A poll by comparison site MoneySupermarket.com has found that one in two consumers are already worried about how they will fund the cost of Christmas festivities this year.

This is down 7% from this time last year, with 23% stating that they are not worried at all, an increase of 5% – indicating there may be some relief to the nation’s festive finances.

Kevin Mountford, head of banking at MoneySupermarket commented: “UK households have continued to feel the pinch in 2012, and many may fear the worst with the cost of Christmas still to come.

“It is good to see that slightly less people are worried this year however there are still many dreading the festive period creeping upon us. Sadly, financial worries tend to take the sparkle out of Christmas, but it doesn’t have to be that way.”

Despite a drop in ‘Christmas worriers’, over half of those worried are seriously concerned that things will be a lot tighter this year, with the rest of the 47% worried they will have to make some cut backs.

Mountford continued: “A credit card offering interest free purchases could be another alternative and offer some much needed flexibility.

“Zero per cent deals can be an efficient way to spread the cost of Christmas, with leading products such as the Tesco Clubcard Credit Card offering up to 16 months of interest free on purchases.”

MoneySupermarket advises that those looking to fund this Christmas on credit should make sure that they can afford to clear off the balance on their credit card quickly so as to not be hit with interests and penalties.

Alternatively using a cashback credit cards can also help reward any spending over Christmas.

Mountford added: “Christmas needn’t be a financial headache. If you can’t afford to borrow to fund the festivities or don’t have any savings, don’t despair.

“Using vouchers and searching online for the best deals won’t make you a Scrooge – many of us are already feeling the pinch and doing Christmas on the cheap needn’t prevent you enjoying the occasion.”