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Every January I look at the credit card statement and feel sick. This year I'm doing it properly: budget now, a spreadsheet, and cash set aside each payday until December.
Family of four, two kids (5 and 9), plus presents for grandparents, a couple of nieces and the teachers. Food on top because we're hosting.
I'm thinking £600 all in. My partner thinks that's 'not realistic'. What are you all working to? Not looking to compare who spends most, just want to know if I'm living in a dream.
£600 is doable but it means saying no to the extended family adults. We did a Secret Santa for the grown-ups years ago with a £20 limit and it saved us a fortune and everyone was secretly relieved.
We do roughly £100 per child, £25 per other kid, and a cap on food. Food is the one that runs away. Write a meal plan for the 24th to the 27th and only buy what's on it.
Hosting is where the money goes. Ask guests to bring something specific - one brings dessert, one brings drinks, one brings cheese. Nobody minds being asked, people like having a job.
Teachers - a card written by the child honestly means more than a candle. My sister's a primary teacher and she keeps the cards. The candles go to the charity shop.
Disagree slightly with everyone saying cut back on the kids. Some years things are tight and you cut, fine. But if you can afford it, don't feel guilty spending on them. It's one day a year. Just don't put it on a card you can't clear.
Spreadsheet is live. Settled on £650 with grown-ups' Secret Santa (my sister was relieved, as predicted) and the guests bringing pudding and booze. £60 a payday into a separate pot. Partner has stopped calling it a dream.
How did it all end up? Did you come in at £650? Asking because I wrote down our number in October too and I'm now looking at it with one eye closed.
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