Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

christmas and feeling skint

12 replies

musthaveone · 11/12/2024 11:11

So this is a first world problem and I know that a lot others are really struggling but, here goes....

So I have pretty much got everything I need apart from a few bits of fresh food. I saved for presents ( 2DC's) but the cost of the festive period is just crazy.

I am off work today so have been through my budget for the rest of this month. Once I have purchased the last bits of food and a couple of other essential spends ( normal food shops etc) I will be left with about £250. I break up on 20th and was hoping to do some festive stuff - days out etc, but I can't see it happening. I don't get paid again until 27th December so this £250 has to last me until then.

I wish I had saved more throughout the year. Anyone else in the same boat?

OP posts:
carolledout · 11/12/2024 11:15

Have you looked at local carols, kids services etc? It's not for everyone I know but they are nice Christmas events that run in that period. Sorry that you're struggling

SapphireOpal · 11/12/2024 11:17

Have you got to buy anything else out of that or is it just Christmas days out etc? It sounds like the latter in which case that's loads!

carolledout · 11/12/2024 11:20

Oh I saw on another thread but reminded me - we have several Christmas movie nights at home with hot choc, snacks etc. The kids love that.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Christmas Events & celebrations General money
Mrsttcno1 · 11/12/2024 11:23

Depending on how old your children are there’s definitely things you can do for free/small price.

  • Christmas carol service at church
  • Make salt dough ornaments and paint them to make little baubles
  • Gingerbread house decorating competition
  • Walk round the streets to look at all the different lights
  • Have a wander round the garden centre christmas decorations and pick a bauble each
  • Church halls (at least where we are) have craft & play mornings for kids the week before Christmas which are just a donation recommended £2
  • Softplays (where we are) are doing breakfast with Santa/lunch with the elves for £8-10 per child
  • Our local is doing a christmas party afternoon, no cost for kids but would have to buy food/drinks if wanted, they do pass the parcel/musical statute games etc so may be something similar where you are?
BraveBlueDuck · 11/12/2024 11:30

So after you've purchased everything for Christmas you'll have £250 to last 16 days? That's absolutely loads.

Every year there's multiple threads like this, people complaining that after all gifts/food they only have a small (usually in the £££s) amount of money left to last until their next payday which is usually a week or two away and they have no idea how to manage. It's more than manageable.
It's pathetic.

magicalmrmistoffelees · 11/12/2024 11:37

What does the £250 need to cover?

Original poster
musthaveone · 11/12/2024 11:39

magicalmrmistoffelees · 11/12/2024 11:37

What does the £250 need to cover?

Some fresh food for Christmas, days out, treats, drinks etc. It's basically all of the spare money I will have between now and the 25th after everything essential

OP posts:
magicalmrmistoffelees · 11/12/2024 11:46

musthaveone · 11/12/2024 11:39

Some fresh food for Christmas, days out, treats, drinks etc. It's basically all of the spare money I will have between now and the 25th after everything essential

Show quote history

Well then why can’t you go on some nice trips out with it, if that’s essentially what it’s for? I’m struggling to understand the issue really. You’ve got £250 for treats and days out, and you wanted to go for some nice days out but you don’t think you’ll be able to because you’re only got £250?

LadyKenya · 11/12/2024 11:54

The overall cost of Christmas, does not have to be crazy. Bits, and pieces can be bought in advance, where possible. Children's expectations regarding gifts should be managed. There is no point getting into debt, just to have lots of presents under the tree. I know that is not what your OP is about. Lots of things can be left by the wayside, if funds are tight. The shops reduce meats, and veg on Christmas Eve, if you are able to go then.

CeeJay81 · 11/12/2024 12:04

BraveBlueDuck · 11/12/2024 11:30

So after you've purchased everything for Christmas you'll have £250 to last 16 days? That's absolutely loads.

Every year there's multiple threads like this, people complaining that after all gifts/food they only have a small (usually in the £££s) amount of money left to last until their next payday which is usually a week or two away and they have no idea how to manage. It's more than manageable.
It's pathetic.

This. That amount is plenty. How much is the fresh food fro Christmas? Probably only a small amount of the £250, so you can easily have a nice day out.

Mylifeisamesssuchamess · 11/12/2024 12:08

BraveBlueDuck · 11/12/2024 11:30

So after you've purchased everything for Christmas you'll have £250 to last 16 days? That's absolutely loads.

Every year there's multiple threads like this, people complaining that after all gifts/food they only have a small (usually in the £££s) amount of money left to last until their next payday which is usually a week or two away and they have no idea how to manage. It's more than manageable.
It's pathetic.

Did your unkind comments make you feel better?

Normallynumb · 11/12/2024 17:20

£250 is more than enough although there are a lot of expectations of the perfect Christmas for DC, but in your mind not theirs.
I used to have baking competitions with mine!
Make some fairy cakes and let them loose with gel icing pens.
Film night
Family jigsaw or board game( from Charity shop)
Wrap up warm and go for a scenic walk in the woods or similar
Look at the lights
There are often free cinema tickets( or buy one get one free) on mobile phone rewards
You don't say the age of your DC, but you have plenty of spare money

New posts on this thread. Refresh page