[purpleblackqueen]

Yeah Yeah I know its only March, but I figure that Christmas 2012 will be here before we know it and as this will be my First CHristmas as a Single Mum, and I am having 2 Christmases- DH's family come down a couple of weeks before and then Chrissy Day this year is spent with my mum and Brother.

So I am thinking:

*What do you make to Save money
* How would you cater 2 Christmas Dinners on a budget - esp when my mum likes the traditional- pudding, cake, jellies, custard, mince pies

[Guest_tigerdog_*]

esp when my mum likes the traditional- pudding, cake, jellies, custard, mince pies

Get her to bring these items - not joking. Our family Christmases were getting so huge, we came up with each adult attending contributing $20 to the host toward food. Seriously, no-one is made of money and if people want all the fancy trimmings they should contribute to the cost or at least bring something along.

[imamumto3]

organise well ahead what people are going to bring along. I send out an email stating what type of food we will be having & then saying so who is going to bring drinks, nibbles, dessert, etc.

If you have a spare $5 or $10 while doing the groceries through out the year, why dont you buy a supermarket gift card & stash it away to use for buying christmas stuff later on.

[~*Erica*~]

If you have a spare $5 or $10 while doing the groceries through out the year, why dont you buy a supermarket gift card & stash it away to use for buying christmas stuff later on.

This is the best idea. Highly recommend it.

[rubylilysmum]

I am with Police and nurses Credit Soeciety and they have a Chrsitmas club account, so I add money to that throughout the year and the best thing is you can't dip into duing the year without it costing you money but can access in from 1 November.

Getting everyone to contruibute is a great idea.

If you look back through the christmas treads there are many creative things to make for christmas as nice presents such as gifts in a jar, balt sats/bombs etc

[**Mel**]

I would be taking your kids to your ILs rather than they come to you. That way, you only put on what dinner - for your mum and bro

I certainly wouldn't be hosting two functions if you are on a tight budget - not without getting all guests to 'bring a plate'

[purpleblackqueen]

I would be taking your kids to your ILs rather than they come to you. That way, you only put on what dinner - for your mum and bro

I certainly wouldn't be hosting two functions if you are on a tight budget - not without getting all guests to 'bring a plate'

We do that every 2nd year- this year is my year with my family. I think I might just do the main Christmas dinner with my mum and brother and just do a light chicken and salad, with IL's after all it isn't about the food neccessarily.

[**Mel**]

Chicken and salad sounds good for one of the events

[my serenity]

I start buying bit and pieces when i shop grab items on sale as i go and keep a list (have already written a list ) of the pressies to get for family and friends
I also clean a house once a week and put that money away for Xmas.
last years hit for all the kids was glass jars with cookie making dry ingrdients and recipe with it and with a gift card attached.. cheap and easy

[Roselet]

I aim to buy a gift a week starting in about June. That way the cost is spread oer the year - and the stress. Same thing applies if making things.
I love going to fancy markets for inspiration too, or if there are no suitable events near you , spend some time browsing Etsy or Pinterest. Basic sewing and other craft skills can do great things if used with great inspiration.
Definitely agree with PPs re everyone brings a plate - if you have to host then you should be responsible for the least amount of cooking since you also have to do the cleaning, decorating, provide the trimmings etc. Plan the menus and pick out things each person coming is good at, (easy to find something for most people - even the bachelor nephew who can't cook to save himself can be made to buy a few bottles of soft drink or packets of nibblies) and tell them you would like them to bring that along. Most families don't bat an eyelid at that.