Spend Carefully

Ways of limiting spending include setting a spending limit for any family celebration and minimising use of credit cards unless the whole bill can be paid before interest is due.

Some families reduce Christmas costs by drawing names out of a hat, and buying a present just for that person (sometimes called Kris Kringle), or by only buying presents for children under a set age.

Check whether items such as clothing can be exchanged or refunded if sizes etc are incorrect.

Some people are able to make cards or gifts, or offer ‘vouchers’ for gifts of time such as babysitting or house cleaning – it’s the thought that counts, after all.