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

You say you'll have to get into debt if you splash out.
Won't the paying back the debt over however many months ruin the fun you had on Christmas day? That's not meant to sound sanctimonious.

It's really easy to overspend but how much does an extra present or fancier crackers really add to the day, not to mention longer term.

We're having a "fuck it" Christmas this year.

What is it you want to buy? I try to resist the urge to buy loads of tat at this stage but I could still be tempted by a 'family' gift or something special that would make Christmas for the kids etc

This!
If I look back over my life the things that have given me pleasure didn’t involve spending money I don’t have. Doing that means stress and worry down the line.

Spending more money doesn’t necessarily bring more joy though. This is the problem with some people-they equate ‘things’ with happiness. A simple, low key Christmas is what we have every year & we love it!

To be honest, I'm happy with a tub of fresh cream, a nice pannetone to pour it over and a bottle of Bailey's. I feel sick if it eat too much and as long as there is wood for the fire and a blanket I can lazy about under, I don't need alot else.

But if you desperately need whatever it is or Christmas just isn't right, then go for it.

I’m not spending a thing on Christmas, instead I’m working. I’ll be earning double pay to spend on the things that do matter rather than one over hyped day. Do what makes you happy but avoid debt.

If you stay out of debt and can afford then why not.

Personally we’re just doing what we normally do because I don’t know what next year will hold with prices rises and mortgage hikes so I’m watching my wallet.

I have never gone really mad, I always imagine myself in January wishing I hadn’t bought half the stuff if I did go crazy. This tactic works for me.

We have restrained on gifts for adults and didn't host our annual Christmas Party for our friends. We are also eating less fancy chocolate and minimizing alcohol. That said, our children will not be bearing the brunt of the squeeze. We are lucky that we can afford to keep this for them.

Probably not a good idea to get into debt at the start of a recession.

I know its not the same, but every time I think of splurging at Christmas it brings back this memory for me:

I'd had a nasty few years but for the first time ever my family were coming to my very first 'grownup' house for Christmas. I remember saying to myself 'fuck it - for once I'm going to splash out for Christmas'

I splurged, just a bit, to make sure it was a great day. New tree/decorations, lovely thoughtful presents (a little more extravagant than my normal budget), new dinner service and napkins - fancy candles and centre decorations. Never mind the food....a veritable feast!.

I was over budget but I had no other debt, it was on zero interest credit card and very very manageable with the new better paid job I had just been made permanent at.

Due to a mix up my parents had arrived a day earlier so let themselves in via the hideakey as I was out (because I wasn't expecting them!).

My mum 'trying to be helpful' lit the splurge centrepiece candles to get some Christmas sprit on the go. Not realising they still had some of the packaging attached and managed to set fire to the whole table and subsequently the kitchen. The combination of smoke, soot and water damage ruined everything.

It also turned out my then partner had been pocketing the money I had been dutifully paying over every month towards house insurance (the only damn bill in his name). He lied and lied and lied, but rather than admit what he had done he moved out all affronted my 'lack of trust'. To top it all I was made redundant from the up and up job in the new year.

It took 4 nearly 5 years to clear my credit card in the end.