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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Christmas budget

68 replies

tryharder100 · 28/11/2015 22:42

I have struggled all year financially and as much as I have tried to save any little bit to get my son something good for Christmas and I feel like I have let him down.

Whilst all his friends will be opening games consoles and bikes all I have managed is a few games and some crayola bits. I know as normal he will act grateful and try and show he's happy I just wish I could get him something more.

my daughter is 3 so will be happy with her unicorns and ponies.

Do you think it would be wrong to look at finance options and go for it? I am trying to be sensible but it's been a rubbish year and he has asked for nothing so just want to reward that.

OP posts:

gubbygubby · 29/11/2015 17:24

Sent you another message !

Original poster

tryharder100 · 29/11/2015 19:43

Thanks gubbygubby x

OP posts:

Luxyelectro · 29/11/2015 19:45

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Artandco · 29/11/2015 19:49

I would stick with what you have. That's fine for a child's gifts. It's a time for family and sharing also

At 9 years he's also quite young to fully appreciate a games console. Think how much more he will enjoy recieving one at 12-14 years when he is old enough to fully understand them and actually play those 12+ age rated games. In a few years all games consoles will be much cheaper also I think with technology developed.

specialsubject · 29/11/2015 19:54

tat-mas has got ridiculous - you sound far too smart for peer pressure which is all it is, and you also sound like you've raised a very sensible lad.

kids need (in no particular order) food, shelter, love, education, clothing. One of those isn't free and if you read it as 'excellent parenting' it is also the most difficult one.

and it sounds like you have done it, in spades. Be proud of that because you should be.

dec 25 is just a date. Celebrate some festival in January when you may well find what you want much cheaper anyway!

Original poster

tryharder100 · 29/11/2015 21:26

I am happy for all the time we get to spend together over Christmas, I have managed to book the whole two weeks off work so that's my present.

I was just stressing that he would miss out because of me but all your lovely kind words have reminded me that it's about the time and love and that is all I can give him right now.

OP posts:

wannabestressfree · 29/11/2015 21:32

Where abouts are you try hard? Pm if you like...

LeaLeander · 29/11/2015 22:40

Not to put any pressure on you but with that amount of time off you could come up with a fun DIY project or craft or local adventure - things that don't cost much. He'll remember it as "the Christmas we wrote a play together" (or song or book or whatever) or "the Christmas holidays mum and I painted the bathroom sage green" (Freecycle request for paint and supplies..) or "the Christmas holidays we baked three different types of bread" or "the Christmas week we walked all over town to see the lights."

(Again, not to sound Pollyanna - I realize those suggestions are sort of tame and I really have no idea what little boys like to do but you get the drift - don't let the days slip past, have a couple of plans that he can anticipate and contribute to with ideas and such. Kids like to show they are imaginative and resourceful.)

And post a "want" on Freecycle after Christmas for whatever electronics he hoped for - many people will have upgraded and be ready to part with the last version. I am the moderator for my area's Freecycle group and trust me, people love to share their stuff this way.

ChristmasEvePJs · 29/11/2015 23:10

When DS (now a teen) was 9 he wanted to go camping in December! So one night over the holidays I dug out our 2 man tent, made up beds inside it, hung a string of fairy lights from the poundshop inside and left a backpack inside with a pack of playing cards, popcorn, chocolate and juice. We told stories, laughed, played cards and had the best time for the grand total of £4!

Original poster

tryharder100 · 30/11/2015 11:57

Great ideas and just the kind of thing he would love, Thanks

OP posts:

Original poster

tryharder100 · 30/11/2015 17:47

I have also found that the local library is doing Christmas crafts running up to Christmas so the kids will love that.

Also I sold an old coat on Gumtree, only £5 but a start x

OP posts:

Tamponlady · 30/11/2015 17:49

£30 on the toddler and £100 of my 16 year old

£80 on food we normally spend £50 a week

febreeze · 30/11/2015 18:28

This is almost the same wording as another thread a few weeks ago- was it on here or somewhere else?

Original poster

tryharder100 · 30/11/2015 18:37

Febreeze I have only posted one thread about this and not on any other sites. x

OP posts:

LeaLeander · 01/12/2015 19:13

Are you feeling better about the situation, TryHarder? Have you made any fun plans for the holiday season?

Original poster

tryharder100 · 02/12/2015 16:24

I do feel happier thank you lealeander. I am just really looking forward to having the 2 weeks off and doing fun but cheap things. I'm hoping to be able to take them to see santa. Thank you x

OP posts:

LeaLeander · 02/12/2015 23:10

Glad to hear it. I think you will have a lovely time. He won't remember the expense of anything just the fun. Let us know how it goes!

Original poster

tryharder100 · 12/12/2015 17:31

Does anyone have any tips on doing a nice Christmas dinner on a budget. normally have £30 a week for food. Thanks x

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