The thought and amount of money needed at christmas is one word – “STRESSFUL”
Society and comercialism has made christmas spiral out of control and it’s tough to try and keep up, especially if you are struggling with debt.
From the presents to the decorations, the events to the parties, the outfits, the food, the drink, the cards, the wrap… the list is endless.
However, simply by changing your attitude and your perspective on Christmas it is easy to see how it can still be enjoyable with minimum expense. If the only money you have to hand is credit, then you will ultimately end up miserable anyway as you will have more debt to deal with. Make your main christmas goals to be fun, family, friends, sharing, eating, making, giving, playing and even drinking (in moderation) merrily, but do it all on a budget.
You can revert to good old classic board games and don’t buy them. Get all your friends and family to dig out the old games they have and use them. If you don’t have any to hand, play charades, go a winter walk or trail or mosey around the christmas lights in town.
Cook together and get everyone to contribute. It can become fun.
Toys and gifts an be made. For ideas, see my previous post. be creative and make helpful vouchers. i.e. baby sitting vouchers, ironing vouchers, designated driver vouchers, walking the dog vouchers, hoovering the carpet vouchers, (even bringing granny to bingo vouchers).
If in spite of the above advice you have been hurt by the sting of christmas pressure (it can happen to the best of us) and get into financial trouble as a result of Christmas and the credit card debt is too much to bear, then act quickly in January to address your problems. Get financial advice.
