Hi
Didnt spend as much as usual, mostly because posting it back home cost more than presents.....
Sent money and a few gifts, didnt splash out on the usual food either, it was a whole different christmas this year away from my family, it was unusual with the sun shining.
We still had our Turkey dinner though.....(Sorry veggies ) but i did enjoy it.....
Also what do people feel about saying 'thank you'? The reason I mention it is that my parents stood over us whilst we wrote thank you notes, and this is something I still do. However, I've noticed our nephews and nieces never say thank you!
Ellie x
Hi Ellie
I think it is appalling that children these days don't say thank you for gifts.
I first came across this in the 80's when because our nieces and newphews live a way away from us, for their birthdays we would send them money. We never heard another word from them. My daughter always loved writing so I made sure she always sent a `thank you` note and my son wasn't so keen on the writing so he always rang and said `thank you.
My husband has a son in Oz and used to send money over there. When he was young his mother did write and thank him but once he was old enough to take over, not a word. He has since had 3 children of his own and the same happened there. He has lost out though, as hubby now refuses to send anything as he never gets a reply.
Not only is it rude, you never know if they have actually received it.
My biggest expense was my children's presents, apart from that i spent £85 on two close relatives/friend's children and roughly the same on food, chocs etc.
This year, i will be putting a tenner a month away to cover the cost of food, as i was inundated with bills etc during the run up to Christmas. :eek:I won't be buying presents for the aforementioned because i won't be able to afford it, due to relocating house wise/starting University and i'll be sending e-cards to cut costs down even further.:)
Warmest wishes- calla lily x
Lots, but not as much as Steve! You really know how to party! There were a few meals out with various family and friends before Xmas, and all my family pooled resources for Xmas day, Dad supplied the ducks, and the starters, and wine and we supplied veg, venue and pud, and sons supplied incidentals. I didn't go overboard on presents - books and cds, and a brilliant little puppet theatre for my granddaughter which was £20 from TKMaxx. Excellent.
Unfortunately quite a lot of it was spent going over to Ireland for a funeral, as a dearly loved Uncle died and then was buried on NYDay. It being an Irish funeral we celebrated his life, and it was wonderful to see so many of the family - 66 of us, uncles, aunts and cousins, so there were a few Euros spent on rounds of drinks and meals.
It was all money well spent. I can't see the point of being tight with your money, as long as you live within your means. You can't take it with you, unless you want to line your coffin with it.
Sharon.
I dont know about the kids saying thank you, some of the adults are the worst offenders. It doesnt hurt to say Thank you , even if you dont like the gift, its the thought.
Are we living in a world of expectation without manners.....and i think its getting worse.
I always go over my budget at christmas. Its impossible not to.
I'm buying a few things like cards, wrapping in the sales though. Its daft buying things like wrapping paper thats just going to get ripped up anyway at full price, when many places will sell it 20 - 70% off until mid Jan.
I'm a 24 year old male and I spend around £350 at christmas. I sometimes spend a little more getting presents for myself :p