Must try harder!

joedenise

Lookafterthepennies2020 said:

I have also broached the Xmas budget conversation yesterday with SIL.  We spent 30 per child previously, last year I got it down to 20.  I try to be very creative and put a lot of thought into my gifts so the kids are usually really pleased with that they have. On the other hand I think she has a mad dash Xmas eve and gets anything so the idea of lowering it terrifies her.

However, we have DS1&2, Oh has a daughter from a previous relationship and then we have 9 nieces and nephews between us at £20 a pop..I’ve suggested maybe £10 in cash this year (apart form the 2yo) as they are older now and can put towards things they want… she thought I was being tight lol 

At £10 per niece/nephew that's still a lot of money.  Is it the fact that you've suggested money or that it is £10?  Perhaps find something thoughtful for each of them and spend no more than £10 on each, perhaps even consider buying second hand or charity shop.

We did that one year when our DDs had young children and said no more than £5 and it had to come from charity shops - even for the children.  We all found some really good things and the little ones were just as happy with their cheap stuff as they would have been with a big present!  

Lookafterthepennies2020

It’s the amount, I would be happy to do a £10 budget for a gift… I suggested money as she isn’t someone who spends the time and effort finding a gift, I usually pick something up for her and drop off or it’s very last minute /money. Xx

stymied

I don’t think you need to match the amounts exactly. Could you aim for £15-20 value for a lower cost with your shopping around and putting the thought in?

Trying to find the right presents is my least favourite part of Christmas so if you’re good at it, keep doing what you’re doing!

Sun_Addict

My DIL is having a dilemma with buying for her friends and their kids, then she has 3 siblings and their kids to buy for. I suggested doing a secret Santa for the friends and kids and having a get together to swap presents. She liked that idea. I don’t have many to buy for thankfully. 

WinterWarrior

Good morning and happy Sunday 🎃☕️🍁
I had a nice afternoon yesterday. I made the apple turnovers again and we had them oven hot with ice cream while watching strictly. I think maybe Adam needs to go now? It’s a shame, as really Judi would have been my next choice unless she vastly improved. It makes me laugh that I’m judging away…in real life I’m the one hiding in the corner and would never take my two left feet and none existent rhythm out to be mocked in public 🤣
yesterday was spendy as I ordered all the November pet food. I managed to get it under £250, which is a result, and I’ll clear it off my card on Friday when I get paid. It’s making me twitchy seeing it coming of the card available spend as I normally clear it immediately, but I think this is better than taking from savings and shuffling back. 

MrWW woke with a bad back, so I have my maids outfit on (virtually) and a stormy expression, while I do all the jobs and fetch him bacon sandwiches 😬
I hope you all have amazing Sundays filled with all good things 🍁🧁🍰🍫📚
I’m loving the Christmas chat by the way, it’s so useful to see everyone’s ideas ⭐️

BalanceBy50

Good morning WW loving all the Christmas chat too. A friend was astonished to hear that i don’t always buy my boys much! They write a list which I add to and then dish out ideas to family & friends. We then buy what’s left or if there is an expensive item on their lists. As all presents are delivered by Santa they aren’t really aware who’s bought what - that’s my job to frantically scribble on Christmas Day so we can thank everybody! I also do the same on their birthdays however my oldest is 9 so this will change soon I am sure.

loving the stormy expression face 😂😂. Hope you have a wonderful day? Is it taking the dog for a drive day? Xx

WinterWarrior

Hi @BalanceBy50, that’s a great idea. I think children need to understand how much Christmas costs when they get older. We always had a budget when we were young…£20 limit and flicking through the argos catalogue with hope in our hearts 🤣 as we got older we would choose clothes over toys and anything extra (lots of smaller surprises) were a bonus. I think once you become aware of how much the dinner, treats, decorations cost, you start to understand that not all families can be equal and to appreciate everything your parents can manage…or at least a little more.
As to the stormy expression…poor MrWW 😁 we are such different people. I have the animal drive to keep going if I’m ill, don’t stop or something will eat you (or the modern day equivalent of work will frown at your sick record). MrWW, on the other hand, would like to lie in a darkened room hearing the whispers of concerned relatives wondering if it’s time to call in a priest…and that’s just for a scratched finger 😳 He has a lot to put up with, with me, poor chap. 

And yes, I’m already getting pointed doggy looks out of the window to remind me where her car is 🥰

carolbee

I love the Christmas chat too, but I’m hoping mine might be in Australia! Victoria opening to parents of residents/citizens on 1 November. Just started doing visa applications. It will be two long years since we’ve seen our girls, heres hoping.

Im loving the thought of a pale and wan Mr WW nursing a paper cut and WW battling on with a broken leg!

we are both proper dance armchair experts here 

WinterWarrior

@carolbee that’s exactly us 🤣
I do hope you make it to Australia for Christmas, fingers crossed. We spent Christmas in oz one year when I was little, visiting grandparents. Receiving a gift from a dressed up Santa Claus, outside and under the blazing sun was one of the most bizarre experiences of my young life 😁
MrWW is a better expert than me, he can tell if they are out of time…how is that possible? I can only judge on if they give me ‘the feels’ 😁
We had our drive, more like a slalom in some pot hole infested places. The sun is out, the back window came down ‘for sniffs’, the sea was a beautiful mirror flat steely deep blue and all was well with the world ⭐️

WinterWarrior

good morning and happy Monday ☕️🍰🍫
Where did the weekend go ☹️

This week is all about not spending until Friday, fingers crossed.
The office Christmas do is planned for November, but it’s so far away it would be days of travelling for me, so I have been told I can claim the meal allowance by putting a receipt in for £35 😁 I’ll see if I have an existing receipt I can use, so then it will feel like extra money. 

I hope you all have a marvellous Monday filled with chocolate and coffee and everything essential to your happiness 🍫☕️🧁📚🍁🎃