How are you coping with Christmas finances?

malamay

I don't save for Christmas. I buy throughout the year - most of my family are in North America and as posting deadlines are usually around Halloween it's a necessity!

I get a little overtime in November's pay, which usually covers everything else!

This year, however, we are away over Christmas (holiday then visiting family) which is proving more expensive than I'd like. I've also bought the children more than I need to as it's my first Christmas with them!

Shortypie

I am by no means an organised person - I spend on debit card mist of the time rather than cash, don't separate money into different pots for bills, forget to count top up shops in my grocery shopping etc but here goes:

I set up a regular saving of £20 into a savings account monthly, so that's £240 in a year.

I save up all my nectar/clubcard/boots points and use them when there us a boost or a sale. I spent about £50 of nectar points on kids toys (I gave three kids)

I bought my kids' "big" toys, one each, in argos 3 for 2.

I buy little bargains throughout the year. Eg through work we got 50% off in a quite pricey spa shop! I got 4 pressies in there for about £50, so about £12.50 each. This is good since certain members of hubby's family are wealthy and it seems like a waste of money buying them something I can afford full price that they will probably turn their noses up at. I did suggest secret Santa as hubby is one of 4, then there us partners, children etc but the others didn't want to.

Food wise we go to either my parents or my mother in laws, and offer to bring something eg a ham or dessert. We don't have masses of Xmas treats in the house during advent, maybe one or two choc oranges and some lebkuchen. I was given some gingerbread coffee syrup last year which I'm hoping will still be ok, basics hot choc and spray cream, maybe some basics Brie and crackers. I don't really drink and don't really entertain much either. We do always get a takeaway pizza on Xmas eve for some reason but can usually get a decent deal.

The presents I gave my sisters on law last year were a nice nail varnish each (3 for 2) in very "them" colours and a small item of jewellery, usually on sale, worked out about a tenner each. I also regift things (but only if I think the intended recipient will actually like it).

My dad I will take to see the third Hobbit film, two birds with one stone as I want to see it anyway, and can get it on orange Wednesdays, or I recently found out tickets are cheaper on a Tuesday. Mum I might take to afternoon tea in London again, not exactly cheap at £25 each (ish) but she does a lot for me (and you can get cheaper deals).

I like the idea of a family DVD and popcorn/sweets to share.

Shorty

KimberliCraine

I always make a budget plan every year, make a list of names of everyone who I intend to be buying a gift, list the food recipes (to make budgets each menu) and reserve a budget for some other stuff.

YORKSHIRELASS

I agree that Christmas should be most definitely about spending what you can afford. If you have got £20 to spend on presents then thats what you have.

This isnt easy though. I have a big family, most of whom have plenty of money. If I was to say to them "oh money is a bit tight this year can we cut back?" they would be very understanding. But they would still buy us loads of presents which would make me uncomfortable.

I have cut down but do feel a bit resentful that so much hard work and saving up has to go on buying things for people that they really dont need.

Having said all that I would never ever get into debt for Christmas. Been there, done that and learnt the lesson!

Pollycat

Citygirl1 wrote: »

Do you save up for Xmas throughout the year? I don't have kids but have a lot of family and friends to buy for.

I must admit I am starting to panic.

It's probably a bit late for this year but after you get through this Christmas why don't you approach your friends and family and suggest you either spend less on Christmas presents in 2015 or not bother at all?
You might find that they'll be relieved that you've brought the subject up.

I always find it really sad when I pop into charity shops and see what are obviously Christmas presents - toiletries etc - that have just been given away.

I'm lucky enough that I don't need to budget too hard at Christmas, but I have a very small family too so don't spend a lot.
What I do buy tends to be bought throughout the year as I see things that I think people might like.

I had a conversation with my sister (single Mum) ages ago about not buying me lots of things for my birthday and Christmas so I hope that's sunk in.

Good luck.

pigpen

I don't buy for friends, I don't buy for anyone who doesn't make the effort to see me or the children..


I buy for my children, 4 grandpests, 1 niece (5), 1 nephew (nearly 2), my mother, stepdad and 3 of my 8 living siblings and of course my manbeast... this year it is crippling me.. I have 2 of my boys and 2 of my girls who have almost nothing.. I need to sort the 2 girls in the next week. I do try to clear my credit card then hammer it with bargainous amazon deals when it is black Friday week of offers.. I usually have a few things in mind I want and if I don't find it cheap enough then I do it afterwards from elsewhere.

I get £200 a month from the childrens dad which sits in an ISA account .. over 6 children it is a pitiful monthly amount but it is better than nothing and I managed 5 years without and so don't miss it.. I have about £400 of that left to cover this Christmas. I have made items for many people and have shamefully added some bits to my catalogue accounts.


I've budgeted really badly this year which I have never done before.. I will get my act together for next year.

Catcherupper14

I'm have saved properly for Christmas for the first time ever, so I have no financial worries.


The family decided that we would not buy presents for grown children. I give money to the great-nieces for their parents to buy what they need or to put in the bank as they have toys and clothes aplenty.


I buy small gifts for my sisters and brothers and their partners and for two longstanding friends.


My main food shop will come out of the grocery challenge, but I will buy a few extra bits in case of visitors. I am with family for the two main days so I will take dessert (I can't have it at home as I'm trying to lose weight)

moments_of_sanity

I bought a lot of my Chistmas gifts for my DD's stockings in the January sales and have been buying one or two things as I see them through the year, I have saved my Te$co vouchers and will be boosting them (the vouchers were also free as DH works as a delivery man and staff get to put the points on their own reward cards), I have also converted my Topcashback money into Amazon vouchers.

I have made my DD's BF an advent calendar and a Christmas stocking as he will be here for Christmas and also made my eldest DD an Owl doorstop.

For me, buying little and often through the year is the only way I could afford it. Things like smellies, nail varnishes etc don't go off and sit happily in my loft until needed. The only thing I can't buy early are chocolates as they have no chance of making it to Christmas :rotfl:

Caterina

Our own Martin has written a very interesting article about gift giving at Christmas, here it is for those who haven't seen it before.

http://blog.moneysavingexpert.com/2009/11/10/is-it-time-to-ban-christmas-presents/

TattyG

No worries here - we have saved for presents for the kids and each other. I have been doing competitions throughout the year which has provided excellent presents for 5 family members so far and stocking fillers for my 3 children

Will start buying bits of food for the freezer this week to spread that cost but I have a fair amount in clubcard vouchers and Nectar vouchers.

Aiming to get everything sorted and organised so we can wake up on Christmas Eve and not have to go out until family party on Boxing Day !! Can't wait !! x