I've been xmas shopping!

cattie1

Yesterday I had a day off work and really didn't want to stay in my (untidy) house so me and oh decided to star our xmas shopping:o
We went to tesco and spent £50 (that also included weekly food shop):j we are so proud of ourselves,I managed to get laods of bargains (talking thomas the tank engine reduced from £6.97 to £1.97:D )I'm not sure if it is just my local tesco or all of them but they have LOADS of reduced toys and stocking fillers and also a £1 aisle!:T
We only need to buy for his family now (my family only buy for children) and a few more stocking fillers.
In the days before I was a dfw convert I would have waited until last minute and easily spent £300 on my 1and 2year old which is extortionate really. (I could buy them a box and they would have endless fun!:rotfl: )
So thanx every1.:A without you lot I would be ploughing further in2 debt.:grouphug: :kisses3:

Pollybear

:T You're an inspiration!

*zippy*

I just noticed the new Christmas forum has started

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.html?f=101

Well Done Cattie :T

adypem

Well done Cattie,
I to have just finished shopping for eldest daughter, the youngest should get sorted this weekend. Agreed with friends that we will only be buying for the children this year and not the adults. That should save a small fortune !

tiff

My family are upset that we're not giving to adults in the family this year. They described it as "the doors shutting" and "its just not Christmas". This has upset me as they dont seem to see it from our point of view. I havent told them how tight things are, but they do know that we struggle plus we've just had a big car bill landed on us.

cattie1

tiff wrote:

My family are upset that we're not giving to adults in the family this year. They described it as "the doors shutting" and "its just not Christmas". This has upset me as they dont seem to see it from our point of view. I havent told them how tight things are, but they do know that we struggle plus we've just had a big car bill landed on us.

My oh's family are like that even though they are struggling to they still expect us to spend at least £30 on each of them, it's unbelievable!
christmas is about family spending time together (and jesus e.t.c:eek: )
NOT giving and receiving but some people will never learn!

*zippy*

Tiff could you give some small homemade gifts instead so you feel a bit better about it.

tiff

I've thought about that, just worried that they will think its tight or laugh at my home made gift! We used to spend around £40 on each other but I feel our own two children (and budget) are more important - not that I put it that way to them lol. My Mum even said "well I know your sister wouldnt dream of not giving us a present"! Well my sister earns nearly £30k a year and so does her fiance! Mum retired from work this year so I thought she would think it was a good idea as she has said she will have to cut back now she's retired.

Maybe she would really appreciate a home made gift/hamper, I'm just not sure.

Mizz_Pink

I saw some cheap toys in Somerfield yesterday and huge Winnie the Poos and Eyores in Tesco for only £10.

loulouloulou_2

I'm making little hampers and stuff for this xmas..... already started!!

I used to buy TONS - obviously before i became a DFW!! But now im getting little bits - bubble bath, etc as i go along each week in my shopping and making hampers and home made cookies for the boys in my family!!:D

*zippy*

My SIL gave me a homemade gift once a basket she had potted up with spring bulbs, I was really touched she had gone to the extra effort of doing that for me. I can understand how you feel with comments like that, but remember the spirit of Christmas is not getting yourself into financial trouble. Stick to your guns and don't be bullied. If you want to do something make a cake or biscuits or knit something, whatever you are good at.