The cost of living crisis is prompting many parents to worry about making Christmas special for their children. A recent YouGov poll found that more than half of parents with children under 10 plan to spend less on presents, while 40% will forgo their usual festive outings. According to consultant child and educational psychologist Laverne Antrobus, feeling overwhelmed at this time of year is normal.
Ms Antrobus advises parents to check in with children about any worries, as they may have overheard adult conversations about money. Preparation is key, she says, and families should explain that "we are going to do things differently this year". Involving children in drawing up a list of activities they would like to do together, such as making cookies, taking a torch-lit walk or watching a Christmas movie with popcorn, can create lasting childhood memories.
Stuart, a single father of three from the Isles of Scilly who works three jobs, has decided not to have a Christmas tree this year. Instead, his family has been painting pictures of trees on large sheets of paper to hang around the house. "We put on Christmas music and it's special because we are spending quality time together," he says. The absence of tree lights also cuts electricity costs, and the savings will be put towards scaled-back presents.
For families with older children, Ms Antrobus suggests being honest if the most-desired gift is unaffordable. "You can come up with a plan together to save up for it," she advises, whether by opening a bank account for money from relatives or looking for special offers in the new year. Ash, from Dorset, has cut her family's Christmas budget in half to avoid debt. She has involved her nine-year-old son in discussions while leafing through a toyshop brochure, and he understands he will not receive everything he wants.
Ash will also stick to chocolates in stockings rather than small gifts, and the family plans to make a Christmas casserole with dumplings in the slow cooker. "It'll be easier, cheaper and give us back time to play with the children and enjoy the gifts they got, together - which is what they want the most," she says. Ms Antrobus emphasises that what children value most is having a parent who is present, describing it as "gold dust".
