'Mummy saving expert' shares festive tips to keep lid on cost of Christmas

Christmas isn’t cancelled but gifts don’t have to be expensive.

However, it may mean children are going to be disappointed if their dream toy isn’t under the tree.

So how can parents explain to their kids that money troubles will even affect Santa this year?

“The cost-of-living crisis isn’t easy for anyone, especially at Christmas, but handled sensitively and age-appropriately, it can be an opportunity for children to begin to learn to budget,” reassures mum-of-two Katie Warrior, a ‘mummy-saving expert’ from ChannelMum.com. “This life skill is bigger than any gift Santa can deliver, and one which keeps on giving for the rest of their lives.”

She shares her tips for talking to children about how financial problems might affect Christmas, and for keeping a lid on the costs…

Reassure them

Make sure children aren’t jumping to their own conclusions from what they hear on the news and on social media, and tell them Christmas isn’t being cancelled. “Children will be hearing all sorts of scary things on the news or in the playground,” says Katie.

Tell them gifts don’t have to be expensive to be worth having

Christmas is a time for giving but that doesn’t have to mean expensive gifts, Katie stresses. “Spin it so it’s about the spirit of the season, and explain this year you’re going to be making gifts or giving your time as a present to the people that matter most.”

Make it age-appropriate

Katie says that for older children who no longer believe in Santa, it’s fine to explain that money is tight and to manage their expectations. She advises: “Set them a small budget and get them to decide the gifts they want, according to what you can afford. You’ll be amazed how creative they’ll be.”

Although it’s more difficult to explain financial constraints to younger children, Katie suggests taking them to a toy shop to try some of the items on their Christmas list could help to whittle the list down a little. “You can also point out much more affordable alternatives,” she says.

Use the ‘fair share’ explanation

If you’re struggling to buy presents, Katie suggests explaining to younger children that Santa doesn’t have enough space in his sleigh to carry loads of gifts for every child, and getting just one or two means everyone gets their fair share. “It’s a gentle way to manage expectations and helps little children learn about others.”

Get them involved in festive saving

Make being thrifty an activity the whole family’s involved with, to help the kids understand money’s tight. Katie says: “Whether it’s hunting down yellow label festive food bargains, teens finding a discount code on the internet, making gifts, or thrift shopping for something unique, children love a challenge.”

Secret Santa and second-hand Santa

If money’s really tight, tell the kids you’re having a family secret Santa where you buy one small under £5 gift for each other, suggests Katie, who says another festive money-saving idea is to shop second-hand. Many charity shops offer new, boxed toys and gifts at a fraction of the normal cost.

Don’t feel pressured to overspend

After you’ve done your best to help the kids understand money’s tight, don’t get yourself into debt by spending what you can’t afford to get the kids what’s on their wishlist. “Think back to your childhood Christmases,” advises Katie. “Can you remember how many presents you received or how much they cost? Of course not.

“Christmas is about family and a feeling, not pure consumerism.”

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