💰How We Budget for Christmas🎄as a Low Income Family

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ม.ค. 2025

ความคิดเห็น • 88

  • @kerryberry142
    @kerryberry142 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +32

    We do a 4 gift rule for our grandchildren. Something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read.

    • @susanbitner1103
      @susanbitner1103 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      We do an outfit, a book and a toy for each grand.

    • @ragdollpreppers2648
      @ragdollpreppers2648 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I love this !!!!

    • @dollybites
      @dollybites หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      thats miserable

  • @JaniceBole-dj2li
    @JaniceBole-dj2li 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +12

    When my children were younger, I would take each of them on a separate day to the thrift store and let them pick out a gift for each member. They really had to think what each person would want and then we'd go to McDonalds for a Happy Meal. When my mom passed and we went through her things, she still had some of the gifts from my kids. It was special for them to see that those gifts were indeed special.

  • @egr3071
    @egr3071 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    I like how you mentioned you don’t say “we don’t have money” as to not stress out the kids. My mom would say that all of the time growing up and it did make me anxious and uneasy

    • @Ashley-Kristen
      @Ashley-Kristen 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      I have made this mistake, and trying to work on it!!! 😩

  • @Boringcountrylife
    @Boringcountrylife 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Love it, ditto. My home schooled kids are 12-22. Our routine is: all year long when they "want" something I tell them to put in on their list. We each have our own running list posted on a board. (This is good for forgetful parents too.) When bdays or holidays roll around I have a list to refer to when relatives ask for gift ideas as well. It's also a great way for the kids to look at their list 6 to 12 months later and realize they didn't actually want some items.

  • @MamaPajama-yp5od
    @MamaPajama-yp5od 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    My sister took us all to a local production of A Christmas Carol as our present one year and it was so great. We went from homeschooling to public school and I’ve worried about the materialism too,. It hasn’t been bad at all.

  • @kmac5836
    @kmac5836 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    We have simplified our Christmas over the years. We focus on needs vs wants. My teen asks for a couple of items in each category. I buy throughout the year for neccessities and watch for things I know she will like or want. I also take a week off during Christmas. When she was younger, I could not afford such a luxury. Now we get to spend that extra time together and it has made the holidays more enjoyable. I go "on strike" from big box stores (grocery is ok) from November to January to avoid the chaos in stores so all shopping has to be done beforehand. Another way to take away the stress many people feel at this time of year. Going into debt over a holiday is insane and I am teaching her there is more to life than keeping up with everyone else. Another great video! ❤

  • @nt6719
    @nt6719 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    I am currently living in an area where one of the shopping centers exhibits Christmas Trees that have been decorated by local businesses and organizations. They are auctioned and the money raised goes to charity. We go see the Christmas Trees and that's free. Also as we're driving at night we take different routes to places that we're going so we can see different Christmas decorations. There's a nearby church that has a religious decorated area with a manger that's drive through and it's free. Last year they had free refreshments inside. They also had a goat petting area. They take donations. We enjoy seeing the free decorations wherever we go. There is a free parade but we haven't been to that in the past because it's been too cold for us.

  • @Ashley-Kristen
    @Ashley-Kristen 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I am the SAME with saving the bigger gifts & purchases for Christmas! Even for toys, we actually do not buy toys at all during the year so I actually do get them new toys and view it as a “toy refresh” we only get toys for Christmas and birthdays during the year so it makes it more fun for Christmas.

    • @Ashley-Kristen
      @Ashley-Kristen 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I love Black Friday lol!! I do take advantage of that & prime day! It helps if you have a running list to avoid the marketing, but in terms of using those days to take advantage I absolutely agree!

    • @Ashley-Kristen
      @Ashley-Kristen 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I know this might be off topic too, but I don’t follow the rule of thumb of “spend 100$ each” for kids. People tell me they do this, and I personally feel like trying to meet a number costs me more money and it is not realistic for different ages! You can get buy spending way less for little kids, too, as typically their items are not as costly as what the older kids like. 😅 I just try to get them each a few things they like, want, need without complicating it.

    • @raisingwildflowers
      @raisingwildflowers  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I totally agree 😊 I definitely don’t feel obligated to spend as much on my toddler as on my teens. Their needs are so different!

