Why Do People Get In Debt To Fund Christmas?

[dave50]

Anyone who cant afford to buy fancy presents for all and sundry should inform all their family and friends that they cannot afford presents this year and will not expect to receive them either. It's not being tight or mean, there are higher priorities like keeping warm and eating and if people don't understand this then they are not worth bothering with.

[jackthehat]

Your glass still half empty, Dave?

Cheer up, it's nearly Christmas.

[emmie]

totally agree, it's a nonsense to say we must have this for the children, if you can't afford it don't do it. When things have taken a better turn financially, that is of course not always going to happen, you can then splash the cash.

[jno]

who's expecting you to bother with them? Just tell their kids that they've been bad and Santa's giving them a miss this year.

[emmie]

wow wasn't suggesting that, a step too far wouldn't you say.

[ummmm]

I don't get into debt to fund xmas.

[marval]

I don't get into debt, I only buy what I can afford.

[RATTER15]

Because some people find admitting they have no money very embarrassing , Some people have children that they will not see go without and suffer because of their own mismanagement of money, there are many reasons why people get into debt, some just cant handle money and some people are just impulse buyers. How many reasons do you want, we are all different and all have our own reasons.
I certainly wont be getting into debt this Xmas, if I cant afford it they aint getting it!!

[vodkancoke]

I don't get into debt for Christmas. I would love to be able to buy all my family the top pressies, but since there are 25 of us....that won't happen unless I have a Lottery win! They don't expect it, so no-one is disappointed.

[Truthabounds]

No problem. I don't celebrate it anyway. Why do people celebrate Christmas?

[Mamyalynne]

Have never gone into debt for Christmas, some years have been lean and some lavish - just the way it goes.

[julia-mag]

Well I am from the 'old school of hard knocks' where money was tight, so we made all our xmas things, our crackers, our chains, our presents (usually knitted) all useful things, nothing frivolus, aprons for aunties etc. etc. and a new hair slide for sister (if she was lucky!) and was grateful for anything that was given to me. Now I am going to make a batch of special biscuits to give to my daughter. Hope you all enjoy whatever type of Christmas you have.

[wildwood]

We haven't celebrated Xmas for a few years. Now that the kids have their own families we go and join their Christmas and don't have to do cooking or the dishes. ☺

[sherrardk]

One year I told my mother that we couldn't afford presents for anyone and she was horrible about it (crying with shame and embarqssment, apparently). A friend lent us some money to get the kids a few bits (paid back ASAP) but actually saying you can't afford to 'do' Christmas is a lot harder than you would think.

[askyourgran]

My daughter never forgave me for not getting her a Tiny Tears doll, I got one I could afford instead. Felt rotten about it but I couldn't go into debt to get something that I thought was expensive.

[DTCwordfan]

"Keeping up with the Jones" and personal image within the family.

Stupid, Yes
Shame, Yes
Irresponsible, Yes

But then who amongst us can can cast the first stone?

[Laelia]

I agree dave,
I suppose regards children , it's hard to say no in some cases where parents fear the children will be ridiculed. Not great life management skills to pass on to your children though, and so the cycle continues.