To scale christmas WAY back?

[OhMyGodSusan]

I have ds15 and ds10. Ds10 birthday is next month so added expense. Brought his presents for that just 3 things as I never go mad on birthdays but all things he likes/wants.

Im struggling with christmas this year with the cost of living. Usually I manage to save £150ish a month leading up to it havent done that this year.

Ive got 3 Xmas presents for ds10.. 10 manga books, pokemon cards and monopoly.

Would it be bad to put a limit at 5 or 6 presents each? And then take them for a overnight London trip in spring for christmas as there joint present?

They aren't massively into things other than computer games and I'm thinking it would be better to do some experiences with them. Anyone else done this?

I think that sounds a great idea. I’d discuss with them now though so they can get used to it and get into the idea.

I’m thinking of doing similar and trying to make it more about the spirit of it rather than the stuff. Especially when there’s not a lot they want. We do homemade gifts for adults now like chutney, sloe gin etc too which helps.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that not saying it’s his birthday soon so an added expense does that mean he’d get more if his birthday was earlier in the year? Is the train, hotel part of their present?

Also trying to scale back this year!

I think experiences are the best thing to have, a trip to London is what they will remember in years to come rather than a pile of presents :)

No i never go mad for their birthdays its always one big present or a couple of small things and then restaurant/takeaway of their choice with one or two of their friends.

No just the trip to London. Thinking of taking them to the national history museum and then a show of their choice on the night. Wouldn't say hotel and train is part of it.

Ive already asked the oldest and he loved the idea but youngest was a bit iffy. I want to teach them that Christmas isn't about money and presents especially now they are older. Will get the things on their list which is literally 5-6 things each but I dont want to fill the presents out for the sheer sake of it like I usually do when it could go on something they'd really enjoy!

I was thinking about this exact issue last night - everything is SO expensive now and I'd have to spend twice my previous (modest) budget to get the same amount of stuff this year.

Maybe doing lovely things together (whether it costs money or not) is a better option than spending money on "stuff", especially once they know about Father Christmas...

That all sounds great then. Sounds like you’ve really thought about how to make it nice for them

A trip to London sounds great but it could potentially cost the same, or even more, than present buying! Depending on how you travel and where you stay you could be looking at hundreds for a train, hotel and show tickets. Not to mention snacks/meals etc on top.

Sounds fine in theory , but realistically as PP has mentioned could get really expensive, especially if they have a particular show in mind . I wouldn’t promise it unless you have costed it out and will definitely have saved enough , not forgetting you will have to pay for the tickets , accommodation in advance of when you go .

We don't live anywhere near a big city so I'm looking at more regional theatres etc for shows...and maybe stuff like ice-skating or one of the "house of illusions" type things followed by lunch somewhere they'd choose rather than me. Also matinee shows rather than evening ones, so you don't have to stay overnight...or if there's a late train coming back late could just add to the fun?

Yes would be around £1000 for London just costing it up for Edinburgh which we're a lot closer too thinking Edinburgh zoo and will compare the two. Could do Edinburgh in Feb half term then and then London in the summer. They would be happy with that as presents.

I went overboard last year due to dh serious illness and I'm still paying it off tbh. So this year we will definitely be cutting back. Also did two expensive experiences last Christmas. I'm hoping dcs won't be too disappointed. Eldest was just talking about how much they got last year which makes me feel bad. I'm thinking of surprising them with next year's summer holiday to try to make up for it. They'll get about 10 things each totalling about 200 each. Last year it was at least 500 each plus the experiences. We also have a complete lack of space which will make me stick to my guns.

Will be scaling back on gifts, food, drink this year for sure! We just cant justify spending such a big proportion of income on treats for a few days.

Another thought that if the holidays are their presents they might
a. Prefer somewhere different to that
b. Rather not go away and have the money or go somewhere cheaper and have more money

Yes, I've spent the day looking at other cities. So far London, Edinburgh, and York. Will ask them both if they prefer the money or to go away.
But regardless I am not buying tons of presents just for the sake of it. Will get the oldest some tracksuits he wants and some legos. And the youngest some legos. But im going to stand my ground on this one.