    • @Ashley-Kristen
      @Ashley-Kristen 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@raisingwildflowers Exactly!! 🤗

    • @sarahmc8309
      @sarahmc8309 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yes this what I do now !!!! It’s best way and he looks forward to it then ! I think works way better

  • @RetiredLovingIt
    @RetiredLovingIt 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    We also like to give experiences

  • @Crystal.Calvin
    @Crystal.Calvin 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I have been considering a new idea with my teens where they actually purchase their own special gift and then open them in front of each other and explain why they picked it and why its special. Kindof a family bonding/learning experience for new hobbies and interests

  • @majajasar1278
    @majajasar1278 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    No gifting at all. Christmas is a family holiday, and it's about spending time together, having good food, and be grateful for the life we have. My daughter gets everything that she needs all year around, not expensive, and not needed presents on Christmas. Just my 5 cents 😊

  • @mwahl1686
    @mwahl1686 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    You're such a thoughtful person (re: peer pressures can be different for homeschooled vs private/public schooled kids). It's definitely something that we navigate as our kids are in public school 💛

  • @gailcurl8663
    @gailcurl8663 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Good, Sound, Solid and Mature Advice. I Agree!! Christmas is Not About How Many Gifts are Under the Tree. It's About "GOD and FAMILY"!! I Absolutely Loathe all This "Commercialism" and the Pressure to "Spend, Spend and Spend"!! So Unnecessary. Thank You for this Video!! Stay Safe and GOD BLESS!!

  • @rangersbaseball8956
    @rangersbaseball8956 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    Another fantastic video we like to bake cookies and we watch Home Alone

  • @joculp-yq3qh
    @joculp-yq3qh 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Great video Katie. You have done so well with your kids! Pat yourself on the back❤

  • @rebacarmack8335
    @rebacarmack8335 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    I have had tons of medical bills this year, so I told one of my sisters that I was buying for her grandchildren this year but if it was ok with them we wouldn’t exchange gifts this year. They said “ sounds good”. I feel a little bad- We don’t really even hear from them very much, other siblings make the effort to stay in contact. I’m thinking it’s the habit of buying for them that’s nagging at me?? You taught the girls well- her roommates should be very appreciative for her financial advice. Well done! I’m sure Falcon will pick up those same lessons as well.

    • @joannedibben2352
      @joannedibben2352 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I'm sure it will be fine please don't worry gifts are just items you have medical bills to sort and every bit counts.i wish you all the best🌈

  • @joniahaworth
    @joniahaworth 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I will always comment on your videos and say how much I love them -from a fellow frugal sister. ❤

  • @JM.5387
    @JM.5387 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    We don't have a heavy gift-giving culture -- holidays are centered on family meals and celebrations, and going to services -- but I also do as you do and target a major purchase for a birthday or holiday. For instance, my eldest recently moved into their first apartment, and I'll be getting them a small microwave. We love the aquarium, so we'll renew our annual family membership. Younger son will get driving lessons. When they were little, their grandparents sent a box of presents; now they prefer gift cards.

  • @AnaViolinViola
    @AnaViolinViola 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Well done to you and your family, I love the common sense you have!😊

  • @lindc1070
    @lindc1070 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Christmas has become too commercialised. So have all the holidays. My family always celebrated it in a big way even back in the 70s with my folks. But it was focussed more on family bonding and socialising with friends, church. It was less commercial in the last century.

  • @natalieguffey3936
    @natalieguffey3936 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    We love to give experiences

  • @Crystal.Calvin
    @Crystal.Calvin 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    We fona 4 gift rule with my 3 children plus small finstional gifts in their stockings instead of junk. For extended family, we buy memberships to activities thet last all year and restaurant gift cards.

  • @barnrazedbyjesse6893
    @barnrazedbyjesse6893 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    We do something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read. As well as simple advent and family traditions. Grandparents really over do it sometimes. The Christmas of 2019 we purchased giftcards for each month the following year and then everything shut down. I love the trips and memory making gifts however, we rarely leave the farm. In our twenty five years here, It has not been easy finding capable and willing help to run the farm while on vacation.

  • @rachelcrossen8136
    @rachelcrossen8136 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I have a budget line item for Christmas/bdays. I’ve noticed in your very stripped down budget you don’t have that so how do you have the money available to do your Black Friday shopping for example?

    • @raisingwildflowers
      @raisingwildflowers  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I’ve been able to collect Amazon gift cards this year from affiliate links 😊 So I am planning on shopping Amazon this year. Although, we are doing very few presents since we do have a bigger trip planned. We are saving money for that beyond our budget, which I *think* I talked a bit about in my recent budget video.

