So here it is, thrifty Twixtmas

The time between Christmas and New Year’s Eve – Twixtmas, Crimbo Limbo, the ‘Merinuem’, call it what you like – can sometimes make you feel completely discombobulated. The usual routine goes out of the window, doesn’t it?

The rich food, the goggleboxing and the weather can make anyone feel lethargic. It’s not so easy to get motivated, even if you need to keep an eye on your budget and sort things out…

Chances are there’ll be at least a day or two during this period where you’re at a loose end, at least for a few hours. So here’s some inspiration to get the money-saving ball rolling.

You can choose to save money, make money, or bag yourself a bargain. Just pick an idea and give it a go!

Your Twixtmas money saving prompts

There are so many ways to save at this time of year, so here are a few prompts to get things started:

• Have a no-spend day (often very easy in late December, just hibernate)
• Work out how to use up all those lovely leftovers in the fridge
• Mend something – a stitch in time saves nine, and all that
• Make or redraw a budget for the next couple of weeks
• Cancel a subscription you no longer want or need
• Do something free to keep fit (includes using existing gym memberships if it’s open)
• Find a freebie: free trial of something, free samples, discount codes, loyalty app rewards
• Be creative, using things you already own – art & craft materials, musical instruments etc

Twixtmas money making ideas

Not sure where to start? Make some more money by:

• Looking for free courses to boost your career prospects
• Working out how to get a promotion at work
• Finding out about overtime opportunities
• Brushing up your CV to start job hunting in the New Year
• Making listings for things to sell online
• Planning or boosting a side hustle small business
• Researching savings accounts that pay more interest

Boxing Day to New Year bargain hunting

Alternatively, shop smart and bag yourself a genuine bargain:

• Set a budget for any shopping, and list what you need most
• Collect discount codes for your favourite shops
• Check the status of bonus points, store credit and gift vouchers
• Look at retailer apps and emails for extra deals & discounts
• Shop around thoroughly for whatever you’re hoping to buy
• Remember to shop slowly and take a break if you’re at risk of impulse buying
• Know your rights if you want to return something, then get in there

Coming up next

I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who’s supported this site during 2025, and for the lovely, encouraging feedback that you’ve sent in too. You’re all very much appreciated.

Now it’s time to take a few days off, but come back on the 10th of January 2026 for a Replacement-Basis Challenge. It’s going to be good both for the environment and your bank balance.

P.S. There’ll be a Tenner Week Challenge in the last week of January too. Let’s really rein in that spending and get the rest of the year off to a flying start.

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas time and a prosperous, Happy New Year.

Enjoy your thrifty Twixtmas. See you in early January for the first new challenge…