WITH gifts, roast dinner and mince pies, it might not feel as if Santa is paying your bank balance a visit this Christmas.

But it doesn't have to be this way, as more and more people seek cheaper alternatives to get through the season.

The Daily Echo has put together a Top 10 list for saving the pennies at no loss to traditional festive gluttony and generosity.

1. Knit your own jumper

Teach yourself to knit, and you'll find that buying the materials to put it together won't dent your wallet/purse in quite the same way. This is also a great chance to make gifts for friends on the cheap.

2. Turn up to a supermarket on Christmas Eve

If you're prepared to take the risk, the rewards of relying on a leftover turkey on Christmas Eve can pay dividends. Often turkeys, for a fraction of the price, can be available at supermarkets' last closing hour.

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3. Make your own wrapping paper

Wrapping paper is a great chance to save money if you're willing to be creative. Your present recipient may also be more impressed if you've taken the time to draw a design of your choosing on blank paper.

4. Cook your own mince pies

If you want to fill the table with an abundance of the tiny, though calorific pleasures then making your own pies is the way to go. If you make them well, they may even taste better too. The same goes for Yule logs, Christmas cake and event advent calendars - just save the moulds and do it yourself!

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5. Freeze your leftovers

Often we pressure ourselves into eating everything in sight within a few days of Christmas. But freeze all the goodies you served up, and traditional Boxing Day sandwiches could see you all the way through to February.

6. Cut up gift tags from cardboard

Though price tags are cheap, all the little things add up. Which is why something as simple as buying a sheet of cardboard and dividing it up into little tags can ease the financial hardship

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7. Share home delivery with a friend

If you live in close proximity friends, you can save a substantial amount of money by having it all delivered to one house. Just add their food or gifts to your bill, and have them collect it soon after.

8. Christmas IOUs

The festive period can be the most costly shopping time of year - so why not hand out IOUs for big ticket purchases and wait until their prices plummet in the January sales?

9. Online auction sites

You have to be on the ball to spot and keep a bargain, but you can make huge savings on good-as-new presents without having to physically fight off other shoppers to get them.

10. Present sharing 

Instead of getting presents for each member for the family, club together and sort out something you will all enjoy. You'll cut the costs and make some long-lasting memories.

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