[b4freedom]

I like to budget. In my budget I include a five month projected cash flow. Yesterday, when I sat down to work on it, Christmas was included in my projected cash flow. This got me to thinking about two things: First, something that happened last Christmas. And second, how do other people budget for Christmas and how do other people decide what to spend on each other.

Last year, at a holiday lunch, a coworker asked my boss how much he spends on each of his kids for Christmas. My boss said that his wife did most of the shopping and wasn’t exactly sure. But, it wasn’t really even for each kid. My coworker then says, “I spend $1000 on each kid. This way, I know I get them an equal amount.” My boss said, “I probably spend $1000 for all five of my kids!” I laughed and asked my coworker if he’d adopt me at Christmas time.

I know its months away, but how much do you typically spend? Do you budget for it? Do you save for it? Or do you just end up spending it without thinking about it? Would that mean you have to pay for it later? What do you typically spend for various family members? Do you try to keep it even?