Christmas and no money

My family are doing our own secret santa this year, minimum of £25, that way we can get each other something we can put a bit of thought into.
 
I know it's not the intention of the thread at all, but what presents were you thinking of getting em?, as the OCUK-Santa might send a few small gifts for your little-uns (assuming you were confortable with it & could get your address, amazon gift mail 4tw).
 
Christmas is about having a good time and being with family gifts are supposed to be an extra, don't beat yourself up.
 
You don't need a lot of money to make Christmas a good time. I really despise the way it's become a disgusting, bloated, indulgent consumerist circus these days. If you were closer I'd invite you round for dinner and beers. :p
 
Christmas is about family, not presents. Give your time, hand out IOUs (odd jobs, silly tasks you're willing to do) or make something for people instead.

Yes some wont' appreciate it, but others - most likely those that give a *$% about you will!
 
I feel your pain! Last year we were pretty skint (baby due in January, so all our money was going towards stuff for him). Turned out all right in the end, good food, a few drinks, family and friends, and loads of card & board games!

You don't need to spend loads and have fancy gifts, just enjoy spending the time with the people you care about :) /unintentionally cheesy

However, if you really are desperate, then most highstreet shops will be taking on seasonal staff, so that might help you get a few pennies if you're lucky ^^
 
The thing I enjoy most about Christmas is dinner and a day with the family. No interruptions just love, family and laughs.

Presents are ancillary. If there is something you need make a promise to yourself that you will get it for yourself as soon as you can afford to. The same if you want to give something.

The suggestion made earlier about giving something you made is excellent. Buy your dad a pack of chili seeds and a pot for him to grow some blow your head off chilis. Bamboo plants are awesome and relatively cheap. This is the time of year to move plants from pots to garden beds; maybe you and tour family can plant a shrub and watch it grow.

Seriously, presents are overrated. It is your family which is the most important present you get at Christmas.
 
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Our family haven't bothered with Christmas presents in years, and were none the worse for it. In fact, were better off - still get all the good aspects; good company, good food, and being with each other, with none of the traipsing around packed shopping centres spending loads of money on useless tat that no one wants.

Don't let it get you down :)
 
Why not try a Secret Santa with your Family if your budget will allow and keep it light hearted and as fun as possible. I would love to indulge my family both close and far with as many gifts as possible but can't afford to so i'm not beating myself up about it. Come January/Feb if I bought 1 or 10 or presents, the true test of your family and friends is not if they value the quantity but the sentiment that goes behind your gesture.

Goes without saying times are tough for a lot of families.
 
buckeejit said:
Hi all. I lost my job about 5 weeks ago, it was a temp contract so I expected it. Was made redundant from job before that. I'm out of work and looking and just wanted to know if anyone else was in the same boat as me...

I literally have no money to buy Christmas presents and my family are struggling also due to bills. This is the first year that I haven't bought anything and I know that people understand this however, it's getting me down big time.

Just feeling a bit down :(
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Well look at everything 5 pounds website, I' have purchased presents from that site. but I only purchased it for the 3 women in my life, no one else will get anything. I do not see the point, don't see the point in spending money prefer to invest it.
 
Edrof said:
Our family is growing fairly quickly and Christmas is becoming very expensive. I think we'll have to do something soon, like just buying for the nippers.
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As of last year, this is what I do now. Everything is so much simpler than buying random junk that people don't give a toss about... me included :D
 
Guile said:
Start by selling your Playstation. You should not feel obliged to be a consumeristic moron at Xmas who has to buy rubbish.
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I saw a PS1 in a pawnbroker's today for only £11.99, so that's not really a very helpful suggestion.

My family have done a £10 on a couple of occasions, where you spend £10 max on each family member.
 
1) Don't be so materialistic
2) Go to Home Bargains and B+M Bargains and buy some novelty stuff, it's the thought that counts.
 
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