As Christmas draws near, the pressure to create a magical holiday experience for loved ones often comes with a hefty price tag, especially when it comes to festive food shopping. The cost of sugary treats and chocolate boxes for the kids can quickly add up, creating a financial burden for many families. However, a TikTok user named Meg (@megleab) has shared a clever strategy that has gone viral for its simplicity and effectiveness in managing Christmas food expenses.
Meg’s approach, which she calls a ‘realistic vlog’, involves spreading out the cost of long-life Christmas snacks and condiments throughout the year. She explains, “I do this every year before Christmas. From the first of September until Christmas Day, on every single weekly shop, I buy one small long-life item for Christmas.” This seemingly small action makes a huge difference come December. By buying a few items each week, Meg ensures that she has a stockpile of festive goodies ready for the holidays without feeling the financial crunch of a single large purchase.
The benefits of Meg’s method are clear: It eases the financial burden of Christmas shopping by spreading the cost over several months, avoiding a last-minute scramble for discounted items, and helping to prevent impulsive purchases. The ‘buy-one-a-week’ approach also eliminates the need to dedicate a separate budget for festive treats, as it becomes integrated into the regular weekly shopping routine.
Meg’s strategy has been widely praised by her 6,000+ followers, who have lauded her approach as a ‘genius’ way to manage Christmas spending. Many have shared their own experiences using similar methods, confirming its effectiveness. “That’s how to do it especially if you got kids,” commented @CDK, while @shazza39 added, “I’ve done this every year for years.”
Despite the overwhelming support, some viewers expressed concerns about their ability to resist the temptation to eat the festive treats early. One follower, Gem, commented, “How do I hide these from myself? Did this last year and ended up spending more [because] I ate everything.” This sentiment was echoed by @Hayljc, who admitted, “I’ve got 2 things so far, already fighting for my life to not eat them.” To combat this, @becky.98 suggested, “You should write a list of what you usually get to help others – this is a genius idea.”
Whether you’re a seasoned holiday planner or just starting to think about Christmas, Meg’s viral shopping hack offers a practical and affordable solution for managing your festive food budget. With its simplicity and proven track record, this approach might just be the key to enjoying a stress-free and financially responsible Christmas.
