Can't Afford Xmas!

[scoobysoo]

Christmas always costs my husband and I a fortune, as we have large families, and presents alone tend to cost around �300-�400, even when we try really hard to get bargains. We just cannot afford it this year, but what can you do? I had the idea of just telling everyone that we're just getting presents for the children, and please do not buy us anything this year. My husband doesn't like the idea, and reckons we should buy "token" gifts. I don't think people would want a load of old crappy "token" gifts, and it's a waste of money. I don't want to appear tight though, but I'm already worried about how much it will cost, and getting into debt. Any ideas?

[888sally888]

I think concentrating on the children is the best idea. Thats what we decided to do in my family and it works fine. Its not just a money issue for us, its more we felt we were giving eachother stuff we didnt need.

We have a spending limit and stick to it. All the kids are happy!!

The only exception we make is to buy whoever is doing Christmas lunch some booze and maybe a small gift to say thannk you.

[Ethel]

I have never bought Christmas presents for over 18s, except for immediate family, partly because I don't appreciate the stuff bought me!

There is nothing wrong with this approach, and I'm sure many will be relieved to have less presents to buy.

Let people know well in advance and it won't be a problem.

[redcrx]

you may well find that if you broach the subject that the rest of the family feel the same way about being able to afford it.

Why not suggest that you dont buy for certain people and that they dont buy for you? Thats what i do with many close friends.

(ps, 4get, if youre reading this, Ive got for you this year )

[888sally888]

Or do a Secret Santa where a group of you swap names and buy for 1 person only with a price limit?

[scoobysoo]

I'm glad I'm not the only on who thinks like this. The thing is, both of families are really into the present giving part of the day (especially my in-laws where you all have to sit around the tree, and hand out gifts) so it would be quite embarassing if we just sit there with nothing to give or receive! The thing is, although I appreciate the thought, I don't want to go home with another pile of stuff to clutter up my tiny hovel! Nightmare!

[B00]

Bit lte in the day to tell you this now,seeing as its nearly November, but had you thought of buying a few presents before now?

I started buying the odd present from August onwards, its the only way I can afford presents. Today I'm going out and buying the last couple of family presents that I need to get. This leaves me with only my hubby and toddler presents to buy next month.

Whatever you do- don't go into debt buying presents, i'm sure your relatives would be horrified if they knew their presents made you destitute!

I'm sure if you tell them exactly how your finances are regarding Xmas, they'll understand perfectly.

[scotgal]

We stopped giving presents to adult relatives years ago and believe me when I say that when I broached the subject with my bothers etc there was a collective sigh of relief. I get as much pleasure if not more of seeing my grandson opening his pressies than I do opening mine.

[scoobysoo]

Good idea B00, but we literally have to buy birthday presents every month, so no spare cash to buy Xmas presents throughout the years as well

[4getmenot]

redcrx if you reading my reply I have got for your children. lol :-)

[Doc.Spock.1]

Years ago at an office I worked in there was a system where you pulled a name out of a hat and bought that person a present.

It was anonymous of course.

The office @rsehole, who nobody liked, opened his present and found






A jar of vaseline and a pair of rubber heels.




That was the last time it was done.

[what..the?]

Just one idea crossed my mind and that would be to all bunch together and share the cost to buy one gift per person maybe. For example say you had 10 people to buy for and they all wanted to gift costing �10 if there were 4 families, if you divided the cost equally each family would have to pay only �2.50 per gift. And instead of all the gifts in total costing you �100 it would cost you �25

If you work out how much you can afford to spend on all the gifts then divide it by how many people you have to buy for, that will show you how much you can afford per gift multiply that by the number of other families will to share the cost and you have a total price bracket.

If you then ask everyone to chose a gift for that sum, then everyones happy, it means they all get a gift they have chosen themselves, it's not a cheap token gift and you don't get the he/she spend more money on someone else disagreement.

Just a thought x

[funnygirl]

Us adults in my family stopped buying for each other and we just concentrate on the kids up to the ages of 21.

I buy my Dad, ma in law and Hubby a present too.

[carrust]

Have you thought about making some presents? Handmade chocolates go down really well, as do christmas cakes etc.

[cazzz1975]

I tend to buy gifts from about august onwards myself, I dont buy hugely expensive gifts, just a little something unless its for my partner or children, most of the time people forget what you buy them in anycase!

[Eve]

I think in the most case, many people are glad not to have the extra expensive and hassle either so as suggested above, you might be pleasantly surprised.

My ex used to spend a ridiculous amount on presents for all kinds of friends at Christmas and it had just become a habit, one buys something and it just keeps repeating. Considering the debts he was in it seemed ludicrous to me!

[sleepyj]

ive brought a few presents all ready ..we cut back years ago .im 1 of 7 and bf is 1 of 5 then all the kids .use to just buy for the kids now a lot are older we have cut back even more ..i would rather spend the money on my own kids than on others that might not even like what we have brought them ,im sure a lot will be cutting back this year .

[Jillius]

My husband has hundreds of neices and nephews and he still insists we buy for all of them even though we just can't afford it. I have been on ebay and found some fantastic bargains. I got a High School Musical hoodie for one of the little girls for 99p and it had the labels still on ! I was well chuffed.

[sleepyj]

i wont be buying anything now need ro spend 400 on a new part for my car ..xmas is cancelled this year .:(

[B00]

Whilst shopping- i had an idea (I occasionally get them).

Whilst trooping round Poundland, I noticed loads of lovely little Xmassy things. How about making mini hampers for folk? Little basket type things can be bought for a couple of quid, and if you fill it with things from somewhere like Poundland it'll look lovely and will only cost you the bare minimum.