how do you pay for christmas?

quinechinoise

I try to buy little bits and pieces early in the year. I don't spend what I can't afford. I try to make/craft a lot of gifts to keep the costs down. If I can't afford something expensive, people get a token gift or a joint gift or... in extreme cases, sod all.

It's the thought that counts and I do think of everyone on my gift list and I'm pretty sure none of them want me to end up in debt! Christmas is about someone who once was a little baby, from a poor family. The bling is nice but it's not necessary. I suppose it's also about St Nicholas (of Myra) filling some stockings with coins but, again, it's the gesture rather than the items (although the chocolate version is quite affordable).

missindecisive

Thankyou to all who are giving me tips how to plan ahead a little better for next year! Thankyou all for your constructive comments - well nearly all of you !

Sambucus_Nigra

missindecisive wrote: »

Thankyou to all who are giving me tips how to plan ahead a little better for next year! Thankyou all for your constructive comments - well nearly all of you !

Suggesting that you don't jump for joy for getting into debt for one day's festivities is constructive. But I'm not here as part of a popularity contest and am not scared of telling it like it is.

missindecisive

Good for you !:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j

melanzana

Buying presents for those over 18 or 21 is daft in this day and age.

I stress that is just my opinion. Those of that age couldn't care less, as long as they can escape the clutches of the family for a gig or a night out over Chrimbo.

Eaten bread is soon forgotten.

The important thing is to be with those you want to be with. Send a card, a text, a FB message or whatever, but this present buying carp is unbelievable. Mostly is forgotten next day, or recycled for someone else.

Krist Kindle (secret Santa) Is hilarious amongst family and gets everyone laughing, and the little inexpensive gifts have to reflect whom you are buying for.

Sambucus_Nigra

missindecisive wrote: »

Good for you !:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j

Says it all really.

missindecisive

Merry Christmas !

missindecisive

ooh and I forgot to add a few more of these...:j:j:j:j:j

skipsmum

We save properly from September, after the school uniform blow-out. Dont spend that much though - this year its £100 each max on DS1 (18) and DS2 (12) and £50 on our grand-daughter (who is getting a wardrobe from us!) I try to save £100 towards all the meals-and-stuff-expenses and £100 for extra food shopping and diesel. Everyone else who we used to buy for is getting HM coconut ice this year, kindly made by DS2.

missindecisive

So it seems the secret is with a little forward planning, perhaps I should be more organized earlier in the year. Think the sales is a good idea, and only buying for the children. How do people know what their children want though, so early on? mine seem to change their minds in a flash! I actuallt bought some presents for them in november, now theyve made a santa list with a whole load of other stuff on it....I can't keep up !