According to VoucherCodes.co.uk 30 per cent of people have been fretting about the cost of Christmas since August, while 19 per cent predict that Christmas debt will be their main source of financial stress in 2015.

Here are the top ways Brits plan to finance the holiday season:

Spreading the cost

Half of Brits put money aside or buy items throughout the year to spread the cost of gifts, travel, food and entertainment over the holiday period, with one in six starting their Christmas shopping before the end of September. Some 16 per cent have been buying gifts all year round.

Savvy shopping

A quarter of Brits use vouchers or points to cut the cost of Christmas essentials, while one in ten admit to buying gifts in last year’s sales.

In the red

A quarter of Brits get into debt to cover Christmas costs, with 17 per cent racking up credit card debt and eight per cent using a loan or an overdraft.

Claire Davenport, managing director of VoucherCodes.co.uk, says: “While the recession may be easing, it’s clear Britons’ mind sets have shifted with many planning ahead to ensure they have the Christmas they want without the monster financial hangover traditionally associated with January. Now’s the time to start making lists of everything you’ll need, from decorations to dinner, so that you can stock up as deals and offers go live.”

Read the Money Advice Service’s top Christmas tips here.