1- Set a realistic budget. Work out exactly what you can afford to spend and stick to it.
2- Credit cards - Credit cards are a Godsend if used correctly. My advice is only spend what you can afford. Use your cards by all means but make sure you'll be able to pay them off when the NEXT bill arrives otherwise you'll be paying interest.
3-Whatever your budget is for Christmas this year plan your spending.
-How much with the food cost?
-What bills will be coming in over Christmas?
Cost out all the essentials first.
Whatever is left goes on presents, going out etc.
4-Be creative with presents.
-Make gifts (cakes and biscuits go down well or an original painting by you or the kids)
-Give the gift of time. Can you offer babysitting time, gardening time or cleaning time to friends and relatives.
5-Give your Kids some credit.
This works in two ways
-Trust your kids and explain to them that this year your on a christmas budget and you only have limited money to spend on gifts most kids can understand this. Smaller kids will still expect Santa to bring gifts - Explain that Santas on a budget too for this year and he has lots of children around the world to buy presents for.
-Give your kids some IOU's this Christmas. Decorate a cardboard box and fill it with newspaper etc, inside an envolope write out an IOU.
for example IOU 1 picnic on the beach, IOU 1 baking day, I owe you a trip to the cinema.
These are great ways to add inexpensive or no cost gifts. Most kids and adult love seeing lots of presents and the opening. Don't think your kids will think this is a rubbish gift. I always add these sort of gifts (for children and adults) and they all love it. It's also something to talk about, plannning when and where.
6 - Speak to relatives and explain that this year your on a really tight budget. Ask them not to buy presents this year and then you don't need to buy for them.
7 - Make use of the bargain shops. Pick up some fun items for next to nothing and fill up the space under your tree. Ever present doesn't need to be 'That special gift'.
My kids get a small pack of after eights every year from santa and it's a family tradition that costs very little.
On my law of attraction blog this week I'm posting all week about how to create you ideal Christmas. You'll find more advice there at http://loa4llife.blogspot.com/
Parents - Remeber no matter how big or small your kids are all kids prefer happy parents (not stressed out parents who are worried they are in debt). Time is a very precious gift.
My very best wishes to you all and hope for a wonderful Christmas for everyone.
Wendy x
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