Saving for Christmas already? You’re not on your own

Have you heard of ‘Junemas’?

It's the growing trend of people starting to plan, budget and save for Christmas as early as June, and it seems more families than ever are getting organised months before the festive season arrives.

New research from Park Christmas Savings suggests many households are looking ahead to Christmas now, as they try to avoid debt, spread the cost of celebrations and reduce financial stress later in the year.

Why are people planning so early?

With household budgets continuing to feel the strain from rising everyday costs, many families are using the summer months to get ahead financially.

According to a survey of more than 3,000 UK households, six in ten people plan to buy Christmas gifts during the summer sales, helping them spread costs over a longer period and avoid a last-minute spending rush.

The research also found that:

• 60% plan to buy clothes early
• 59% will start buying toys before autumn
• more than a third regret using buy now pay later schemes last Christmas
• almost one in three wish they had started planning for Christmas earlier last year
• 15% are still paying off Christmas 2025 spending
• putting aside just £10 a week from June could leave you with almost £250 by Christmas

Summer budgets are under pressure too

For many households, it's not just Christmas costs causing concern.

More than half of those surveyed (58%) said they either can't afford a summer holiday this year or aren't sure whether they'll be able to manage one.

When asked about the biggest financial pressures of 2026 so far, respondents said:

• energy bills (40%)
• food and everyday essentials (36%)

As a result, many people are becoming more careful with their spending. Three-quarters say they're shopping more carefully than before, while more than half (54%) have cut back on non-essential purchases altogether.

The school holidays add another challenge

If you have children, summer can be an expensive time of year.

Almost nine in ten parents (87%) said they feel under financial pressure to keep their children entertained during the six-week school break.

Food costs were named as the biggest strain on summer budgets, ahead of days out and holiday spending.

Many parents are also struggling to balance work and childcare responsibilities. Almost two-thirds said they would support free childcare provision during school holidays to help ease the pressure on families.

What is Junemas?

The findings were released as part of Park Christmas Savings' annual Junemas campaign.

The campaign marks the unofficial halfway point to Christmas and encourages families to start thinking ahead before festive costs begin to build up later in the year.

By taking small steps now, you may be able to make Christmas more affordable, manageable and less stressful when December arrives.

How you can ease the cost of Christmas

If you're worried about the cost of Christmas, there are a few simple things you can do now to help spread the expense and stay in control of your budget.

Make a Christmas gift list

Having an idea, even this early, of who you're buying for can help you avoid impulse purchases and keep spending on track.

Take advantage of summer sales

If you spot a good deal on gifts you know you'll need later in the year, buying early could save you money.

Consider second-hand gifts

Pre-loved toys, books, games and clothing can often be found in excellent condition for a fraction of the price.

Set a realistic budget

Decide how much you can comfortably afford to spend and stick to it. Breaking your budget down into smaller weekly amounts can make saving feel much more manageable.

Start saving little and often

Even small amounts can add up over time. For example, putting aside just £10 a week from June could give you almost £250 towards Christmas by December.

A little planning now could help you avoid financial stress later, and make Christmas feel a lot more enjoyable when it arrives.