• Eight disabled Brits share tips on how to keep Christmas spending affordable
• UK Christmas spending is about £905 per household
• Disabled people and people with long-term health conditions can access discounts and offers with Purpl

December 2025: With the ongoing cost-of-living pressure, Brits are rethinking Christmas, focusing less on excess and more on meaning, value and smart spending.

The average UK household is expected to spend £905 over the festive period. With disabled households needing an extra £1,095 each month to achieve the same living standard as non-disabled households, Christmas can be an additional cost for the 16 million Brits living with a disability.

From budgeting to secret Santa, disabled people across the UK are sharing the various ways they make Christmas affordable, according to new insight gathered by savings platform, Purpl.

Buying Earlier and Budgeting

Amie Miles, aged 44, from the Cotswolds, said: “I purchase items early and make what I can. I don’t have any local friends or family, which helps, so it’s just my son and me for Christmas. Making sure the freezer has been defrosted helps with energy use. I try to keep the heating low and use a fan heater for one room to keep warm. I also only put on the hot water when I need it.”

Amie, aged 44, from the Cotswolds

Andrew, who keeps Christmas minimal with just a handful of loved ones, said, “I put money away from September and have everything sorted by the end of November.” He adds that for him, the meal and time with loved ones matter more than piles of presents.

Kirsty says the key is setting spending limits early: “Set a budget per person. Christmas doesn’t have to be big. Save the big stuff for birthdays.”

Shopping Smart: Second-Hand Buys and Christmas Dinner

Others agree that it’s not about spending nothing, it’s about spending with intention. 

Alan advises people to “only buy for close family and friends. Don’t spend more than you can afford, and don’t expect gifts back. I always buy something they can actually use.”

Joanna says charity shops and online resale sites are goldmines: “I always look in charity shops in December and January for toys or decorations, and eBay is always worth checking.”

Peter sums up the changing mood: “Don’t get into debt to impress people; they’ll forget the gifts, but they won’t forget the time together. Avoid novelty items. Don’t buy the latest fad. Don’t overshop for food.”

Data shows that 18% of UK adults expect to spend the majority of their Christmas budget on food and drink. With food inflation in the UK hitting 4.9% in October, the cost of Christmas dinner is set to be higher than in other years. 

Some are finding clever ways to keep the cost of Christmas dinner down.“This year, I started using Purpl, and it’s been a massive help,” says Sue from Cleveland. “I do a food shop twice a week and save £48 a month using the Morrisons code, their £25 minimum basket suits me. I’ve used Ocado too.”

Georgina Colman, founder of Purpl

Georgina Colman, Founder of Purpl, said: “After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, I realised how expensive life is as a disabled person. This time of year can be particularly challenging for the disabled community. With Christmas costs rising, many disabled people will be feeling the financial pressure even more. That’s why I founded Purpl, to help disabled people save money on the things they already need and use. Through our platform, members can stretch their budgets further and hopefully enjoy a Christmas that feels a little more possible, without as much financial worry.

“As Purpl continues to grow, I’m looking forward to welcoming more brands on board so our community can save even more, not just at Christmas, but all year round.”

Purpl is the UK’s first money-saving platform, created to reduce the additional financial pressures associated with living with a disability or long-term health condition. The website and app offer discounts and exclusive offers across various products and services to help members save money. The platform also offers a digital membership card for in-store offers currently available with Dunelm and Halfords.

ENDS