As Christmas approaches, many UK families face a season of stress, grappling with the soaring costs of food, energy, and gifts. Yet for 100 households in one community, this year's festivities will be enjoyed without a hint of financial dread, thanks to the dedication of a local woman hailed as a 'Christmas angel'.
From Small Hobby to Community Lifeline
Kerry Blackett has devoted 14 years to helping friends, neighbours, and colleagues prepare for December. What began as a small-scale hobby has blossomed into a vital service for families in Doncaster, offering a buffer against relentless price rises. "Right now, people are really feeling it," Kerry explains. "Food costs more, energy costs more – and Christmas doesn't stop. But my customers aren't panicking this week because their Christmas is already paid for."
By encouraging people to save small, manageable amounts weekly or monthly throughout the year, she transforms a simple habit into a powerful financial tool. This method provides something beyond mere savings: it delivers peace of mind and a stress-free holiday, proving that careful planning can turn anxiety into joy.
Award-Winning Support for Budget-Conscious Families
Kerry balances her work as a part-time kitchen assistant in a special needs school with supporting around 100 customers through Park Christmas Savings. Her impact was recognised nationally in 2025, when she outperformed 22,000 other agents across the UK to be crowned the Top UK Agent, winning both the England regional award and the overall UK title.
The practical benefits of her scheme are clear. Many clients receive their gift cards early in the autumn, allowing them to shop for presents before seasonal price hikes and completely avoid reliance on credit cards or 'buy now, pay later' schemes. "That early start makes a massive difference when money is tight," Kerry notes.
The Priceless Reward: A Calm Christmas Morning
For Kerry, the £1,500 prize that came with her national award is secondary. The true reward is witnessing the transformation in the families she helps. "I see people who used to dread this week," she says. "They'd be worrying about how they’ll pay it back in January. Now they’re calm, enjoying Christmas with their kids. That’s priceless."
Her story taps into a broader national trend of increased financial caution. The 2025 Park Big Christmas Survey of 5,000 UK households revealed consumers are more budget-conscious than ever, planning ahead and cutting back. Park Christmas Savings itself aids over 350,000 people nationwide, with funds protected by the Christmas Prepayment Association and converted into vouchers for major retailers.
Kerry's final advice is simple yet powerful, especially in a cost-of-living crisis: "When money’s tight, planning is everything. Even a few pounds a week can mean the difference between enjoying Christmas and paying for it all year."
