& 
Guests
Lorraine
Erica
Christmas can be overwhelming when you are trying to control your cash–flow and when you have little children with big wish-lists. Here are some simple ways to rein in the expense;
- Christmas trees and young children can be disastrous! Get yourself an artificial tree that can be placed out of reach. It will only cost you this year and then not again, saving you a fortune in the long-run.
- Just give one meaningful gift from you to your child this Christmas; a photo album of friends and family, for example, will keep a child happy for hours. Little kids usually get loads of gifts and you don’t need to buy any more than one. Just make it count.
- I tell anyone who asks EXACTLY what my children would like. Saves people having to think too much too!
- Making gifts for others is another fun and frugal option. Laminated drawings form your child to Granny will be adored, a group family photo delights, as do homemade biscuits or handprint mugs. Creativity saves pounds and the process of creating such things together can be fabulous.
- Saying a YES to any invitation for Christmas lunch reduces stress, shopping and spending and you can leave whenever you want! A pot of bulbs to say thanks costs nothing in comparison to catering!
- Making your Christmas more about traditions than things saves money and enriches the experience. Perhaps you could light a special candle on Christmas day, go to a local nativity service, leave a carrot for Rudolph or donate unwanted toys to a children’s charity.
Spending money doesn’t make warm memories. It ‘s the magic of your family having lots of fun together that will make Christmas extra special.
Becky Goddard-Hill is the author of How to Afford Time off With Your Baby – 101 ways to ease the financial strain (Vermilion)
She also blogs about baby budgeting @ www.babybudgeting.co.uk
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Read Our Archived Guest Blog Posts
Kim Greenlee of Sprig Toys with The Right Stuff (in the toy aisle)
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Margaux Nissen Gray with Not for Ninnies
Tawna Hill with What is Natural?
Becky Goddard-Hill with Dressing Your Baby Beautifully on a Budget
Shari of Baby Banz with Winter Sun Protection Tips
