THERE are just 100 days to go until Christmas, but holiday cheer can soon turn to new year blues as people see how much they've splashed out for the big day.

There is still time to make sure this doesn't happen but Standard Life's savings and investment expert Jamie Jenkins recommends starting saving now.

Putting aside £25 a week between now and the festive season will amount to £350 which is a large proportion of the £796 the average family spends on Christmas.

Jamie also advises switching your traditional Christmas cards for ecards, he said: “It might not seem like much at the time, but if you are the kind of person who buys Christmas cards for all their friends and family, it can quickly become an expensive way of sending people your festive wishes, particularly if you have lots of friends overseas.”

Planning early what presents to buy loved ones can take some of he pressure of last minute shopping and can result in bagging a bargain. Jamie also suggests setting a price limit and considering home-made gifts.

Another main ingredient of Christmas is the dinner and Jamie advises seeing if ingredients can be bulk bought or frozen ahead of the big day.

Finally, Jamie advises checking the internet for a bargains, he said: “Scan popular phrases and hashtags such as #deal or #offer, and you will find many people sharing extra tips or links to discount vouchers and special offers. It’s also worth following big brands and retailers as many regularly announce deals and offers available through their social channels.”