 The cost of celebrating Christmas can be huge but only if you fall into the commercial trap.
It is far better to celebrate a Christmas that you afford than one which will leave you paying for it next year or even beyond. Debt has a habit of snowballing and once you have money to lay out for debts, such as payments for Christmas credit card spending, you may find it difficult to become debt free. That in turn can lead to the need for more debt if you experience a financial negative early in 2016. Ill-health, redundancy, the roof of your house caving in, or even just urgent new winter shoes for all the family could tip you deep into an ever increasing spiral of debt. So first and foremost as you begin your countdown to Christmas work out your budget This can be flexible but only up to a point. If you have secured a credit card with a deal that is interest free for a period of time remember that sooner or later that 'free trial' will end. Unexpected outgoings in the New Year could leave you unable to clear the debt in time. The Christmas Tree Want a real tree that will fill your room from floor to ceiling? The practicalities of such a tree probably mean this is not a good idea. Then there is the cost of tree. Would you be better opting for a modern 'real looking' artificial tree that can used year after year limiting expense at Christmas? The latter could be an environmentally sound idea although you can source eco-friendly trees these days, usually at a high price though. Decorations Thankfully many modern tree and house decorations are fairly unbreakable although not entirely so if great Uncle Egbert happens to stand on one after it has fallen from the tree! Start with just a few and build your collection of decorations over time. That way some will hold a special significance - remember that Christmas tree decoration that dates back to your childhood, and still holds pride of place each Christmas? Good storage is a must for decorations delicate or allegedly unbreakable and the same goes for artificial Christmas trees. Avoid damp storage areas such as an unheated garage and storing in boxes that may wilt (cardboard) or sweat (plastic) if damp. If a family member enjoys wood craft perhaps he or she could make a purpose built wooden storage box for Christmas bits and bobs? That too could become a family treasure and be passed down through generations. Food and drink Many people still buy far too much food and drink for the brief Christmas period. In the 21st Century supermarkets will only close for a day or two if that and stocking up makes no real sense. However it will save the shopper of the household having to get back to 'normal' too soon after the two main Christmas days. It will also help you set a budget and stick to it but only with careful planning. Above all resist the urge to overspend. Children in the 21st Century do often have expensive hobbies but most can still have fun and enjoy more basic gifts. Gifts If money is very tight consider talking with your children about the situation, but take care. Whether or not that works depends on your language skills, the age of the children and just how bad your finances are. {If you are experiencing real debt contact the Citizen's Advice Bureau} Gifts are nice to give and receive but the cost of them should not make or break Christmas. Necessity is the mother of invention; shop around and get inventive to get the perfect gifts for your budget.
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 Having used Bunches in the UK for sending flowers on numerous occasions here is what we discovered. The company has been established for more than 20 years and is quick and easy to use online. Here is what we like about their service:
After using Bunches on more than half a dozen separate occasions we have no complaints. We would say if something is not right, as in our missing chocolates, simply let Bunches know by email. You may think that the flowers could be cheaper but when you cost in travel times and costs involved in shopping locally prices are very competitive. Note: The above is not an advertisement but a review based on personal experiences.  Whether you choose to look for Christmas bargains online or along your local High Street is up to you. Both offer some bargains but both have pros and cons.
Local shopping Along the high Street or local Shopping Mall If you choose to shop locally you could grab a great bargain and help your local community. The main positives are: OK so now for the negatives about such hands on shopping: The Internet Christmas online shopping experience So what about Christmas Shopping online? Let's start with the positives again as there are many such as: But much as online shopping is wonderful it does have some negatives such as: Online or High Street? Which would you choose? The conclusion? The pros and cons highlighted are just some of those associated with Christmas shopping online or in the City. The choice is yours. It could be that a combination of both will suit your needs. Researching the Internet for gift inspiration and price checks is always useful. If you are not happy to purchase online at least you will then have the information necessary to make your shopping trip easier and more productive. This writer tends to buy from both sources. Much could depend on how financially sound you are right now. For most of us that is not very. Therefore well planned Christmas shopping offers the best value for money. Plus of course the best gifts you can afford for your loved ones.  Written ahead of Black Friday 2016 the same will apply in 2017 and beyond.
"It's black Friday in the UK. Of course it is not really. It is Friday November 25, 2016, and Christmas is four weeks ahead. But British Americanisation and our use of the Internet means the phenomenon that is Black Friday in the USA has crossed the pond. In fact it is now an annual event in many countries. Today millions of pounds will be spent in the UK. In some cases it will be people buying things for themselves or others that they do not really want and certainly do not need. Many people will not dig deep into their pockets or savings but rack up more debt in order to participate fully. Long gone are the days of "window shopping" when passers by would longingly browse shop windows without actually committing to a sale. FIrstly most shops now have metal shutters when the shop is closed giving town centres a ghetto look and feel. Secondly some supermarkets are open almost 24/ 7 with shopping day and night. Finally there is the Internet offering a real, albeit virtual, shopping experience truly 24/7 and every day of the year. Sucking you into black Friday and so-called cyber Monday which will follow the weekend was not enough though. Now we have Black Friday extended into the weekend and beyond. Are those one-time only offers really as good as they seem? If they are do they cost consumers more in the long run as retailers try to pull back some profits on other pricing at other times of the year? If most of the Black Friday spending is debt is it really beneficial for any person or group of people or the economy? I was taught if a deal seems too good to be true it probably is. Final words go to Charles Dickens. “My other piece of advice, Copperfield,” said Mr. Micawber, “you know. Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen pounds nineteen and six, result happiness. Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds ought and six, result misery." Buy now, pay later at your peril! Black Friday 2016 madness includes: |
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