How strong is the urge to say “screw it all” I am splashing out for Christmas?

[Dittosaw]

I am holding myself back at the moment. It’s just a day. But I can feel myself weakening

Sort of feel that's it's been a tough year that the savings can take a dent this Christmas.

I do think there’s some difference between ‘the savings taking a dent’ and getting into debt/being financially behind to splash out on very expensive things.

I think so many people get themselves into debt or behind, just ultimately for that one day. All the aggressive advertising that starts in September, all those messages on social media how this and that luxury item is “a Christmas must”, or the latest gadget that your child absolutely must have. but which costs hundreds and so on. It’s actually just all over hyped, over sold, brainwashing people into believing that it’s ok to spend more than you have. Personally I think it’s all distorted and a very materialistic time of the year. Don’t believe in Jesus but surely this a festive time, to have fun and a bit of time off, Instead of getting your self into deeper debt.

No not tempted, my kids get enough and don’t need more money spent on them. I never give them a budget but they always ask for stuff well under what I’d be willing to get them. So I usually buy surprises or give cash. They get our old iPhones which are 1-2yrs old and get laptops when needed so no big items they need.

We’re spending our usual budget, which is around £800 on presents and £100 for food. We already have around £500 worth of alcohol in my husband’s man cave so I think we’re good there 😆 I know we’re fortunate to not have really felt the pinch so far before anyone jumps on.

I would never get into debt at Christmas but I'm making sure we have a lovely time as the kids are only young once.

Have a suspicion that Christmas will be the last hurrah for a lot of people and will be followed by a massive period of belt tightening.

Once the higher energy bills start coming in in January, coupled with higher mortgage rates the contraction in discretionary spending in the first half of the year is going to be brutal.

Lucky you. We’re considering Switzerland for our holiday next year. Have a great time!

Not at all tempted. In the past (especially when I've been stressed or less confident in myself), I've ended up going 'all out' for Christmas and, while we haven't ended up in debt, I've spent money that would have been better spent elsewhere.

I don't know if it's just growing older (and wiser) or a change in values because of various experiences, but I have absolutely no wish whatsoever for a busy, luxurious or materialistic Christmas. I want candles, a sofa, a spooky book, Kate Rusby on Spotify, muddy walks, carol singing and to chill out with my friends, family and dogs. We will have plenty of good food (and wine), will focus on spending time with the people we love, and have some low-cost trips planned (to museums, a local show, London lights etc.). It's been a busy year, and I don't want the hassle of busy shops, new stuff, Christmas outfits or expensive nights out.

The thing I'm really looking forward to is going with my family to the Nine Lessons and Carols at our church and hosting a kitchen full of teens for DD's planned Christmas baking morning. I guess that's how fogey I am nowadays!

Have a brilliant time!

Homestly it sounds like a great Christmas!

We’ve gone this route - I’m buying stocking stuff with a bit of a plan but not adding up the cost. I know I’m way over budget. The difference is, this won’t take us into debt. We can afford the splurge. I do want to rein in our spending next year but that’s to build up savings since having work done in the house has reduced these and I want holidays and will probably need a new car next year.

Christmas won’t however come out of savings, we can cover it with our monthly income but it will mean not saving anything this month. I’m hoping to put £500 away still but think that may be ambitious.

I'm trying to 'minimize' a bit too, but more on NOT spending more money on the decorating of the house (I have tonnes of stuff to use) and sweets/snacks I keep out for 'treating oneself'.

I don't believe in going into debt for the holidays. At least, my rule of thumb is if I can pay it off in 3 months then do it!!!

Yes, why not. Treat yourself!

Absolutely not worth getting into debt for
If you can spend without doing so then crack on
I had a £400 car bill last month out of nowhere its definitely making me conscious of what I spend

I keep thinking shall I just go for it with regards to budget, but it's using my dhs inheritance which is earmarked for home renovations,so the more I spend on stuff the less there is for the essential building work we need.

I've treated myself & the immediate family a bit more this year because DH is working xmas, none of the grandparents/aunts/uncles etc are coming and we can't go and see them, a planned reunion has been cancelled and frankly I was feeling really flat about Xmas and this year all in has been more than a little stressful.
It doesn't put us in any financial stress, so I just thought sod it.
I'm generally very frugal so it's really out of character for me.

Think of regrets in Jan.
Not worth it.

No debt for me but if a miracle happens best Christmas ever.

I like this meme.

OP, is it just you, or do you have a DH/OH. If you do might be worth discussing with you, as it's something (nice) that's obviously playing on your mind.

We have just done it. Sod it. We have savings and I need and want the joy

If you have ready cash that isn’t for anything else, go for it, but do not get into debt for the sake of one big day!
We splurged this year for Christmas so I know the feeling, but you don’t want to have to worry about paying it back after Christmas. That ruins the fun!

No I wouldn't use the money I need for something I want.

If you can't afford it, don't to it.

Dh and I were saying how lovely it would be to have a Christmas with gifts for small dc only and just extra food and drink.
This year we are having a noisy get together at in-laws to celebrate a dgc.
It will be fun but a bit of me would love to be just me and dh.