With the current cost of living crisis, many families are shaking their heads, thinking that Christmas is ridiculously expensive. How can they buy gifts, cater lunch, give their kids a day to remember and balance the budget?
These are real concerns that can’t be brushed aside. Most parents love their kids and want Christmas to be special for the whole family. Living within their means may be looking outside the realm of possibility this year. If you don’t handle it wisely, Christmas is ridiculously expensive!
Here are some ideas to keep costs down, along with stress and waste.
1 Communicate clearly
Work out for yourself, who you need to talk to about what you are able to buy/provide/help with. This can be a really tough conversation, so prepare for it. Keep your sentences short, emotion low and clarity high. Stating what you’re able to do and giving the other person a choice in one area is fair. For example, “I have a limited budget for Christmas this year. I’ve decided to focus on the immediate family. Would you prefer to do a Kris Kringle this year, or give a family gift, or stick with a price limit per person? On Christmas Day, I’d be happy to ……. What do you think?”
2 Communicate early
Everyone has their own lead time for Christmas. It is possible that some people you would normally buy for, have already completed their shopping by mid-December. The earlier you can let people know what will keep you within your means, the better. It’s an adult conversation that is open to an emotional response and manipulation, but by setting boundaries early on, you’re giving everyone time to make any adjustments they feel are needed.
3 Communicate kindly
Different people will be facing different challenges at this time of year. Everyone has varying values and while some people tighten the belt when times are tough, others over spend to push back on the pressures they are facing. Be aware of this, but stick to your decisions. When you communicate, do it kindly, knowing that we’re all different. Speak from your point of view, don’t place blame or try to manipulate others into doing things your way. Thank others for working with you and for considering your needs. Try to see things from their point of view, too.
Yes, Christmas can be ridiculously expensive, but you can put some boundaries in place to make it less demanding on your finances while communicating clearly, kindly and early. As with any boundary-work, you’re in charge of what you do and making sure your values line up with your actions. By communicating well, you may be able to stop saying: Christmas is ridiculously expensive!
