What to do if you’re worried you can’t afford Christmas

A lot of families are looking for cheap ways to celebrate. Joining forces with friends and family can help keep costs down. If you’re still struggling, there are places you can go to for help.

If you can, talk to friends and family honestly about your money worries. They might be dealing with the same issues, and talking about it together can help everyone.

Let people know you can’t afford extravagant Christmas food and gifts, and suggest ways to join forces, like:

• Secret Santa: If you have a circle of friends or family who you’d like to buy for, suggest a Secret Santa. That means each person only buys one present.
• Spending limits: Agree a limit of how much everyone spends on presents. That helps take out the guesswork and makes things less stressful.
• Clothing swaps and toy swaps: Pass on toys your children have outgrown or clothes you never wear. This means everyone gets something that’s new to them.
• Pot luck dinners: If you’re hosting people on Christmas Day or having a party, ask everyone to bring a dish. This spreads both the cost and the stress of cooking.

Talking about money is hard, especially when you already have stressful family relationships. It can help to remember that cutting down on unnecessary presents and food waste is also more sustainable for the planet. You can focus on the environmental benefits when that feels easier.

Buying second hand gifts doesn’t mean compromising on quality.  Charity shops and car boot sales often have great quality items, sometimes still in their original packaging.

If getting out to shops is difficult for you, try online marketplaces, like the Oxfam charity shop. You can even find things for free on sites like Freegle, and local Facebook groups.

When your child wants expensive presents 

Young children are often delighted by any present. But we know that as children get older, they sometimes ask for very specific things for Christmas.

In this case, it can help to be open with your children about how much you can afford.

If your child has other people who want to buy them presents, make sure they know what your child is asking for. Giving vouchers or money towards a bigger item might mean your child can save up.

If you can, making a meal plan and buying what you need in bulk can help you save costs.

Cheap Christmas recipes – Jack Monroe 

You can also sign up to apps to find people giving away food that would otherwise go to waste.

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Too Good To Go

Lots of communities have free children’s events, Christmas light switch-ons and parties. Check out local newsletters, social media and noticeboards.

It’s not your fault that your energy bills are higher. It’s not your fault that food and clothing costs more, or that wages and benefits aren’t keeping up with rising costs.

If you need help, it’s OK to ask for it.

Make sure you’re getting all the benefits and support you’re entitled to. Our article on coping with money worries has advice on finding direct support.

There are also charities and local groups who provide specific support around Christmas. Keep an eye on local noticeboards and social media.