It may only be October but Christmas is already on many people’s minds.
From shopping for gifts to prepping dinner with all the trimmings, there’s lots to plan well in advance.
With this in mind, it has come as a surprise to many that there’s not actually that much time until Christmas 2022.
There are currently just 83 days until December 25.
To put that into context, that is still 11 weeks away - but it hasn’t stopped many people taking to social media to share that there are only 11 more Sundays until the big day.
"11 more Sunday's until Christmas, Ahhhhhhhhhh," one person wrote.
Another said: "Only four weeks until the Christmas tree comes out."
A third wrote: "It has been brought to my attention by the husband… That there are exactly 12 weeks until Christmas Day… If anyone needs me, I will be in the attic… Hiding."
Christmas Eve is on a Saturday this year, with Christmas itself falling on a Sunday.
Both Christmas Day and St Stephen's Day are bank holidays in Ireland.
With the cost of living crisis affecting many households across Ireland, people are being encouraged to start their Christmas shopping early as prices tend to go up during the festive season.
A saving expert from Standard Life offered five tips to help shoppers avoid any Christmas debt.
1. Start saving now
Start putting money aside now - for example, €20 a week - and you will have much more available for Christmas shopping. Physically putting this money aside can really help, as some people find they spend more unknowingly when it is in their bank account.
With the typical family Christmas costing €750, a little extra saved each week will help tremendously come December. Setting aside €20 a week between now and the end of November would give you an extra €160 towards this.
2. Book your travel well in advance
Whether you are booking a hotel, train journey or flight, doing so in advance could really cut your costs. Make sure you shop around for different prices - there are lots of websites which can help you do this.
3. Put price limits on presents
Make sure you sit down with family and friends to discuss the subject of presents sooner rather than later. Why not agree to do a Secret Santa within your friendship group rather than buying individual gifts and set a price limit for family presents?
Setting a maximum price is an effective way to help factor in present costs, making it easier to plan.
4. Shop smart
Bear affordability in mind when shopping, especially when it comes to the big Christmas food shop. Can you bulk-buy at a discount supermarket? Does your local butcher or food shop offer a savings scheme to help you spread the cost through the year?
If you are buying for young children they will be unaware of price so there is little point going overboard with top-of-the-range gifts. Similarly, if you know someone has simple tastes, do not opt for designer gear if they would be happy with a more basic version.
5. Use social media to bag a bargain
Log on to social media and scan popular phrases and hashtags - you will find many people sharing extra tips or links to discount vouchers and special offers.
It is also worth following big brands and retailers as many regularly announce deals and offers available through their social channels. ASOS, M&S and Amazon are great examples of brands that reward loyal customers with discount codes and early entry to sales.
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