I get fed up of news items, radio phone-ins and forums where people bang on about I got them and they did not bother. As bad is the fact many spend money they can't afford to spend on what I often deem as useless, so-called presents.
We only celebrate Xmas in a commercial way just like the majority in the UK and thankfully we can afford to get presents to our children who are married nd to have their own children. If we had less money, we'd by a cheaper gift but never borrow money.
People too often forget that Christmas is one day but the bills for food/feul etc will keep on coming
Why not do a Xmas where only the under 16 get presents unless you have money saved up and are comfortable with spending money on a present that will not be tossed into a bin. We give our children/adults money, often 100 pounds each. They can treat themselves to what they want or use it to top up to buy what they want, We have a long day together at our place from about 11 until the early hours of next day.
I was not born in the UK and my parents came here in the 60's and have always joined in the yearly events in a partying, commercial way, like most.
Please do not feel bad if you can't get your child a present costing more than a fiver as its the thought that counts. Even more importantly, a warm home with food on the table and clean, nice clothes count more than one silly present and the odd meal out at big M for kids is a massive treat. Do the right thing now and don't get into unnecessary debt and you will be rewarded in the longer term by your prudent spending as money makes money.
When we were children up to the age of about 13/14 we loved presents but these days kids get presents/toys in many cases every month. So if you are feeling the pinch like millions, don't drive yourself into bigger debt as kids under the age of three are more interested in playing with the toy box etc.
No one gave us a penny, never been on benefits, we never wanted a penny off anyone but my , our parents taught us to spend money that we had and alway have savings and don't live in rented property. Their advice has done us and our children wander. We are financially comfy and part is luck as is everything but the majority is skill and I only get paid about 33k a year and my OH about 45 we both work 40 hours a week, plus lunch breaks and 2 hours travelling so we are away from 12 hours a day but it is worth it
Money makes money, just give it a chance and dont try to run before you can walk.
NB: I am not trying to offend anyone but fed up of foolish spending and debt and worse. Please do not forget Christmas is one day a year and its not really about presents and my parents were not from the uk nor am I. I have been back to the motherland a few times and if you feel you are hard up, you've not really seen anything Enjoy your Xmas, drink in moderation and not getting the 800 PS9 etc, not to worry, trust me you will as money makes money and means less work Enjoy and I wish you a healthy and wealthy 2023 :)