Christmas Expenses

**ginene** · 10-29-2007, 02:48 AM

I think that's everything unless you buy Christmas movies and songs.
I have to be more specific with my gifts for family and friends. That's where I normally go over budget. I put a max that I am going to spend on friends because I have 4 kids and really can't afford to spend really anything on anyone else.

**fam5d07** · 10-29-2007, 04:26 AM

I just started my list and budget, I think you are off to a good start are you having the holiday at your house if yes the meal cost is more, and we bake a bunch of cookies to give out so thats an extra cost too.

**cschin4** · 10-29-2007, 04:37 AM

Yes, the costs of more cooking can add up. I tend to refer to this time of year as the "Eating Season".

**Scanner** · 10-29-2007, 06:20 AM

I was going to say food.

Our past annual 7 Fishes Dinner cooked by my late grandmother cost about $150 when you figured in all the fish (schmelts, shrimp, buc-a-la,) kurafs of wine and stuff.

**Joan.of.the.Arch** · 10-29-2007, 07:35 AM

Oh yeah, food! This is one of the holidays we go all out for, food wise. Like the jars and jars of poppy seeds we buy to make huge batches of husband's poppy seed pastry.

Postage? Not just for those cards, but for packages. This has gotten high enough to make me think twice about what I mail away.

Party attire? I do see a lot of party dresses and sparkly shoes sold around the winter holidays.

Hair salons? I have read that the number of hair appointments go way up around the holidays, with December 31 being real big.

Contributions to the kitty at work? or the Secret Santa thing.

Special house cleaning? Some people who will be hosting parties have their carpets cleaned before and/or after.

Tips to regular service people? For example if you live in a building with a door person, in many places a big holiday tip is the norm. Some people always holiday tip the postal letter carrier and other "regulars."

Donations? Lots of fund raising letters arrive from charities that time of year. You might want to drop money in the Salvation Army kettles when you are out. Your place of worship might have a food drive for local shelters and food pantries, or do an angel or mitten tree, adopt a poor family.

Transportation? Extra taxi rides? Gasoline to drive out to a distant specialty store? Air tickets to visit distant family or to bring a distant family member to you?

Musical instruments My SIL times her piano tuning to be before a holiday and once restrung an old violin that had been sitting unused for years. That was sort of a surprise for her mother whose violin it had been, but everyone in their family plays, so it was ready to go when we all arrived at her place.

Big box of walnut fudge delivered to your good friend Joan.of.the.Arch? 'Cause you just love her so much!

**boefixepa** · 10-29-2007, 08:17 AM

You need to make a list of people to give 'real' gifts too, and a list of people who just get the 'plate of cookies' or in my case Tamales. Also figure a few extra because if someone gives me something I always feel I should give them something in return and if I didn't plan on it....well where's the money coming from now....

Also Christmas parties....do have to bring a dish, or a gift for a gift exchange...

IF you are doing outside light, figure a little extra for your electrical bill.

If you are having guests, all your utilities will go up a bit.

That's all I can think of that others haven't already touched on.

**My English Castle** · 10-29-2007, 09:08 AM

clothes?

Any special Christmas outfits for anyone?
New socks or tights or a new hat or mittens?

I always forget about those incidentals--and need to remind self
to stock up on pantyhose and items like that for that wild social whirl!

Special offerings at church or donations?

**Jaun22** · 10-29-2007, 09:54 AM

I heard of a new present idea... Bedding. You figure it is cold outside and everyone could use some new sheets or a comforter.

**PrincessPerky** · 10-30-2007, 07:56 AM

That food thing is a HUGE category! Not just the food for Christmas dinner, (even if you only bring a side dish, it is likely a fancy side) but then there is food for the church thing, the school thing, the friend thing, the family thing (the other side of the family) and the company thing, and and and....

Though I have to ask...is this your first Christmas? cause if not why do you need more decorations? I doubt we have spent any money on any decorations aside from the tree...well ever, but our families started us off with plenty.

**Fern** · 11-14-2007, 07:19 AM

Donatiion at church?

Do you ever do a xmas concert? sometimes nice, if you don't do this ordinarily.

Christmas Expenses