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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