How much have you actually spent this year?

[Frankswife87]

Hi mumsnetters! I'm really sorry this has been asked so many times but how much have you spent on Christmas this year ? Have you actually sat down and went through your spending? I was inspired by reading the thread regarding the spending twitch we all get at Christmas and it made me laugh as I've had to force myself this week to stop buying unnecessary stuff for my dd's, I actually thought I was on plan with my budget for my dd's , oh how wrong could I have been I sat down and worked out I'd actually spent double my proposed budget per dd's! I'm actually discusted with myself but my DH told me that the dd's knever ask or get much during the year as we are always budgeting and have had such a bad run of luck this year

Is this a competition? How sad that people spend so much and are proud of it....And even sadder when people who haven't got much feel they have to compete.

£300 D
£150ish on DS1
£150 on DS2
£100 DH
£60DM
£50 each to 2 Nephews and a niece.
£280 tickets for concert and ballet.
£200 food.
I save £80 a month and it really helps.

it's not sad or a competition. if people can afford to spend it,then why shouldn't they?

I have been in positions when I couldn't afford to buy very much at all, and this year am in the position when I can. I don't find it sad at all. I'm still frugal where I can be. Bought sprouts in M&S tonight reduced to 20p a bag!

demented

Just because people choose to spend a lot of money because they can afford to, doesn't mean that the poor sod who is really struggling to afford basics doesn't deserve our consideration at Christmas.
It all becomes vulgar, when people aren't even aware of how much they are spending.

Hmm, I agree that boasting etc on Facebook is unpleasant (especially as those who are struggling can come across it accidentally) but on an anonymous forum with an unambiguous thread title to avoid if need be? I'm not sure I see the problem.

However I've found it very interesting what people include or otherwise - much like the "disposable income" threads - is a mobile phone essential or not? - you get those who keep an eye on trips to Santa and work dos and those that simply include presents. Neither is wrong it's just - interesting if you are nosy like me Similarly how many people you're buying for and stuff like whether your DC have bikes bought when needed or wait until Christmas makes a huuuuuge difference.

Christmas is about more than gifts and splashing the cash, of course it is.

I am going to strike a blow for second hand gifting on this thread, as I have been doing on a few others this evening. AND for reducing the gifting circle So liberating. I have spent a very small amount of money, getting my DC (8 and 5) more or less exactly what they want, mostly second hand. It comes with the added feel-good factor of knowing that the planet did not suffer in my pursuit of Christmas cheer. What's not to like?

So far? Zero. No money, and no time to spend what money I don't have. I am hoping to get some time at the end of this week. I won't be spending more than maybe £10-20 each on my 4 adult children, maybe a bit more if I end up getting them clothes. I'm not sure about my dh. We had agreed not to get each other anything but I know he has bought me something so now I feel I must. We are having a shit time this year. It isn't normally like this. I would normally spend anything up to about £200 each, though aiming for less.

Dumbledoresgirl I'm sure what ever you buy your loved one's they will all love they're gifts.

I'm sorry life is bad,I hope things pick up for you soon.

I can remember one Christmas struggling to buy a couple of toys for my 2 DS's who were young at the time,but thankfully we still had a lovely day and life got better,

I hadn't thought about it but I think it's about £500.
Half of that has gone on DH and DD, and this year has been a bit more 'extravagant' than the past 3.

Maybe £75 including all gifts and food.

Ive spent £530 in total on presents and that’s for dd, stepson, partner and eight family members so I think I’ve done well

About £600 on presents total, for 3 DC, DH from me and vice versa, my parents, MIL, nieces and nephews.

68p

Any more is simply wasteful imvho.

@gobblerknob absolutely love it

This wasn't meant to be a boasting thread neither was it intended to upset anyone! Sorry if it has, I'm not rich or in debt I've simply managed to save through park Christmas and we've had a really horrible shitty year so sorry folks I won't be feeling guilty for spending a large amount this year as a rare one off,

Too much

Oh yes and I absolutely hate it when I see many pictures on Facebook with big piles of presents! So glad I'm not on it anymore.

@Dumbledoresgirl I really hope things start to get better for you and your family! Bless you,

I find it all quite fascinating reading about other peoples' lives!

Every year I aim to spend less. I think I've possibly managed it this year but it still looks far too much written down.

DC x 2 - about 300 each (but this does include lots of practical stuff, books, clothes, sports equipment etc)
DH - 100ish
Family - 200ish
Travel - 300

I have bought throughout the year and most of it was bought when there were offers. Thank you Bargain Thread!

We are not hosting this year but will contribute to the food bill.

Would this include travel costs for Christmas? Eg if you're going to family

Approx £500 here. I thought I'd managed to be restrained and bargainous, I'm surprised it's so much.

£50 on FIL, regift (free) for MIL, £20 on SIL,

£20 on DSis, £10 on BIL, £20 on DNiece, £15 on DNephew, £20 on other DNephew, £10 on baby DNiece

£80 on DM, £70 on DDad, £200 on DH.

No DC to buy for yet.

Probably around the £500-600 mark.

Approx £200 on almost 2 year old DS (though to be fair, we haven't really bought him anything since last Christmas/birthday in Feb!) Includes presents and stocking.
£15 on relative's toddler
£60 each on my parents
£25 on eldest brother
£15 on other brother and £10 on SIL
£35 on Gran
£100 on DP

£50 on presents for everyone from DS

DP has probably spent £35 each on his parents

£40 on much needed new decorations

And then a little (but not sure exactly) on cards, wrapping paper, etc.
No food/drink to buy as we are visiting each side of the family over Christmas.

Next year will be less as we'll have two children so DS will have a little less, and DP and I will spend less on each other as well.

OP, I don't think it was a boasting thread at all, just wanted to spare a thought for those struggling.
Hope things look up for you Dumbledoresgirl

Not a boasting thread at all, I find it interesting. Some people have larger families, buy for more people and spend more money (because they can afford too), som spend a lot less because they can’t afford too blow £1000 on one day. The most important thing is that no one feels they need to spend a fortune, no one should spend money they have not got because Christmas is about other things too.

I try and keep to a budget, try not to borrow and have cut down the amount of people I buy for so I can spend more on the dc’s. Their gifts include things they need such as clothes as well as one main gift which they have chosen.

Teenagers are expensive, things cost more and are smaller ☹️, I spent over £300 on dd1 and there’s not much to show for it but if I spent £300 on a toddler it would be loads.

Budget was £500 each per DD aged 13&11. Reality was £800 and £600. Not happy but seems to be the norm with their friends parents too.

Admittedly I ion life's lots of practical stuff like clothes and sportswear