How do people afford Christmas?

[Poppets14]

Just been out Christmas shopping and have had to use my credit card and store cards.

We are remortgaging the house in February and paying off our debts so we are back at square 1.
We are in about 4K worth of debt so not a massive amount.

My question is how do people afford Christmas? Everything is just so expensive.

Do you save all year?
Buy throughout the year?

We are getting are finances in order next year and I do not want to fall into the debt hole again!

[Invasionofthegutsnatchers]

£400 on two tracksuits for growing children is insane. DD likes Nike and Adidas but I shop online at Sports Direct through the year using codes and sales and get hoodie for £12 and t shirts for a fiver.

I buy all presents throughout the year actually. If I see something I buy it and put it away. Just need to wrap now. Cash to go in Christmas cards for nieces and nephews gets saved through the year in a tin. I've got special food in the freezer and cupboards, my parents are bringing the turkey so I've finished spending now.

[Invasionofthegutsnatchers]

I would save through the year for shopping but hate going in shops in December, so busy and online shopping delivery times are really long at the moment. So although I have to store stuff through the year it works for me.

[Goldenphoenix]

I buy presents as I see them for the kids throughout the year. I buy them from charity shops where I can. I do buy for my husband but no other adults, we all agreed years ago to just buy the kids and everyone has a £20 limit for nephews, nieces etc

To keep food costs down we buy a turkey joint instead of a big crown and do our own veg rather than buying all the prepared veg in trays. Potatoes in some goose fat is lovely and a fraction of the cost of prepared roasties. I buy snacks and chocolates in the months running up to Christmas. We don't drink much so don't spend money on booze.

[LifeIsWhat]

I am going to paint an oil painting for most my friends, on a subject they each will like. The money saved from not buying gifts will pay for my 2022 painting material.

[BasiliskStare]

@LifeIsWhat - what a lovely idea - when my great friend was between jobs and was worried about what she could get for her parents' significant anniversary on her budget I painted a picture for her ( acrylic not oils - I am not that talented ) They loved it and is in their dining room to this day. ( I did make sure she thought they would like it before I started ) That is a present I would love . I have a little oil painting from a neighbour who did a little exhibition to contribute to a local charity - it's fantastic .