  • @jayneanderson8057
    @jayneanderson8057 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    While my kids were growing up we used to sit around the table and think of everyone we could send Christmas cards to. The list got bigger every year. We recieved a lot of cards too and we would open them at dinner time, and then tape them to the wall is the shape of a Christmas tree. Some years the tree was really big. With Postage stamps being expensive maybe as a family you could draw a fun Post Card of your own and have them printed up and send those out. Its a nice way to think of others.

  • @siobhanod
    @siobhanod 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Great video

  • @hello-vs4me
    @hello-vs4me 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    All done with Christmas shopping i get my Christmas gifts the day after Thanksgiving for the next Christmas

    • @ashleybosvik3031
      @ashleybosvik3031 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I get mine after Christmas when everything is 75% off

    • @hello-vs4me
      @hello-vs4me 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I get 50 percent off

  • @blueamenaa749
    @blueamenaa749 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thank you for the video.❤❤❤

  • @FayRotz
    @FayRotz 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    The Black Friday deals, aren’t really deals any more here in Southern California! on Black Everything is so expensive.

  • @ashleybosvik3031
    @ashleybosvik3031 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    Do you ever get tired of being frugal

    • @laurijohnson7754
      @laurijohnson7754 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I wonder that too. I think she spends every waking hour calculating and making lists.

    • @robertmccorkle9627
      @robertmccorkle9627 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      ​@@laurijohnson7754 You hear her talk about being frugal because that is what her channel is about.

    • @laurijohnson7754
      @laurijohnson7754 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @ I know.

    • @raisingwildflowers
      @raisingwildflowers  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      This may be a great idea for a video lol. Short answer - being frugal means being mindful with your money, not necessarily not spending money. So, no, I am very happy spending my money how I want and not on things I don't want.

    • @raisingwildflowers
      @raisingwildflowers  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      @laurijohnson7754 Well, I am autistic and am really good at calculating and making lists lol. It’s literally the way my brain works and takes very little effort. But also, this is what I talk about on this channel so, yeah, it seems like its the entirety of who I am, but I have 23.5 hours a day where I am doing other things lol.

  • @susant849
    @susant849 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    We understand that season is season of Jesus our lord!! Teach them about family tradition

  • @NoOneUKnow-c3y
    @NoOneUKnow-c3y 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    When I saw the last video and you mentioned your daughter's new circumstances, my first thought was that she was going to teach them money management. So cool and such an opportunity for them all to learn and grow together as friends. My mom and I used to see who could save the most money on our weekly grocery shopping. Now, I don't even shop weekly, so that is even better. Thanks for another great video. Have a blessed day.

  • @ZXX984
    @ZXX984 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    You want to see something mind boggling? Watch how much is spent for Christmas on the Dougherty Dozen.

    • @raisingwildflowers
      @raisingwildflowers  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I watched and 😳 Not only the money but the STUFF. It seems so overwhelming lol

    • @amalyseful
      @amalyseful หลายเดือนก่อน

      I can't believe it's actually real. The consumerism. It makes me sad as I think the kids would be happier with less?

    • @bessycorrales2259
      @bessycorrales2259 หลายเดือนก่อน

      That woman is a disaster. I had to stop contributing to the train wreck.

  • @Elsa_318
    @Elsa_318 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    💜💜💜

  • @mwilliams4545
    @mwilliams4545 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +12

    Enjoy your content.
    If you have not surrendered all to Jesus as yet, please do. Serving the Lord is the greatest investment you could ever make.
    Blessings to you and your family.

  • @samanthahudson-kemp204
    @samanthahudson-kemp204 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    We saved 100% of the money we spent on Christmas Easter Halloween Ect. By not celebrating them anymore 😅 I know a lot of people won't agree with that decision but it saved us so much money it's Unbelievable 😂

    • @raisingwildflowers
      @raisingwildflowers  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      We've honestly debated doing this ... at least with our toddler. I would really like to completely get away from the tradition of presents - mainly the expectation of presents. So I totally get!

    • @samanthahudson-kemp204
      @samanthahudson-kemp204 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@raisingwildflowers
      We did it for religious reasons.
      But the money we saved was just a bonus tbh 💯

    • @CassieDavis613
      @CassieDavis613 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@raisingwildflowers I stopped celebrating holidays and giving gifts 10 years ago. It is so freeing. Besides, I got complaints about my gifts. I am not a good gift giver, and my people dislike gift cards.

