Oh, you’re definitely not alone! Christmas can feel like a marathon with all the expenses piling up, especially with everything costing so much more these days. It’s tough to juggle making the holidays special without breaking the bank. I’ve been focusing on more thoughtful but simple gifts, maybe even handmade or DIY ones for close family. It helps remind me (and them!) that it’s the thought that counts. And yes, so many of us are feeling the squeeze-it’s just not something everyone talks about openly. Hang in there; you’re doing your best, and that’s what truly matters.

I try and buy things throughout the year at sales, etc, but it is getting a lot harder and a lot more expensive. We’ve cut back this year, and are doing something they need, something they want, something to wear, and something to read.

Setting a realistic budget and sticking to it I find works for me. Also reigning in kids that get ahead of themselves asking for things that you can’t afford a simple no that’s too expensive choose something else is needed. Christmas is only as expensive as you make it.

When my 2 kids got themselves a mortgage then started having babies, I said no more presents! It’s just too hard, thinking of gifts then finding the money. Now all my spare $$$s goes on my grandkids. This was before the cost of living became ridiculous

Most of the time, a small but carefully chosen gift will trump a big expensive one.

I feel this so much, on a deeper level. This year has been very hard financially for us & I know many others in the same boat xx

Yes. Living what almost feels day to day sometimes. But I try to keep an abundant mindset it’s so important I think to always feel like “I always have enough” “My needs will always be met” etc. We got a beautiful food hamper from the local neighborhood center for Christmas perhaps there is something local which could take some stress off for you with food etc. Personally I have used Zip pay and Afterpay to be able to able to afford Christmas presents for my daughter/family and a few things for myself too as I also got hit with a big mechanic bill a month before Christmas. They have been a lifesaver for me, Zip especially as the payments are more flexible than Afterpay.

Yes most definitely! Saving for presents isn’t easy, had to put some money away earlier in the year, but I am still feeling the pressure. Tried to get bargains in the Black Friday sales.

We are going to use some of the sales after Christmas to jump ahead for next Christmas.

Oh I couldn’t agree with this more!
My little one is the first of the next generation on both sides, the rest being adults. We are at the points where one family we do KK (but a gift card and on the day play a game to see who gets what). This took around 5 years to get to this point though with the older generation focusing on gifts.
The other side we still buy for everyone which is just as frustrating because it’s usually gift cards. I’m so longing to not keep buying for adults but haven’t been able to get anyone to agree yet.

As of next year I plan on doing the four present rule for my little one to help ease costs, not to mention the amount of stuff she will end up getting from everyone else!

Many people are in a similar position and being careful and sensible with costs. We have budgeted for food and presents and focus on get togethers for good times; conversation and laughs. Friends and family should always value what you bring as a person and not worry so much gifts. We offer time to help with things; vouchers for coffee, picnic or bbq, assist with gardening & chores, drive somewhere nice, visits to free galleries and museums & take a packed lunch.

I also often have to think of an old friend of mine; she just gives presents for $10 max per person (including for her kids) and focuses for the rest on family & togetherness.
Another step you can make is decrease your spending gradually each year; for example when you spend now $200 pp, go to $100, then $50, then $20 etc

I think his is something we do ourselves.
Last year we traveled to Europe to visit my family and decided to do no presents, we just had a Xmas diner by my sister and went for a walk together. It was lovely not to hunt for present and all the craziness and focus on family.

I think everyone feels pressure to some extent. We can only learn from it and start early next year to be organised and take the pressure off. Try to move al those pre Xmas get-togethers to November and get them out of the way.

I feel the same.
Everyone wants to catch up and they always suggest coming over to my house which means I have to fork out the money to feed them all. I don’t have the money to but I don’t want to be rude and say no.
I’ve kept my presents at a minimal and I only buy when it’s on sale but I can’t keep up either.
My credit card never seems to get paid off and next year I’ll have another child starting daycare and two extra days for the one that’s already going so that’s more cost to me and my pay isn’t going up either!

I’m pretty good about budgetting brutally and just expecting people to understand. But I do feel a huge amount of pressure around getting everything done and organised.