ahardyfool I'm sorry to hear you lost your job. It always happens at this time of year too. I don't know why it's harder, but the new year often brings recruitment budgets back to life, so hang on in there!
if you can, try and enjoy the break and extra time with your family. The list is super and they sound lovely.
I am a bit sick of the consumption being forced down my throat this year. Although ds only wants one toy this year, it isn't cheap. We sorted all of his "baby" toys and he will be selling them in a kids toy market at the beginning of the month. He can choose to put it towards presents or give it to the school charity. He is organizing the sale and running his stall.
We are doing a lot of home baking rather than huge food shops and freezing in advance. Actually baking is something I turned to heavily when I was made redundant. It is an amazing stress reliever and makes me feel busy, purposeful and peaceful. Like a form of creative meditation!
There a lots of things you can do to create special memories and save money. We are planning a games afternoon where everyone brings something for the buffet. We are also having a few forest walks with stops for hot choc, marshmallows, homemade shortbread, sausages over a fire pit.
You could look on wowcher or similar websites for some cheap activities, cheap cinema tickets (do you have club are vouchers you can spend for example?)
I am looking forward to the cinema trip, to see Rise of the Guardians. The clips look awesome. Make some pop corn and take in cartons of drinks and treats so that you don't she'll out for those eye watering treats.
I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas.