What to do if you’re worried you can’t afford Christmas
Christmas can be a difficult time if you’re struggling for money. You might be unsure if you can afford presents and celebrations this year.
It can help to know that you are not alone and that there are places to get support.
Sharing your worries
Talking about money is hard, especially if you already have stressful family relationships. Talk to friends and family if you can. Consider if there are ways to spread the cost between you.
If you don’t have anyone to talk to, you can:
- talk to our parenting coaches on our web chat and WhatsApp service
- get money advice from Money Helper by calling 0800 011 3797 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm or visit the Money Helper website
- get advice about debt from StepChange
Celebrating on a budget
You might think about ways you can save on things like:
- food
- presents
- socialising
- activities
Read ideas for celebrating Christmas with your family on a budget.
Talking to your child
Consider your child’s age and what they understand before talking to them about money worries. You may want to tell them that you need to be careful with money at the moment but you can still celebrate.
Young children are often excited by any present. But as children get older, they might ask for specific things. In this case, it can help to be open with your children about how much you can afford.
If other people want to buy your child 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.
Getting help
It’s not your fault that living costs are higher. If you need help, it’s OK to ask for it.
There are charities and local groups that provide specific support around Christmas. You could contact:
- your local children’s centre or family hub, which sometimes offer hampers or gifts for children
- your local food bank
- your local council, faith centre or GP for information about local support
Make sure you’re getting the benefits and support you’re entitled to. Find out about financial support for children and families.
You can also read about saving money on food bills.
This advice was written by our experienced Parent Talk coaches. Parent Talk is a free online service for parents and carers, provided by the charity Action for Children. For more advice, message our parenting coaches with our online chat.
