Budget for Xmas

16011996

that is a fab idea glad, will give that a try. although just tp prove how sad i am, xmas cake baked and in cupboard already. :-[

tru

That's not sad.  I was gonna do mine this week but I'm a bit busy.  I'm making them next week.

Or does it make me sad too ??? ;D ;D

16011996

hope not, i'm on xmas puddings next week. ::)
and am saving loo rolls for kids to make crackers.

Chris25

and am saving loo rolls for kids to make crackers.

I saved all the jokes from our 'bought' crackers one year and brought them out the following year to fill our home-made ones. No-one noticed ;D

jaybee

Haven't made the cake yet but have bought a couple of prezzies.

16011996

i've kept toys from years gone past to go in crackers, no-one really plays with them anyway.

Lillibet_2

Hi Glad

I follow this formula for my holiday shopping! I simply list everything I need to buy, sun cream/insect repellant/toothpaste/flip flops/holiday books/snacks etc & divide up by the number of shopping trips before I go & buy one or 2 items a week, most can be bought in the supermarket but I have time to plan if not. Saves the big rush through Boots the week before we go.

I don't want to make anyone scream but I actually finished my Xmas present shopping......last month!! OK, I have a few DVD's & CD's on order with Amazon 'cos they haven't been released yet but they are arranged & paid for. I know you are all sighing or shouting rude names at me via your computer screens, I really can't balme you, it's sad I know but hear me out.........
I buy all through the year, using sales where possible & I have worked out that if I had bought the same stuff at full price I would have spent 49% more than by buying gradually & when on sale! I also save up all my loyalty points & use these for stocking filler gifts, decorations, cards etc & sale price gift "packages" in the January sales, I can usually cover all Xmas trimmings & most birthday pressies I need for a year out of loyalty points. Including what I have saved by using loyalty points I have saved just over £300 by planning in advance & will have absoutely no Xmas rush or last minute stress. I can enjoy all the Xmas social activites & spend lots of tiem with my family without worrying about availablity or budget. I think this makes it worth a little forethroguht & storage space but I must admit sometimes it is hard thinking about Xmas in April

OK, now you can go back to screaming at me.......... :P

mink35

Lillibet - I'm not sure how old you are, but are you sure you're not my grandma reincarnated, lol! ;D

jaybee

Lillibet - I admire you!

The only time I was as organised as you are I ended up doing my Christmas shopping all over again because I'd changed my mind about what to get people. Mind you, that was before I had become a bit of savvy saver :-/

In a former life I was a real spendthrift. This year it will be different thanks to this site and everybody's advice and tips. Maybe I'm just a slow learner!

karebob

I can enjoy all the Xmas social activites & spend lots of tiem with my family without worrying about availablity or budget.

Good for you Lillibet

Glad and yourself have motivated me to start thinking about Christmas earlier not 3 weeks before as I usually do in a blind panic!