As the festive season approaches, many Australians over 60 start to feel the pinch of the holiday expenses.

With the rising cost of living, the traditional Christmas lunch could seem like a luxury requiring more work.

IGA has devised a clever solution to help you spread out the cost and enjoy a bountiful Christmas feast without the financial stress.


IGA's staggered purchase plan is a savvy approach to managing your budget while preparing for the most anticipated meal of the year.

You can avoid the dreaded December budget blowout by planning and purchasing items incrementally.


This method not only eases the financial burden but also helps you dodge the chaotic last-minute shopping rush.

Six weeks before Christmas, start by picking up non-perishable items such as dried herbs, fruit, cling wrap, foil, and baking paper.

Five weeks out, turn your attention to snacks and pantry staples.


Look for deals on chips, crackers, nuts, soft drinks, honey, and various sauces and condiments.

These items have a longer shelf life and will be perfect for early festive nibbling or use in your Christmas recipes.

It's time to think about the main event at the four-week mark.

Purchase your ham, puddings, Christmas cakes, and candy canes.

If you buy a ham, have enough fridge space to store it safely.

Focus on frozen goods three weeks before Christmas.


Stock up on frozen fruits and vegetables, pastries, and seafood.

These items can be stored in the freezer and will be ready when you need them.

With two weeks to go, it's time for the turkey, ice cream, salmon, mince pies, and shortbread.

These items will keep well for the remaining time and are often central to the Christmas meal.

Finally, purchase your fresh produce, dairy products, dips, bacon, and pastries in the last week before Christmas.

These should be bought as close to the day as possible to ensure they're at their freshest.


Joseph Romeo, IGA National Retailer Council Chair, emphasised that this staggered purchase plan is designed to 'beat the chaos' of Christmas shopping.

He advises remembering the importance of pre-shop preparation and building your shopping list by checking out the weekly catalogue for specials and deals.

IGA, with its 1400 stores across Australia, offers a more personal shopping experience than the larger supermarket chains.

This can be particularly appealing during the busy holiday season when crowded supermarkets can be overwhelming.

A recent survey commissioned by IGA found that 64 per cent of Australians are stressed by the cost of groceries at Christmas time, with 31 per cent leaving their shopping until the last week or not planning at all.


Adopting IGA's staggered purchase plan can alleviate some of this stress and enjoy a more relaxed lead-up to the holiday.

Interestingly, the survey also highlights generational differences in Christmas dining preferences.

While those under 35 might be grilling up barbecue meats, roast lamb, and beef, the over-55 crowd prefers prawns as their festive dish of choice.
Have you tried a staggered approach to your Christmas shopping before? What are your tips for managing the holiday budget? Share your experiences in the comments below.