The sad truth is that Christmas comes second only to Valentine's Day as a way to blow your cash on an overpriced meal if you dine out.

This is one of those times to stay indoors and tuck into convenience nosh.

And while supermarkets have some attractive promotions at the moment, they're full of stressed customers stockpiling their trolleys. So pretend you'll head for a gym in the new year and consider a takeaway meal.

One of the best value places in East Oxford is the Cambodian-owned AK City in Cowley Road, which delivers for orders of £10 or more.

The portions are big, there's a wide variety, and you get plenty of flavour for your cash. Despite AK's popularity, it's rare to see it particularly crowded.

Bilash Tandoori in Chapel Way, Botley, is one of the more reliable Bangladeshi/Indian places, and it has parking spaces too.

However, the Bilash doesn't do deliveries, which is a shame.

Almaza, in Gloucester Green, offers a wide selection of filling Lebanese and Indian meals.

Not a bad option if you've just been at the nearby Odeon or the New Theatre.

If Oriental grub is what you're after then Noodlebar, also in Gloucester Green, offers Thai, Japanese & Chinese fare.

It's not the finest cuisine available in Oxford, of course, but it's cheap and usually cheerful - and they do deliveries.

For something a little different, with an ethical slant, I'd advise the Global Deli in Iffley Road, Oxford.

This place, pictured above, is open Monday-Saturday, from 8am to 8pm, and specialises in Fairtrade, organic and locally-produced food such as sandwiches, interesting cakes such as fig tart, freshly-made salads and soups. Check out the ready-made lunchboxes in particular.

WHAT IF I PREFER 'PROPER' FAST FOOD?

McDonald's may be much maligned, but at least you know what you're in for.

The chain's festive selection includes a chicken wrap (two Chicken Selects in a sage and onion tortilla with mayonnaise, lettuce and a fruity cranberry chutney). There's also a Terrys Chocolate Orange McFlurry, which is filling and an OK-ish Festive Pie (actually a mincemeat and custard slice).

Pizza fans might want to know that Papa Johns, in Rose Hill, Oxford, is making an effort to get people to order online - if you use the website www.papajohns.co.uk to order food worth £15 before December 30, you'll get two packets of Cadbury Snaps free.