We all know how stressful the festive season can be, especially when we hear stories of a ‘ruined’ Christmas: too many parties where partners refuse to leave until they are carried out; husbands or wives not turning up for Christmas lunch, having just popped out for a minute; disappointment after opening your Christmas gift; anticipating your January bank statement with hope that somehow the balance is still healthy – all of which add to yet another stressful Christmas.

 

However, by following our top winter secrets you can ensure a stress-free Christmas and save enough money to start splashing out for New Year.

Save your space

For many years we have put up with distant relatives squeezing into the spare room, stopping on the sofa and draining our house supplies dry. According to the Energy Saving Trust, an average household’s carbon footprint from lighting and running their home during Christmas alone increases by 500kg (adding £75.00 more to your electricity bill). It may not seem like the most obvious solution, but outbooking your guests to nearby accommodation in Cheltenham means someone else can bear the burden of your energy draining relatives. We’ve managed to find one hotel in Cheltenham who has slashed their prices to cater to the friends and families who may be visiting us this winter with bed and breakfast rates at only £36.00 per night – much cheaper than your electricity bill.

Save on food costs

During the Christmas period (3 days of festivities), the average household will spend £169.00 on food and drinks this year, according to an article by the Stockholm Environment Institute. This equates to £73.00 per person and adds a Christmas food wastage footprint of 26kg. With breakfast included in many hotel deals this year, the average household could save up to £24.00 per day not catering for breakfast-seeking relatives.

One central hotel in Cheltenham also provides Christmas guests with up to 25% discounts on restaurant meals at 9 town centre restaurants. Although you may not be able to get out of hosting Christmas Day Dinner, save time and money by letting them eat out and treat themselves before and after Christmas Day – they may even invite you along! Additionally, by having relatives stay elsewhere means there will be no extra feasting from your food reserves in between meals.

Save your party mood

Don’t be anxious about hosting your next Christmas get together. Whether you’re burdened with organising the office Christmas Party or tirelessly assembling all the family to be in one place at the same time, let another party planner do the work for you. The Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham is hosting parties big or small over the Christmas period. This Cheltenham hotel will organise everything for you, including catering, entertainment & accommodation, all at the most competitive rates in town (just £9.95 per person). So all you have to do is turn up, relax and party all night long.

Save your sanity

Above all, let there be peace amongst all this Christmas! By using another venue rather than your home, you are more likely to ensure a stress-free and cost-saving festive season.  Ensure your Christmas guests stay in a clean, modern and family friendly hotel in Cheltenham so they will also enjoy a relaxing break this year. Choose a hotel in Cheltenham that offers family rooms with breakfast included, and look for hotels close to the town centre so there is plenty for your friends and family to do – and not get under your feet instead!

For more information on winter saving deals please visit www.hiexcheltenham.com.

£36.00 B&B rate available from 20^th to 30^th December 2010 (Terms & Conditions apply).