Christmas

[sasserina]

What do you guys spend on the children at xmas. I am worrying about if they will have enough etc. I know its not what you spend that matters and its about the love they are surrounded with and the true meaning of christmas but I do worry. I was fortunate enough to be a lucky child when it came to xmas but I am not as well off as my parents were.I do not want my kids to be left out or feel like they didnt have what they would have liked. Sorry. What a waffly question !!!

[sunny jim]

hi from what you say i think it comes across that you love your kids and im sure they know that.Showing love to your family especialy at christmas shouldn`nt be governed by money but unfortunately its a factor ,my advice for what its worth is spend what you can afford certainly dont borrow or go into debt.I`m sure nothing will prevent you and yours having a lovely time.

[B00]

Hiya sasserina- to be honest my family never had alot of money when I was a child and I can honestly say that I never felt disapointed at Christmas.

What i remember most about Christmas's as a kid is the games we played as a family (it didn't happen often!) the family parties, even something simple like sitting down to watch Xmas specials on telly.

I even remember one year me and my mum went holly picking, and i adored it, it was way better (thinking back now) than any prezzy I got that year. I can't even remember what I DID get that year- lol.

I'm sure it's things like that, that will make Christmas memorable for your own children, not the value of the present's you've bought.

[spudqueen]

My children get one main present, costing I would say betwen �60 and �100. We did get them a PS2 about three years ago, but it was a joint present. They make a Christmas present list every year and I always make sure that they get the one main thing that they want then two or three smaller things off the list. My sons used to love going through the Argos catalogue to see what they wanted. Then I bulk it out with cheaper things, my boys are now 14 and 12 so they get socks, toiletries, stationery, chocolate etc but when they were younger (and got bigger piles of presents!) I would buy colouring books and stationery and little nic-nacks from cheap shops.
I have one friend who always bought her children everything that was on their Christmas present list which was something I never did. I told my boys that they would get some things from the list, but not everything, but they would also get some things that they didn't ask for which they would enjoy as much.
Don't forget aswell that if you have relatives and/or friends who also buy presents for your children that this does increase the size of the present pile!

[sam+3]

I always spend more on birthdays because that is their special day. christmas is a time for everyone ,also start early, I always make sure they have the same number of presents too regardless of cost. Sometimes less is more!

[ytrewq]

I alway start early and shop carefully. Look out for 3 for 2s at woolworths and Boots. TK Maxx is a great shop for cheap toys and I've got bargains from e-bay. Sport and Soccer are good for anything sporty and if you want playstation/gameboy stuff check Game for their weekly offers. Never pay full price if you can help it!