My Christmas expenses look to be totalling over £1000

[Xmasdemon]

This includes decor including a tree, lights, garlands, a door wreath and other little pieces; outfits for self and child in family; presents and money gifts. Is this crazy or is this just the price of Xmas ?

I think people jumping on the Christmas tree issue are being a bit harsh. Obviously it's awful for the planet but doesn't sound like you bought them planning to throw them away. People throw plastic tat away all the time, only judge if you've literally never had to throw things away when moving.

Personally if your goal is memories for the kids I'd reduce spend on any adult friends and family (with my family I've suggested we just buy for the kids and we are doing very small presents. I don't buy for friends), let the kids choose a few cheap decorations from charity shop or b and m, spend some time walking or driving around the area looking at Christmas lights and buy a few food things the kids love. You don't have to spend loads on a huge roast if they won't care about that. Growing up we always had Bolognese for Christmas dinner because it was my favourite meal. It's a lovely memory for me. Play some silly games, watch Christmas films cuddled up with a hot chocolate. Go to a carol concert or a local amateur panto. And buy yourself something small but special, it sounds like you've been though a lot. I understand the drive to spend when you've had a tough time but a lot of the things you've mentioned your kids won't care about and I doubt they will make you as happy in the long term as you think, especially if you enter January with money worries.

Right? I'm not going to buy all that, so it's not the price of Christmas for me.

I think this about me throwing out artificial trees every year
I have part of a artificial tree that is over 25 years old. When it was no good as a Christmas tree I use the branches for decoration and I still use them today.

I think you are putting a lot of pressure on yourself to create a 'perfect christmas' and create this ambiance you mention.

How old are your children? Will they even notice the extras?
Honestly mine are happy as long as we have a tree (artificial, used each year) and some decorations up. Not every room in the house is decorated, just the living room.
I think you need to look at what the most important aspects are. If you are going out for Christmas lunch then that is likely to be your biggest expense. Rather than buying a specific outfit for that I would look at what I already own and what I could buy to go with it e.g. if I have some smart trousers then only a new top would be needed. I wouldn't buy something specifically with Christmas on it so I could then use it for other occasions throughout the year.

I think you need to remind yourself that money doesn't equal happiness. I see so many people on here saying they want to do something special as it's been a bad year/tough times, but spending money doesn't change that.

Tbh I don't think that's an unreasonable amount all in (though you haven't included food). We will spend over that and we won't be buying a whole new tree. We've bought a few new decorations and lights but that is to expand what we already have rather than replace. But with presents, days out, food, few new decorations, all adds up

This 👆
Christmas (like wedding, birthday or anything else) can cost ton or a little, it's up to you. You said "you want" to do this and "you chose to spoil the kids" this year because you gave the money but also admitted "you have to take from savings and will have to cut back in January"

I didn't like reading how you "have no decorations from previous years" and "usually buy a real tree or a cheap one then throw it out in January".
And "didn't know" you could buy cheap decorations
Ah. So you are wasteful with no sense then.

I love Christmas....
I hate Christmas wastefulness.
No wonder the landfills are overflowing and everything is polluted.
More stuff!! I need more stuff!!!
I want it, oh but it's expensive, oh but I can afford it, oh but I really can't.....

Well then it’s bananas.

Like others have said it’s as expensive as you choose to make it. We have more DC, DGC, DC have partners, extended family etc so far exceed that in gifts alone. We can afford it and choose to spend as we do so that’s ok - we could reduce it drastically if needed.

Door decor and garlands can be easily left out, outfits can be cutback to jumpers . Christmas meaning isn’t for instagrammable pictures of perfect decor and outfits, like all the adverts show to encourage us to buy more ,it’s for time together and fun and appreciating each other. I also fall into hole of buying some stuff don’t need , but now getting older realise kids only remember the time, not specifics like outfits, decor .

Haha, each to there own, but mine will be a couple of hundred, including tree, food and gifts. Xmas decorations (apart from a real tree) are re used each year. They're only out a few weeks, so they don't get worn out!!

Bit different for me because my only child will be 2 months old this Christmas but she's getting nappies, my husband and I will have a nice steak and fancy sides from m and s, we have a budget of £10 to spend on presents for each other, we already have decorations and a tree so will pop those up. Christmas day will be spent with a long walk, nice dinner, board games and Christmas TV. It may sound tight but I find 'stuff' really stressful to store, tidy etc.

Boxing day we are having family over and will make a big chilli or something and play silly games.

I know it's going to get more expensive as our daughter grows up or if you have multiple children but £1000 seems very far from what I expect to spend ever!

It takes years to build up a Christmas collection of decorations, dishes, lights etc.

I have finally enough decorations for the house and about dishes, table clothes etc for Christmas dinner. That took about ten years!

I add something to the collection every year

Crazy price tbh! I get an 8 foot real tree from a local farm for 40 quid, and I make a wreath every year its fun and quite easy, cut greenery from the garden or from my place of work. Same with indoor decorations, make as much as possible and it's fun with kids.

That's unfair.

Our local FB marketplace is flooded with free Christmas trees this week.

Good on you then. If you can afford it, this is fine. It’s nice to spend on things that bring you happiness.

If you can afford it then it’s fine. Where’s your food budget?

Please tell me you haven’t already spent that amount

I discovered recently that many people buy new tree decorations etc every year to be 'on trend' I suppose for their sad social media pics. At they don't have to haul stuff up/down stairs and in/out of the garage in big plastic boxes!

I've just found a lovely decoration my mum gifted me I had forgotten, and a lovely big ribbon at the back of my wardrobe

You’re choosing to make that the price. Did you not have decorations etc. before? Why do you and your child need new outfits? Do you really need to buy expensive gifts?

If you want to do all that and can afford it, no problem. It’s entirely up to you, but if you can’t afford it don’t do it and then complain!

we’re pretty comfortable, but our budget is £600 which I build up by saving £50 per month through the year. £1000 when you have other financial priorities sounds bonkers to me.

OP, you’ve obviously been through some tough times and naturally want to create the best Christmas possible. But using savings to do so would be madness. What if you’re poorly over Christmas or have a row or the oven breaks down? All the money you’ve spent won’t guarantee you a magical time. Please don’t spend so much and then regret it in January.

That’s not to say that I think you should do it on a shoestring, just be careful to spend wisely. for instance, Why not get cheap and cheerful decs and each family member has a budget of £15 to get one amazing bauble that is a precious memory every year you unpack it. Spend a morning shopping together for these baubles and then movie or baking or paper chain making when you get home.

Outfit for going out for dinner - charity shop (our local ones currently have a sale of party outfits).

Tree - wooden tree from Lidl, £25, packs flat. Or wait for a storm and then search your local park for a large fallen branch, brush it clean, and if you want you can spray paint it silver (paint, £3).

Decorations. Buy a pack of thick paper/thin card (£5) and cut it into bauble and snowflake shapes. Hang them from the tree and stick them to windows. String of lights for the tree (£10). Roll of wide red, green or gold ribbon (£5 for 20m).

Wreath and garlands - unnecessary.

All of these require minimal storage space, so are a one-off expense.

Wanting to make an effort is great, but put the effort into thinking of cheap and effective ideas instead of spending.

You've taken a real kicking on here op, which is unfair based on your later updates.

I totally get you wanting to make things special after hard times. My only caution would be doing all those things and spending that amount doesn't guarantee the best times will be had. Time together is always a winner

Whatever you end up spending,I hope you have a wonderful Christmas 🎄

I have bought them for £6-£8 a box...