Cutting the cost of Christmas

Christmas is a magical time for many families, but buying a tree, toys for the kids (young and old!) and all the trimmings can leave many of us struggling in January when the credit card bills start to pile up. A merry Christmas can quickly turn into a not so happy New Year.

This article is produced from information provided by Care for the Family.

It’s easy to understand why Christmas is one time of year when we’re most tempted to overspend, and before we know it we can run up debts that last long after the very items we have purchased.

Tips for sensible spending

Many couples find it helpful to agree a budget beforehand and to shop together where possible to avoid arguments. If you know how much you have to spend you can help ensure you don’t rack up huge credit card bills. Remember – the bargains you buy on credit can end up costing you much more in the long run.

Planning ahead is also incredibly helpful. Try to start saving for Christmas as early as possible – perhaps in a savings account? Even just a couple of pounds a week through the year can really help pay for Christmas. Also be aware that companies that offer you a “hamper” scheme may overcharge you for food, you may find better quality food at lower prices elsewhere.

Expectations

One of the most costly aspects of Christmas is all the things you’re ‘expected’ to spend money on. A bit of honesty goes a long way – if you can’t afford to buy presents for distant relatives then get in touch beforehand and ask if this year you can just send cards? You will probably find that they’re relieved to not have to buy gifts for you too!

Office nights out can also be expensive – particularly if you’re expected to take your partner, as well as potentially needing to hire a babysitter and taxi. Think carefully before committing yourself to going to a party.

Of course you may feel you need the opportunity to have a night out, plus the social aspect of a ‘works do’ should not be underestimated, but realistically if you don’t want to go, and you really can’t afford it, be bold and decline the invitation – you may find your courage inspires colleagues to do likewise.

It is also at home that you can feel under pressure, things like cooking the traditional Christmas Turkey with all the trimmings is a good example. Think about which ‘traditional’ Christmas food items don’t get eaten. No one want to still be eating Dates and Nuts in February, so if you’re not likely to eat it then why buy it?

Memorable does not need to be expensive

One of the ways we can add to Christmas stress is by assuming that because we can’t afford huge gifts for our family, Christmas will turn out a big disappointment, but this doesn’t have to be the case. For example many children will be excited by the prospect of staying up late to go to a midnight carol service.

If your child has got their heart set on one particular expensive thing then ask family and friends to consider contributing to the one big present – even if it’s just a few pounds – it all helps.

Don’t forget classic party games either; they shouldn’t cost the earth, and should be a lot of fun. Get the kids involved in planning the games – such as setting forfeits for a game of Pass the Parcel. Games like this can be a great way to forge strong relationships with other family members including grandparents, Aunts and Uncles.

Christmas Films

A good way to make the most of the abundance of films on TV over Christmas is to record them to watch later in the year. If  it’s a Christmas specific film then keep it back to the following Christmas and make watching it a family tradition. Remember most children love repetition so seeing the same film every year can be something simple which can mean allot to your kids

 

This article is produced from information provided by Care for the Family, a Christian Charity that can offer advice on a wide range of subjects. Click here to visit their website for further details and for a document (PDF 1.4MB) with more information on surviving Christmas click here.