Christmas is a time to connect with our loved ones and celebrate the gift of giving. But for many people it can feel the opposite. Being separated from family and loved ones – either due to work, loss, or conflict – can make Christmas a time of unhappiness and loneliness.We might feel disconnected from others, as though nobody really understands us, listens to us, or values our company.
The holidays can be a difficult time if we are feeling like this and don’t have supportive people in our lives. But there are simple strategies you can use to help manage feelings of loneliness.
Here are some ideas to get you started this holiday season.
Think differently about feelings of loneliness. Like all negative emotions, loneliness is an important and valid part of human experience. Loneliness tells us that we crave connection. It comes from a part of ourselves that wants to reach out to others. If we never felt lonely, we might never recognise just how important meaningful relationships are to us.So a good first step in managing feelings of loneliness is to think differently about how we see them. Rather than viewing these feelings negatively and being hard on ourselves, we can choose to see loneliness as coming from a healthy part of us that is motivated to connect with others. Reframing loneliness in this way can help us feel better about ourselves and more positive about seeking out meaningful relationships.
Reconnect with yourself. If we find it hard to connect with others, or genuinely don’t have many social opportunities, then a good place to start is to try connecting with ourselves first. When we’re taking good care of ourselves, we are more likely to be positive, and feelings of loneliness may have less power to get us down.There’s no right or wrong way to do this. A great starting point is to try brainstorming some ideas for activities that make us feel good and then start doing them.Some suggestions are writing down your thoughts in a journal, going for a walk, spending time in nature or simply having a cup of tea in a beautiful cup. Try planning one nice activity for yourself every day and keep a record of how it made you feel. If you build some momentum with these activities before the holidays arrive you might find you are able to coast a bit easier through those moments when you are feeling lonely.
Reach out to others. Feeling lonely during the holidays is never easy, and reaching out to others can often seem difficult and scary. But it’s important to talk to people in your life at this time of year and let them know how you’re feeling.You can do this in whatever way makes you feel comfortable. It might be as simple as a text message or a phone call.
Or you might want to catch up with your family or a friend one-on-one. You can also jump online and connect with an online community for support. The SANE Forums are operating over the holiday period and are a great way to connect with others living with or caring for a loved one with mental illness.
You can even join the virtual Christmas Feast, a social gathering from 6pm AEDT on Christmas Day.There are also a number of great online and telephone services such as Beyond Blue and Lifeline that are available if you need someone to talk to. And if you are struggling with persistent sadness and loneliness, it’s always a good idea to seek professional help from a GP, psychologist or counsellor.
** The Salvation Army and The Australian Psychological Society’s (SA Branch) launched 'SalvoPsych’, a project to help marginalised and disadvantaged people receive psychological assessment and intervention, as well as counselling and other support, in addition to that already offered by the Salvos. - You can learn about SalvoPsych in The Affordable SA App**
Important Update
As of January 1st, 2025 the Affordable SA app will no longer be available. If you're a looking for assistance or to connect with programs and services near you, please refer to our website: affordablesa.com.au, or phone our FREE Intake Line on 1800 025 539 to chat to one of our friendly team who can point you in the right direction.
Affordable SA will still be available as a FREE service via website, where you can find all the services you need, in the palm of your hand.
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50 Ways to Save This Christmas
The holiday season is a time of joy and togetherness, but it can also come with financial stress. From expensive gifts to lavish dinners and decorations, the costs can quickly add up. However, with thoughtful planning, creativity, and a focus on meaningful moments rather than extravagant spending, you can enjoy a magical Christmas without breaking the bank. This guide will show you how to save on gifts, food, decorations, and more, while still making the season special. Whether you’re looking to cut costs on presents, host an affordable dinner, or find ways to decorate your home on a budget, these tips will help you make the most of the holidays without overspending.
Here's some tips to start:
Borrow or Swap Items
Need something special for your Christmas celebration? Borrow from friends or family instead of buying new. Whether it’s a serving dish or decorations, sharing saves money and resources.
Embrace Free Fun
Focus on free or low-cost traditions like watching Christmas movies, driving around to see holiday lights, or hosting a board game night. Sometimes the best moments are the simplest ones.
Remember, saving money this Christmas doesn’t mean sacrificing joy or festive spirit. By planning ahead, getting creative, and prioritising what truly matters, you can celebrate the season without financial stress. Whether it’s through thoughtful gifting, resourceful decorations, or embracing community events, these tips will help you enjoy a budget-friendly holiday that’s rich in meaning.
