Mum enforces controversial Christmas Day rule on family
Feeding family at Christmas can be an expensive tradition, with one mum putting her foot down on spiralling costs.
A “cheap” mum has revealed that she’s slashed her festive season budget by more than $2,000 through buying toilet rolls as presents and asking family to chip in for their dinner.
When Charlotte Deering, 27, realised that her family didn’t care about receiving “top-of-the-range” gifts for Christmas, she made the decision to cut back and begin looking at the holiday more frugally.
The mum of one, from the UK, says she now spends a fifth of what she used to on presents, while family members are asked to pay their way when it comes to food.
“I have a massive family and I bought into it all, always buying them the latest technology and other luxurious gifts,” Charlotte revealed.
“But then I noticed how myself and those around me were getting into debt and struggling, so I couldn’t justify it anymore.
She said she often buys family members practical gifts such as toilet paper. "I got my mum a big box of washing powder as I know this will save her money in the long run," she revealed.
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“I also make everyone chip in for the Christmas roast dinner and place a money tin on the table well in advance, where people can put their spare cash in toward the big day.”
Last year, one grandmother made headlines after she revealed she charged each family member $27 to be fed on Christmas Day.
Mum's top tips for enjoying Christmas
Charlotte, who prints off festive artwork and hangs it around the house for free decoration, has also turned to secondhand websites to fill her daughter’s stocking.
“I try to stay away from themed, novelty gifts, so I get more for my money," she said, revealing she gets many of her presents second hand.
“If I really like something new, then I’ll search for a cheaper dupe, so I don’t have to spend on expensive brands. Most of the time, these are often better than the real thing.”
Her other savvy tips include using the “divide and conquer” method, where she buys multipacks of items and splits them between hampers to get more “bang for your buck”.
But her biggest inspiration? Family.
“I have grown up watching my mum struggle for money and worry about Christmas to the point it made her ill," Charlotte said.
“The most important thing for me is the food and memories spent with family, as that’s what I remember, not the gifts.
“Low cost items do not mean low value – if I bought a photo of my daughter in a frame worth £2 vs spending £50 on a gift card, I know what my family will appreciate more.
“I want to teach my daughter that Christmas is about enjoying company: ‘It’s about who is around the tree, not what is under it’ as I like to tell her.
“She won’t remember what presents Santa brought her, it’ll be the laughter and spirit that won’t be forgotten.
“It’s all for one day at the end of it – it doesn’t need to be fancy – keep it simple and I guarantee you’ll have the best Christmas ever.”
- Jam Press
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