Great "How to have a cheap Xmas if you've kids" Hunt

JimmyTheWig

arthur_dent wrote: »

My problem with it is that we tell our children not to lie (a topic on which I am passionate) and then go on to tell them all sorts of ridiculous lies ourselves. My opinion is that I never under any and I do mean any circumstances want my child to lie to me so why should it be ok for me to lie to them.

Sometimes you need to.
For example, "what is 2 take away 3?". Answer (depending on age of child) "you can't do it".
When they get older they understand that the answer is -1.

I want to fit this answer in with the fact that "a lot of the truths you cling to depend on a certain point of view", but with Father Christmas I'm struggling here!

arthur_dent_2

I would tell them that the answer is -1. I would also tell them why the answer is -1. I would tell someone a dress is rubbish if it was and even harder truths such as why is someone or something no longer with us can still be explained truthfully and told that lots of different people believe lots of different things. There is no Father Christmas it is a concept that has been passed down as a tradition based on fairytale and legend. I do not see why I should not say to my children, here are the presents that mummy and daddy worked hard to buy for you because we love you and we think that you are worth it.

JimmyTheWig

arthur_dent wrote: »

I would tell them that the answer is -1.

That is going to completely confuse a child who is starting to learn subtraction. They need to get to grips with the concept first in ways that they can understand, then later on you can start to introduce invented concepts.

arthur_dent_2

I disagree, however we are both entitled to our opinion. Personally I feel if they are old enough to ask such questions then they are entitled to know the answer.

JimmyTheWig

arthur_dent wrote: »

Personally I feel if they are old enough to ask such questions then they are entitled to know the answer.

That's certainly how I feel about most things.

Thinking about it, following on from that, I'm not sure I'd want to say that FC did exist if asked directly. Our eldest will be nearly 5 by Christmas. If he asked if FC was real I think I'd say something like "what do you think?". Think he's still young enough to believe so I wouldn't say "no" outright. I hope he's still young enough not to ask!

mrs_pogel

Larfingboy wrote: »

I just wonder why on earth anyone has to explain the level of giving at Christmas.... especially to little ones.

I remember many years ago my children who were about 3 and 4 at the time, askingwhy the kids next door got so many more preasents from santa than they did, especially since the boys next door were allways getting up to no good. I told them that was because parents had to give santa the money to buy the presents and I didn't have much money, they accepted this quite happily at the time, because at least it meant that santa was not unhappy with them.

The following year I was caught red handed putting the presents under the tree as my daughter went to the loo. A few days later she admited she had indeed seen me through the crack in the door and asked me with a big grin if I was really santa. I was glad she asked so I could admit the truth and she was quite happy.

I have always hated the santa concept ever since finding out it was a lie as a child and I have never liked the idea of lying to my children.

jackomdj

Personally I love the whole "Santa" concept. My DD's (well the eldest anyway) know that he only gives one or two presents & the others are all from specific people. We read all the lables & write down who gave what so we can do nice thankyou cards.

For me one of the exciting things about growing up was not letting my parents know I knew about Santa!!!

Back to a cheap Xmas I always buy things during the year & always at a discount! Prime example, today I gave our friend a bike for her 2nd birthday, it cost me £7.50 in Jan sale (less quidco & used a code on the whole order) & the original price was £30! I would have happily spent up to £15 so I saved £7.50 & she got a bike!

Today I got the final part of our childrens present. Original price £22 each (got 2 - 1 for each DD) on a 3 for 2 so got another present for free. Used a code for £30 off a £60 spend. Once postage was added it cost £18 (less quidco!!!)

I love getting the right present at a bargain price as well as seeing the delight on people faces when they open their present.

Nicky

arthur_dent_2

What site was this and what was the code, please?

steerpike

Never_too_old_to_learn wrote: »

Really sorry to sound like an old codger (I’m 54) but spending time with the kids is the best present you can give. I see so many parents in the shops on the run up to Christmas losing their temper with the kids and then think by having lots of presents on the big day will make up for it.
The run up to Christmas is the best part when you can spend time helping them make gifts – cards - decorations – gingerbread; the list is endless with lots of free ideas on Google. Trust me it will be these things that your children remember when they look back on their childhood not the expensive presents. The most important gift you can give to anyone is your time.

Well said - rich or poor, married or single....being able to be together with your loved ones is what makes Christmas. The things that are worth having in our short lives - love, friendship and family - cannot be purchased - they are priceless

Rachel85

I don't have children of my own, but I will always remember a few years ago speaking to my young cousin on the phone on Christmas Day. I asked what FC had left him - knowing full well that it was a bike - and he went on to tell me all about his Batman Pencil! I don't think children need big, expensive presents - Christmas can be fun and magical without leaving you in debt.

My mum reminded me recently that one year I asked for a washing line and some pegs. They were for my dolls clothes. And another year I wanted a Polly Pocket (do they still make these?!), I must have been about 6 or 7, and included on the list the cheapest place to buy them!

I was clearly a little MSE'er even then!