mancmama1614 Thu 16-Nov-17 10:47:01

When I was a little girl, growing up my parents were really poor. However they saved all year for Christmas and used to spend up to £1k on each of us so we had loads of Christmas presents to open. We made loads of family Christmas memories too (Disney on ice, Christmas Eve hampers, eve-of-the-eve-of-Christmas-eve presents) and I look back on those Christmases with the fondest of memories.

Now, I am in a similar position to what my mum and dad were in when they were younger; my partner earns a good salary (I am a SAHM) however we are paying off quite hefty debts from our hedonistic twenties 🙄 so we are strictly on a tight budget.

AIBU to still go what some people would class as overboard at Christmas? So far the presents I have bought him are about 35 in total, I have spent about £350-£400 (don't count) but still want to get him all the clangers merchandise which will be another £150.

Added to this there will be visits to the santa train, Christmas parties at all the playgroups we go to and a winter wonderland trip.

His birthday is in January and we would like to have a big party for him and all his friends and also buy about 10-15 presents for that too.

Can I just add we aren't taking out any credit for this because I wouldn't be accepted for any anyway

All I see on Facebook and in the news are people only buying their kids one present, letting the grandparents pick up the slack or following that bloody soulless four gift rule.

Not buying for adults this year and me and my partner aren't buying for each other but we are buying for kids of friends.

Does anyone else do a Christmas like this when they are on a bit of a budget? Or any free trip ideas (ideally in Manchester) to add an extra special touch?