the Christmas season crescendos. With six weeks to go, the retailer recommends stocking up on dried herbs and fruit and buying up cling-wrap, foil and baking paper. With five weeks to go, scope out chips, crackers and nuts, soft-drink and honey, and sauces and condiments. At the four week mark, stock up on ham, puddings and Christmas cakes and candy canes, and store the ham in the fridge. At three weeks, frozen fruits and vegetables, pastries and seafood.
At two weeks, go for turkey, ice cream, salmon and mince pies and shortbread. Then with one week left, IGA recommends a shop for fresh produce, dairy products, dips, bacon, and fresh pastries. IGA national retailer council chair Joseph Romeo said the staggered purchase plan was designed to beat the “chaos” of Christmas shopping.
