Being made redundant and need Christmas ideas.

29 replies

Username348 · 06/11/2025 20:41

I’m being made redundant having only JUST finished mat leave. Our finances have taken a hit as I was on SMP we’ve no savings left. Towards the end I was living on an interest free credit card thinking I’ll be square after a few months back at work. I feel utterly depressed.

I need ideas for my 4 year old to make Christmas special. She loves crafts and princesses. Baby is fine as I can pick up a few bits off facebook for him.

OP posts:

Original poster

Username348 · 07/11/2025 21:49

Deliveroo · 06/11/2025 22:19

That’s a blow op. And really hard timing.

We found ourselves on the bones of our arse, when our dc were young and had to completely strip back our Christmas spending.

It was one of our loveliest Christmases, and we made new traditions that we kept, even when things got better for us financially.

We did lots of crafts - making gingerbread man chains out of brown paper, and a washing line of santas clothes (cutting and colouring). Everyone got biscuits and chocolate treats that year, packaged in boxes that the dc decorated. The dc loved baking and making and were so excited about delivering those gifts.

Don’t be embarrassed into spending on gifts for adults- anyone who is close enough to get a gift, should be understanding. Just be upfront about it sooner than later.

I packed out their stockings out with an orange in the toe (to squeeze for juice for breakfast) character colouring sheets and puzzle pages that I had downloaded for free, and a decorated Pringles tube filled with coloured scented playdough You can find all sorts of ideas and free things online. Set up price alerts on camel camel for anything that’s a must-buy to see when the price drops on Amazon (and which reductions are genuine bargains).

We went on nature walks and round our neighbourhood to see light shows, and watched the sunrise on the solstice.

I didn’t let them see tv ads for toys because it’s hard to compete with those, and built excitement for the gifts that I had bought for them. Young dc are easily influenced!

Charity shops are absolutely great this time of year - too good actually, so you need to be very disciplined. Make a list and stick to it. It’s also a good time to sell stuff if it’s time for a clear out.

You could make a princess dress up kit with charity shop bits and some imagination.

Thank you, that’s really reassuring to read

OP posts:

Jk987 · 07/11/2025 21:58

Charity shops all
the way! You can find toys of all shapes and sizes that you can wrap up and they’ll look exciting! Don’t forget to sign up for job seekers allowance straight away. You’ll be entitled to something.

Whatisityoucantface · 07/11/2025 22:06

Christmas is definitely about the people you’re with and the vibe you create. So you can have a really lovey one. 4 year olds are great and have no idea how much you’ve spent on them! On Vinted there are actually lots of brand new and good condition barbies, teddies like squishmallow, dressing up outfits, dolls, games like guess who/ snakes and ladders selling really cheaply. She won’t notice if they’re second hand. I got a dolls house off Facebook really inexpensively last Xmas and lots of Vinted toys. I also recommend shops like The Works for inexpensive crafting items/ card games/ sticker books. Bath bombs or bath crayons are super cheap and kids love them.
Walking round your local area to see the lights is great esp with a made at home hot choc for the walk. Look out for local Xmas fairs and toddler group events because the big man always turns up and gives the children a gift - for free!! I have no idea why anyone pays to see him.
Have a fab Xmas x

SugarRevolution · 07/11/2025 22:09

I made a dressing up chest for mine. Begged old clothes, scarves, sunglasses, hats, shoes, costume jewellery, tiara, pieces of fabric from family, friends and bought from charity shops. A sparkly blouse and chiffon scarf makes for a lovely princess!
Labelled a large, used picnic hamper to store all the bits.

DC’s played and played with it.

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