  • @rachelday9585
    @rachelday9585 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I don't agree with the peer pressures homeschooled vs public school thing. I went to public school but because my parents never had name brand stuff, I never wanted it, never even crossed my mind. Video games were fairly new back then, but I only wanted them because my cousin had then not because of kids at school and I didn't ask for them but saved my own money to buy them. Cellphones were becoming a thing, but I never wanted one and didn't have one until I wasn't living at home. My kids are homeschooled but all of their friends except one go to public school, they aren't influenced by the public-school kids. I really think it's just about how you are raised. My kids are well aware that we don't have a ton of money and always have been. My 13-year-old doesn't have a phone, has never used a computer and doesn't really want either. She has a fire kids tablet that's 7 years old and is fine with that. We don't really have much in the way of video games either. If you just ask my kids what they want it's always "I don't know", but if you give them a toy book they will circle or mark several things.

    • @NomadicIslanders
      @NomadicIslanders 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Yea but these times are very different than back then. Even toddlers have big electronics now like iPads.

    • @rachelday9585
      @rachelday9585 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@NomadicIslanders Yes, but it's not like my kids don't see that and their friends have that. All my kids' friends had phones at like 6-7, didn't make my kids want it anymore. My 13-year-old literally says she doesn't want a phone, she'd never use it. My kids all have a kindle fire kids tablet. My oldest was 6 when we first bought them, but my others were 2 when they got theirs; they do not leave the house. All my kids' friends have ps5, xbox whatever, switch, 64, game cubes, ect but that doesn't make my kids want them. We do have a switch and a 64 but my kids aren't allowed endless time to play them and will go weeks or months without touching them at all. My kids' friends all have name brand clothes and shoes but we (the parents, grandparents, ect) don't wear all that so it brings no interest to my kids. My kids just wear jeans and a t-shirt most days, no particular brand and whatever shoes we found that fit at the department store. They've never wanted nike, jordan, or any of that other stuff.
      It's about how you raise them, we didn't raise our kids to sit around and stare at screens. Parents set the expectations of what kids want by giving them all the technology as a babysitter anymore, starting at basically birth. Kids don't know life without technology constantly around anymore. There has never been TV to watch or games to play when traveling, shopping, or going out to eat. My kids bring a notebook and colored pencils to restaurants and draw or sit and have a conversation with the people at the table. We also eat dinner every night at the table as a family with no tv or electronics. I never brought more than a small coloring book or one small quiet toy even when my kids were babies. And I can say I've seen both sides because my kids' older siblings were glued to computers, phones, tv, games.

    • @JM.5387
      @JM.5387 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      I was definitely teased in school for not having name-brand clothes. It may also depend on where you live.

    • @raisingwildflowers
      @raisingwildflowers  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I get this. I don't have much perspective of what it would be like if my kids did go to school. I think one would be a bit more heavily influenced than the other just based on personality. The other doesn't care AT ALL about name brand/what people think (she is autistic to be fair lol).

  • @captnb8036
    @captnb8036 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    So many strange responses to their vids from strange people.

  • @darialoktionova6205
    @darialoktionova6205 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Hey Katie, would you share your deals for Black Friday? 😊

    • @raisingwildflowers
      @raisingwildflowers  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      I can! Let me do some more research on the deals this year and I can do a video :)

    • @darialoktionova6205
      @darialoktionova6205 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Im sure it will be very helpful for many of us 🤗

  • @laurijohnson7754
    @laurijohnson7754 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Do you ever just stop calculating every aspect of your life and have fun?

    • @JM.5387
      @JM.5387 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +10

      What a strange question. Do you really think that a 10 minute youtube video is representative of her whole life?

    • @laurijohnson7754
      @laurijohnson7754 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @ no but she seems to think she has every aspect of her life worked out… except working to earn money

    • @Nativewoman1
      @Nativewoman1 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      Nothing wrong with being frugal and saving money. They are trying to build a home on their land. So money doesn’t grow on trees, you know! Plus, I’m sure they have a lot more fun than you do.

    • @mom2school226
      @mom2school226 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Well you have to make plans if you dont want to hit rock bottom

    • @trishalou592
      @trishalou592 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

      She does work. TH-cam is her job like so many others on this platform. Here is a concept you should have learned in preschool: if you don't have anything nice to say then you don't say anything at all. Perhaps you are on the wrong channel.

  • @tobybratcher
    @tobybratcher 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    There’s nothing Christian about Christmas.