You can sort Christmas savings tips by category below.
Understanding Electricity Costs and Renewable Energy in 2025
The way Australians generate and use electricity is evolving rapidly, with a significant shift toward renewable energy sources. South Australia, once known for power shortages, became the first major jurisdiction to be powered entirely by solar energy—a remarkable milestone. As renewable energy technology becomes more widespread, you may wonder: 'will electricity become cheaper, and what steps can I take to reduce their bills today?'
The answer is promising: electricity costs are expected to decrease over time, but you can start saving now with smarter energy habits, better provider choices, and a deeper understanding of your rights as a consumer.
Your Rights as an Energy Consumer
As an energy customer in Australia, you’re protected by laws that govern your dealings with energy retailers and distributors. These rights ensure transparency, fair pricing, and access to essential energy services. Familiarising yourself with these regulations helps you make informed decisions when choosing providers and addressing billing concerns.
Choosing the Right Energy Provider
1. Use Energy Made Easy
The Energy Made Easy website is a free government service that allows households and small businesses to compare electricity and gas plans. Simply input your details to view a range of offers that suit your energy usage and location. You can also contact them directly at 1300 585 165 for assistance.
2. Key Factors to Consider
When evaluating energy plans, don’t focus solely on price. Keep these factors in mind:
- Contract Length: Are you locked into a long-term agreement, or can you switch plans easily?
- Fees and Discounts: Look out for hidden fees or discounts that may expire after a set period.
- Special Deals: Some plans offer incentives like sign-up bonuses or rebates, but read the fine print to understand long-term costs.
3. Time-of-Use Tariffs
Did you know the time you use energy can affect how much you pay? Time-of-use tariffs mean energy costs vary depending on peak and off-peak periods. Adjusting your habits, like running appliances during off-peak times, can lead to substantial savings. In South Australia, off peak times for residential is 10am - 3pm.
4. Specific Plan Types
Certain plans may cater to your unique situation:
- Smart Meter Plans: These allow for detailed tracking of your energy use.
- GreenPower Plans: For those committed to renewable energy, these plans offset your consumption with sustainable energy sources.
- Solar Energy Plans: If you have solar panels, look for plans with competitive feed-in tariffs.
- Regional Plans: Some plans are better suited for urban or rural areas, depending on infrastructure.
Reducing Energy Usage to Lower Bills
One of the simplest ways to save money on electricity is to use less of it. Conducting a home energy audit can help identify energy inefficiencies and opportunities to save. You can conduct this audit yourself by borrowing a free Home Energy Audit Toolkit from your local library.
Living Areas
- In Summer: Close windows, doors, curtains, and blinds during the day to keep the heat out. Use fans instead of air conditioners when possible, and if using air conditioning, set it to 26°C.
- In Winter: Seal draughts by closing windows and curtains. Set central heating to 18°C.
- Lighting: Switch to energy-efficient LED lights and turn them off when not in use.
- Standby Power: Switch off appliances at the wall to eliminate standby power usage.
Kitchen
- Ensure adequate space around your fridge for ventilation and check that its seals close firmly.
- Cover pots and pans when cooking to retain heat and reduce energy use.
- Only run the dishwasher when it’s full.
Bathroom and Laundry
- Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. If using hot water, set it to 60°C.
- Dry clothes on a line instead of using a dryer.
- Install low-flow showerheads to reduce hot water usage and aim for showers no longer than four minutes.
Accessing Financial Help for Energy Bills
If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, financial assistance may be available. Options include:
- Temporary or ongoing bill relief through government programs.
- Guidance from us at Affordable SA, call us today on 1800 025 539.
Additionally, explore our Utilities Programs listed on Affordable SA, which provide tailored solutions for reducing energy costs and managing bill payments.
The Future of Renewable Energy and Costs
As renewable energy becomes the backbone of Australia’s power grid, the overall cost of electricity is projected to decline. Solar power, wind energy, and advancements in battery storage are paving the way for a greener, more affordable future. Programs such as GreenPower and feed-in tariffs for solar customers offer opportunities to actively participate in this transition while saving money.
However, the key to maximising these savings lies in understanding your energy consumption and making adjustments today. By selecting the right provider, using energy-efficient appliances, and tapping into available support programs, you can enjoy both immediate savings and long-term benefits as Australia transitions to a renewable energy future.