The Cost of Christmas and How to Cope With It

Christmas is fast approaching and as parents youboxes or bags tied with ribbons.
will be starting the annual round of shoppingIt is a great way to include the children - they will
searching for the latest gadgets and electroniclove getting involved with helping by doing little
toys, Christmas gifts seem to get moretasks such as cutting out different shaped lids for
expensive each year.the mince pies using pastry cutters. You can also
Understandably, parents want to give theirget the children involved in making decorations
children the best they can afford. But, there hasand cards.
to be a limit. Set yourself a budget and stick to it.Just because it's Christmas you don't have to go
I know that is easier said than done - when youover the top with sweets and crisps. Encourage
are faced with the all too familiar longing pleaschildren to eat fruit and nuts which will help to
from young children and the emotional drive of akeep sweet cravings at bay.
unique baby gift.In an ideal world you should start gathering
Children don't need lots of money spent on them.stocking fillers early - like in the January sales! All
You don't need to go deep in debt - there arethrough the year stock up on goodies like
other ways to cope and unique Christmas giftschocolate, biscuits and booze. Keep an eye out
need not cost a great deal whilst at the samefor buy one get one free offers and use one
time they will be treasured and last a lot longernow and put the other away (remember to
than many gifts bought at this time of the year.check the sell-by dates). Shops have sales all year
A lot of young children have more fun with theround so keep an eye out for bargains.
wrapping paper!Christmas Shopping
If your child is under 4 they aren't yet aware ofChristmas gift shopping can be a nightmare unless
the monetary value of things and you can getyou are well organized.
away with wrapping up some old toys which haveMake a list of all the people you need to buy
been pushed to the back of a cupboard andpresents for. Decide how much you want to
forgotten about.spend on each person. Think of at least two gift
Another source of toys and gifts can be found inideas for each person. Don't waste your time
Charity shops or car boot sales. Lots of childrencomparing - browsing isn't practical at this time of
grow out of their toys or have too many, theiryear.
parents give them away to Charity Shops.Keep a note of everything you spend as it is so
Charity shops are also an excellent source ofeasy to run your Credit Card bill up. It is not like
toys and books for children at bargain prices.spending cash - you can get carried away far too
Car Boot Sales can still be found - lots of townseasily. Think before you spend.
have indoor sales at this time of year. PeopleIf you have access to the Internet you can save
make use of them to have a clear out beforea lot of hassle and time by doing some of your
Christmas and you can usually find some goodshopping online.
bargains if you go early. Please be sensible andPersonalised gifts can be inexpensive and a make
remember to check for small or loose parts andthe recipient feel special. Some Christmas gifts
check the toy is suitable for the age of your child.that can be personalised include: Pendulum Clocks;
If you plan ahead you'll also be able to saveHeight Charts; Coat pegs; Jigsaws, Books and
money and give yourself more time to makemany more.
things at home, such as mince pies, ChristmasChristmas is a time of hassle, frustration and
cake, biscuits, sweets. You can also make giftsoverspending but with a little bit of planning
for other relatives and friends and get the childrenChristmas day should be and can be a day of
involved in making gifts such as mince pies,great joy and happiness.
sweets, biscuits etc and packing them in pretty