Extreme planner Al Baker buys all his bits for Christmas dinner well in advance, stocking his two turkeys almost a year before his family sits down for their festive blow-out
14:26, 03 Oct 2025Updated 14:26, 03 Oct 2025
Al Baker preps his Christmas dinner way in advance(Image: Jam Press/@thepennypincheruk)
A Brit has shared how he started his Christmas food prep nearly a year in advance and is nearly done with the full shop.
Al Baker, of Aldershot, Hampshire, is known for his savvy money-saving tactics, which includes extreme planning for festive events that often drain your wallet.
The dad will be serving up two turkeys on Christmas Day – which he nabbed for just £12 and that have been sitting in his freezer since January, after he got them in a clearance sale.
They are nestled next to a few yellow-sticker desserts for £4 that will serve as pudding on the big day and homemade Yorshires.
Reduced-price turkey is the key to a happy life(Image: Jam Press/@thepennypincheruk)
Al admits that some people think he’s “mad” for starting his meal prep so far ahead but the 51-year-old says it sees him spend a fraction of what he would otherwise have to shell out.
Al said: “I’ve spent about £30 so far, which has already covered the main items. The turkey is the most expensive part of Christmas dinner, so that is the first thing I hunt for.
“I’ll be checking supermarkets but also online options. Last year, I found the £12 deal on Amazon Fresh – they were originally £80 each – which is not where most people think of looking.
Yellow-sticker foods snapped up as a bargain by Al(Image: Jam Press/@thepennypincheruk)
“I actually bought three, but one of them went at Easter. That alone would normally cost me more than my whole Christmas budget, so it was a huge saving.
“I also grabbed a few yellow-sticker desserts, which will cover puddings and sweet treats for Christmas Day. My dad bought several too. The only problem is my mum is still wondering when they are going to use them because their freezer is full, and she isn’t best pleased.
“I freeze Yorkshire puddings and roast potatoes many months in advance as well. It’s not about buying absolutely everything a year early.
Some of the meats you can get on the cheap(Image: Jam Press/@thepennypincheruk)
“However, having the meat, desserts and freezer-friendly sides already in hand takes the pressure off and significantly reduces the bill.
“People often look at me as if I’m a bit mad but once I explain it, they see the logic. Some people I know have even finished their Christmas shopping by March, so I’m not the only one who thinks this way. With the cost of living as it is, it is just sensible.”
Al estimates that he saves around 75% with his pre-planning method but there is one thing he’ll invest in closer to the big day: Vegetables.
Dining and Cooking