We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

'Are you cutting back on Christmas?' poll discussion

Options
Former_MSE_Lawrence
Former_MSE_Lawrence Posts: 975 Forumite
edited 17 November 2009 at 8:22PM in MoneySaving polls
Poll between 10-16 Nov 2009:

Are you cutting back on Christmas?

For many it’s been a tough year; the economy's ropey and there've been job losses galore, but on the other hand some have had their mortgage costs drop to unprecedented levels.

How will it affect your Christmas (or other winter festival)?

A. Cutting back totally: Spending virtually nothing - 9% (970 votes)
B. Major cut backs: Plan to spend less than half of last year's budget - 32% (3529 votes)
C. Small economies: Going to cut the trimmings but not much more - 29% (3133 votes)
D. No change - 21% (2282 votes)
E. Small increase: Things are a little better, I'll spend a touch more - 4% (381 votes)
F. Big boost: We’re planning to push the boat out this year - 2% (187 votes)
G. I never do Christmas. - 4% (387 votes)


This vote has now ended, but you can still click 'post reply' to discuss below. Thanks :)

[threadbanner]box[/threadbanner]
«1345

Comments

  • Lyndach
    Lyndach Posts: 446 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    We're managing a small increase this year as my fiance has moved in so the bills are more spread out we have a little extra to ourselves. Also I have a 7 week old baby who we're splashing out on (silly really as she's so young but she could do with clothes and learning toys, that will last the year not just for now).
    GC July: £0/£120
  • Cissi
    Cissi Posts: 1,131 Forumite
    We bought a house this summer (were renting for the past few years) and we're definitely watching the pennies more. We don't normally spend huge amounts on presents anyway, mainly buy for the children, but we'll be cutting back on the trimmings, nights out etc. The last few years we've treated ourselves to a goose, but with all my family coming :eek: we'll have to go back to turkey this year.
  • Mine is about the same as usual. I spread the cost through the year and have managed to pick up a lot of bargains this year. We don't really go overboard anyway.
  • I am always on the lookout for a great bargain and never buy a christmas present full price! But this year I will have to cut back a lot!!! some will just have to do without a present at all.
    I Like buying people presents, but how frustrating is it to buy a present for each member of a family of 5 and then get a box of chocolates back???:confused:
  • Mozette
    Mozette Posts: 2,247 Forumite
    I never spend a lot on xmas any year. This year won't be any different. I buy something nice for people I like, and have a nice meal & bottle of wine. The general orgy of overspending and overconsumption leaves me cold.
  • Antispam
    Antispam Posts: 6,636 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I am cutting back still try and make it a good Christmas
  • luxor4t
    luxor4t Posts: 11,125 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I bought the bulk of my gifts in the january sales, likewise cards & gift wrap.

    This year I'm cutting back by:
    - saving up in an interest bearing account rather than the office 'interest goes to charity' scheme. (I've found extra gifts for the raffle (from Boots 75% off stash) to even out the fund raising)
    - watching out for special offers more efficiently (sausagemeat, biscuits, sweets, cake & pudding already stored away)
    - making sure OH posts MIL's gifts in good time for second class post rather than last minute first class.
    I can cook and sew, make flowers grow.
  • vaporate
    vaporate Posts: 1,955 Forumite
    My family are cutting RIGHT back this year too.

    It will be just the christmas dinner to look forward to. The old days I guess.

    It's a good thing though, debt free before luxury.
    Hi, we’ve had to remove your signature. If you’re not sure why please read the forum rules or email the forum team if you’re still unsure - MSE ForumTeam
  • E. For the first time in years, I am giving proper cards (not just texts, ecards and facebook messages) out, although I bought these at about 50p a pack in this year's January sales, and also small gifts for 6 friends, even though these come to under £3 each.
  • Yes, definately cutting back this year. I'm not making or buying a traditional Christmas cake this year - the cost of dried fruit is sky high, baking it for 3 hours, feeding with brandy etc, it's fantastic but do we really need it - instead I'm opting for a cheaper cake which I will make myself.

    Incidently - for the past four years, I have not been shopping(for food) in January! - This is the time of year that I use everything up in the house, it's amazing how easy it is... try it. Not even bread and milk!!!
    Use up all those fruit and herb teas in the back of the cupboard - fruit juice tastes nice on cereal, can't do without bread? - make your own, get going with a sourdough recipe and you only need a few ingredients for a lovely loaf.

    Want a head start - ask the family to buy you a food hamper for xmas!
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 351K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 453.6K Spending & Discounts
  • 244K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 598.9K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 176.9K Life & Family
  • 257.3K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.6K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.