Before we get completely into the swing of things

[toptrump]

I just wanted to say a few words.

Remember Christmas is a time for love and compassion and spending time together as a family. I believe we all come here so that the cost is spread throughout the year, but please, if you cannot afford it, don't leave yourself short or in debt to pay after Christmas. No piece of plastic is worth this.

We all want to please our children and give them everything their heart desires but don't get carried away. I think we all see Christmas with rosé tinted glasses of twinkling lights, roaring fires, falling snow, love laughter and happiness. Where in real life it is fraught mothers, grumpy dads, squabbling kids and grandad asleep in the corner, murky and damp outside and the central heating on full blast. Overcooked turkey and undercooked sprouts, and too much alcohol and chocolate.

No I am only joking lol.

But for all you who are worried about the cost, please don't stress yes it is the best day full of memories going to be made, your children will be happy with whatever they get.

Also all you who are worried about children access being split, it will be fine, you will have just as much fun and memories made.

I hope this does it come across patronising or gloomy it is not meant to be

 

[Baby Bell]

Well said

Perhaps we can start a thread of making fun toys/gifts/decorations at low cost, to help people out? I personally am terrible at these things but I know a lot of you have the nack can maybe share their knowledge?

 

[toptrump]

Lovely idea

 

[DanielleM]

Never have I got into debt for Christmas or anything else for that matter (I am too tight lol) I count myself extremely lucky and I hope nobody places themselves in that situation, those bloody payday loan companies make me sick.

But yes very well said, it doesn't matter if you have a big turkey or beans on toast on the table Christmas Day it is the memories that count x

 

[BabyHill]

Well said... I love that there's so many threads to help fellow mums on here whether its making gifts (I'll be updating I'm making a teepee if anyone wants to make one alongside me!) or making extra money or getting bargains as they come up. There's always a kind word from our little community! x

 

[Savannah11]

Lovely, kind words TT. Christmas is all about the memories and i think we all now and then get lost in the moment xxx

 

[MrsMandy]

Well said my dear!! Xx

 

[Mum21boy1girl]

Very well said!!

sometimes i get lost in the shopping!
i guess as i didn't have much growing up, i like to spoil my kids, so they don't have to want for anything.

But you are so right Christmas is much more than gifts!!
I look forward to everything but most of all giving all of my attention and love to my little family

 

[shambaby]

Well said - it makes me a little sad when I see people posting long lists on here and fretting about whether it's enough. I am finding that, having experienced a few christmases with little ones I am less bothered about the presents (and less inclined to spend a fortune on a lot of things) and more inclined to do fun things together - crafts, baking, trips to christmas fairs / markets, looking at the lights etc. After all, I remember very little about the presents I recieved as a child, but can vividly recall the excitement and the atmosphere surrounding christmas, particularly my dad taking us to the lights switch on in town - he worked long hours and it was extra special to spend that time with him.

On the subject of making presents, I learned to crochet around this time last year and am thinking of getting my baby-mad 18 month old a nice, simple wooden doll's cot and crocheting bedding for it. Also planning to make hats and gloves for both children, although thinking they might need them before Christmas!

 

[meldmac]

Lovely post!

 

[Mum21boy1girl]

I think this should be pinned, so people can look back at it when they are having a rough time!!

 

[Bevziibubble]

Great post!

 

[rangersgirl69]

Lovely words top trump!

 

[Leliana]

Lovely post Half the joy is in the build up and excitement anyway, for me those are the memories that truly last. Our kids will have an amazing Christmas no matter what because the love we have of this time of year is totally infectious

 

[Sarah lo]

couldn't agree more x

 

[highhopes19]

Lovely post!

Xxx

 

[Mummy May]

We'll said TT, you're always full of wisdom lol! Xx

 

[toptrump]

You would not say that if you met me lol!!

I am glad you all got what I meant

I just worry we are all at different stages of our lives, some very young mums and not so young with very limited budgets right through to people who don't need to worry as much.

If a present comes from Primark or Harrods it does not matter, don't feel the need to take out loans and rack up a catalogue for the sake of making huge piles, it is not worth it, it is only one day.

I am now 42 (yes a golden oldie amongst you whippersnappers lol), but we were in the position when Emily was a baby of not having two pennies to rub together and one year ended up putting expensive presents for others onto a Debenhams card which still had to be paid off and was certainly to worth it in the long run.

I do think that the majority of people are here to save money, get advice and buy what is affordable.

 

[motherofboys]

I totally agree with the overall point of this post.
I like the long lists and the big piles of gifts, and our first Christmas with DS1 I was SO over excited that I did buy more than I should have done and did put it on cards. I've learnt my lesson where those are concerned.
I never buy more and more because I don't think its 'enough', but because I love to buy presents, I save all year, and birthdays the boys only get a few presents so Christmas is the only other time they get new things unless they save and buy them themselves.
I try to ensure that the boys appreciate what they get, and understand the true meaning of Christmas. I you ask them what Christmas is about, not one of them will say presents. If you ask their favourite part of Christmas, none of them will say it's the presents.
And I feel that as long as they know that it isn't about that, and I'm not buying for the sake of it, and not getting into debt or struggling and stressing about it all, then it doesn't matter how big or small the piles are.

 

[dizzy65]

Well said!