By 
Worrying about everyone can be my biggest issue, every Christmas. I always get the Christmas guilt. Have I got the right presents? Do I need to buy more presents? Have I seen people? But you can also feel it when the pressure comes to buy the latest and greatest things for your kids. I also feel guilty about spending time with the family as I work right up to Christmas, usually.
Spend More Time with Your Kids
Children love to get presents. Of course, they do. But they only provide temporary happiness. What kids really want and need is stability, love, and care. This can be hard if you are separated, and they can feel like they are in the middle. So spending time with them becomes more important. If your ex is preventing you from seeing your kids, consult a firm like Beyond Law. They have specialists that can help you settle disputes during the most challenging times.
Try Not to Overspend on Gifts
A major factor over Christmas is how much you spend on gifts. Things like video game consoles cost hundreds. And even games themselves are becoming very expensive. Combined with the cost of living crisis and trying to heat your home over one of the coldest winters on record, money is an issue for millions of people right now. So using up money you donโt really have will just make you feel worse, and it makes more sense to buy what you can afford to stay warm.
Reduce Christmas Guilt by Planning Your Food
Food waste is a problem all over the world. And it gets worse at Christmas. In the UK alone, the equivalent of 42 million Christmas dinner plates ends up in the bin. This makes no sense and is a waste of money as well as good food. And if you waste like this, you are guaranteed to feel bad about it. Fortunately, you can easily reduce the guilt from food waste if you plan what you need. For example, try a chicken instead of turkey and source smaller portions of vegetables.
Donโt Get into Debt
No matter the time of year, the guilt of getting into debt can be overwhelming. But at Christmas, it can all but ruin your celebrations. Of course, the kids might have what they want. But whatโs the real cost? Perhaps you take out a loan and cannot afford the monthly repayments. In this case, your debt will spiral, adding to your burden. Or if you overuse your credit card, your credit score will be negatively impacted when you struggle to repay the funds.
Celebrate the Ones You Have Lost
Over your lifetime, you make many treasured memories with your loved ones. However, some of your loved ones may not be around anymore and have passed. The grief and guilt from this can be one of the worst you can endure, especially the first few Christmases. However, you can help alleviate the burden by raising a glass and celebrating the times shared with those you love who can no longer be around to wish you a very merry Christmas once more.
Itโs pretty common to feel Christmas guilt at this time of year. You can help yourself relieve some pressure by spending time with the kids, reducing waste and celebrating passed loved ones.
Amy Bondoc
December 14, 2022i always say ill never get into debt and havent ever however i do feel that i go overboard sometimes!
Rebecca Sutton
December 14, 2022With Xmas Dinner most of the leftovers can be saved, yorkers can be frozen along with the roast potato’s, meat can be turned into a curry and veg s and mash can make bubble and squeak
coldi
December 14, 2022I definitely feel the christmas guilt every year. I know the children have more than enough and we certainly cram in as many activities as we can (in to a very short period!). But I always feel like I could be doing more, and its really silly!
Margaret Gallagher
December 15, 2022I surpringly not worried – no guilt – what I gift is from the heart
Melissa Lee
December 17, 2022I’m definitely a sufferer of Christmas guilt! Love these tips, thank you
Sarah Bailey
December 17, 2022These are some great tip – I do worry about not spending enough or getting the right present, which now I’ve read this is probably a mix of guilt and shame.
Margaret Gallagher
March 6, 2023Managed pretty well and stuck to my budget – certainly made January bright
Wendy Lam-Vechi
March 16, 2023Christmas doesn’t have to be expensive. The most important part is being together and making memories. So if you find that you’re stuck in the kitchen all day cooking an expensive feast and away from the family, maybe reconsider making a more simpler lunch. And kids don’t need lots of presents, they just want company and a good time and that part is free and guilt free.
Nicola Maycock
March 21, 2023I try my best over xmas, save as much as i can, ive really tried to cut down on the food over xmas so not to waste as much! it is hard thou, especially as things are getting more expensive x
Claire Hamilton
March 28, 2023We had to really stick to a budget at Christmas due to rising bills. Thanks for the tips.
Nicola Maycock
May 28, 2023i try and save as much as i can all year, i also start shopping early, its hard because things are so expensive now and everything is double. i do love seeing my kids faces on xmas morning