Are you feeling the pressure over Xmas?

sweetpeas_2

Hi Yorkielass :hello:

Didn't want to post and run as I really feel for you there does seem to be so much pressure on parents (well, everyone really) to spend over and above every year and it's ridiculous

This year we are able to buy 'bigger' presents for our two, but that is only because last year we made the same commitment you are making this year and said no we can't afford it and that's it.. I have one girl and one boy and I brought an empty A4 paper box home from work each for them and covered one in bright pink paper and one in bright blue paper and individually wrapped loads of bits and pieces, bubbles, cheap baths toys, peppa pig socks and a dvd each etc, and they absolutely adored them. I put a pink/blue bow on each item and the fact that they'd got the same as each other they really enjoyed. It cost us about £30-40 each. If you do something similar this year, next year you will probably be better off monthly so be able to put more money away each month enabling more freedom next year.

Hope that helps, chin up chuck

determined_new_ms

This year I have been very clear to everyone that we are not buying loads. My kids are 18 dd & 19 ds - dd is also very ungrateful & nothing I ever get quite gets the reaction I hoped for. I have been very clear & consistent with my ex mil all throughout the year I only want 1 present & will be buying the same for everyone. She always buys me tons of little bits that I don't need or want even.

We decided, after several years of MSEing & clearing our debts, to embrace minimalism earlier this year (its a constant struggle!) so sat my teem down & explained our decision and that this means that we don't spend loads of money on gifts & will be getting each of them 1 gift each for the total we have decided to spend - we'll see how it goes!

For all the present I buy I have saved the money throughout the year by joining the virtual sealed pot challenge & since April putting £20 aside each month. My plan is to not spend any of my Dec salary on Christmas

scotdebs

I totally want to join this pledge/challenge - this is the first yr that I would like to not spend a PENNY on credit - I have been giving my aunt money every month every to put away for me and so by the end of Nov should have about £600 plus whatever I sell on ebay between now and then (hopeing for another £150 from that) which [STRIKE]should[/STRIKE] WILL be enough. I know to some folks it may seem a lot but i have a big extended family and yes we have already cut down to just kids no adults - and it will also cover food and drink (xmas dinner is always at our house but everyone contributes something)

Like many of the peeps on here part of how we got in this mess is due to being overly generous - I have put an end to this already with MIL's birthday (just coincidence she was first not deliberate :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:)

Amorge well done on doing the right time with your friends re the kids pressies - I have a friend who is in a similar situation where there are a group of them that work together who all buy for each others kids - every yr she says she is going to put a stop to it .... last yr she spent nearly £150 on a a bunch of kids she has hardly laid eyes on all yr.

Heres to sitting back in January having enjoyed xmas and not regretting a single penny of it!

YORKSHIRELASS

scotdebs wrote: »

Heres to sitting back in January having enjoyed xmas and not regretting a single penny of it!

Absolutely right! Maybe we should all come back in early January and report how it went. OH and I have had a conversation about the amount of stuff our kids have (Xboxes, Ipod touches, tellies, access to 2 computers etc) and we have both agreed that they have enough anyway and the excitement of getting something new is fairly short-lived.

The only thing I havent budgeted for is extra food and a few bottles of wine but I will have £40 of Tesco Clubcard vouchers by November and my mum owes me £30 which I have asked her to hang on to for now.

I think with a bit of effort and planning I can make this a really good Christmas - and a guilt free one for once.

paulmapp8306

I have to say, making an effort to spend time with the kids and their small pressies, then playing games (not from Xmas Pressies) makes for a much better Xmas than spending loads, short lived Excitement, followed by grumps cos the stuffs wrong - or arguments cos "he wont play with me" etc.

Im looking forwards to playing with my son and his hotwheels, my daughter and her Fijit (whatever it does). just family time having hugs, laughs and the like. if all goes to plan we may even have a little left for a boxing day treat. Ice Skating is sounding good. My daughter went to a B-day party at the local rink and really enjoy'd it. my son went once and lasted 5 mins but hasnt been off roller scates this summer (his Bday pressy) so he should be fine as well. Theres a special on at the rink. 3 Hr session for a family of 4 for £8 inc skate hire. Should make for a nice family treat to finish the Xmas season off.

oldtractor

Its time to be honest. a couple of xmas ago I told everyone that no body would be getting a present or card. its madness. why buy stuff you cannot afford? Anyway after a few sulks from some everyone got used to it. we only buy for children now but get together for a Home made roast dinner. its the company that counts,not the gifts.

Soundgirlrocks

Hi Guys, home made Xmas all they way, I have a large family and want to give something to everyone but think it means more if you spent time rather than plastic on it! No small kiddies thought.

tinka81

I have a big family (2 brothers and 2 sisters, all married with at least 2 kids each), this makes Xmas very expensive. To save us all money we all agree to spend max. £5 on each child and all us adults do secret Santa so we only have buy one adult present for £20. This has saved us loads. We all agree secondhand presents are also fine for the kids (handme downs or ebay etc). I have already got all my kid presents from half price sales and have averaged £3 each and have some lovely clothes and toys. Our little girl will be 6 months and her presents will be things we need and would have to buy anyway. It's not worth getting in to big debt and having to pay for it for the rest of the year. Good luck everyone with keeping strong and not spending on the cards.

sugarcube84

YORKSHIRELASS wrote: »

I am not alone, I feel better already

Sugarcubes you are in a great position because you can teach your son that Christmas is not all about expensive presents. Unfortunately I have been very stupid in the past and spent too much on my kids which makes it harder.

And Aliasojo you give a great example of more important things to be worrying about from a financial point of view which puts it into perspective.

I think its time to rip the Next Christmas book up and put it in the recycling.

I suppose i am, we have a massive family as well so hes going to get loads as it is (4 sets of grandparents, loads of great auties &uncles plus cousins etc etc etc) but hopefully we can teach him that christmas is about family rather than expensive presents.

whiteguineapig

flippin36 wrote: »

My OH family made us feel really bad for suggesting the same thing - they made a right fuss :mad:.

i have had the same problem
but my xmas fund is still stuck on £5 so i will be sticking to my guns , they'll have to get over it