How you can avoid getting dragged into ‘panic weekend’

The Christmas shopping rush is expected to peak this Saturday, in what’s been dubbed ‘Super Saturday’, or even ‘panic weekend’.

Brits are forecast to spend billions on last-minute gifts, with many of us heading to the high street or frantically scrolling online.

But here’s the good news - you don’t have to get swept up in it. With a few simple steps, you can protect your wallet, your time and your sanity.

What is ‘Super Saturday’?

‘Super Saturday’ is the final Saturday before Christmas and a prime time for last-minute festive shopping.

According to estimates from VoucherCodes.co.uk:

• nearly 50 million people are expected to shop over the weekend
• around 36.8m will head to the high street
• spending is predicted to peak at millions of pounds every minute

In short, it’s busy, it’s expensive, and it’s designed to make you feel like you’re running out of time.

So, how can you avoid it?

Go back to your original plan

Before you buy anything else, pause and ask yourself:

• What was on your original Christmas list?
• What budget did you set?

Revisit that list and stick to it. If it’s not on there, you probably don’t need it now.

Ban unnecessary presents

You don’t need to buy ‘just one more thing’ to prove you care.

• you don’t need extra stocking fillers
• you don’t need backup gifts
• you don’t need to match what anyone else is spending

Giving more than you planned is unlikely to add to the joy, but can easily add stress and debt.

Be careful online, especially last minute

Sites like Amazon and eBay make it very easy for you to overspend.

• you’re more likely to add ‘impulse buys’ to your basket

• there’s no guarantee items will arrive before Christmas
• last-minute delivery fees can quickly add up

If it’s not essential, close the tab.

Avoid the shops if you can

It’s draining just thinking about all those crowds, queues and noise.

Instead, you could:

• go for a long walk
• have a film or box-set binge
• spend time doing something that actually helps you relax

You don’t win anything by battling the high street at the last minute.

Say no to pressure, you’re allowed to

You don’t have to:

• match other people’s spending
• buy gifts out of guilt
• explain yourself to anyone

Be honest about what you can afford. Most people understand more than you think.

Remember, last-minute shopping often costs more

When you shop late:

• prices are often higher
• choices are limited
• you’re more likely to settle for something overpriced

That’s exactly how panic spending creeps in.

Don’t borrow for Christmas

It can be tempting, but borrowing to fund Christmas often means paying for it well into the new year, with interest.

You’re far better off:

• spending only what you already have
• adjusting expectations now
• avoiding financial stress later

A simpler Christmas is still a good Christmas.

It’s not too late to set a Christmas budget

Even now, you can take back control.

Try:

• writing down everything you’ve already spent
• listing anything you still genuinely need to buy
• cutting that list back to absolute essentials

Seeing the numbers clearly helps you stop overspending.

Try our free Christmas debt calculator

To help you take control of your festive finances before costs snowball, we’ve also launched a free interactive Christmas debt calculator.

It shows you exactly how long your festive borrowing could take to repay and how much interest it might cost.

Click here to find out more about how it works.