yep, by loads!  Just became full-time self-employed in the summer, so no option but to cut right back  Hopefully this time next year things might have taken off a bit 

I always think I might try to, then never do, I've spent more than ever, so massive fail!

Good luck

I've just spent £100 in Asda and that doesn't include booze or the meat etc so I failed there as well

Thanks! !  

I have managed to cut back on present buying as the whole family decided to prune down on who they bought for - mainly concentrating on the children so that has helped 

food prices have risen so what I saved on presents has gone on food so £ wise no I havnt cut back 

have cut back loads  (don't spend that much anyway ,)  as people on benefits shouldn't waste money on a non essential and frivolous goods

I think I have actually.  Most of that is down to buying online so I don't have to go to town and end up buying bits and pieces and not seeing where my money is going.

Went to town yesterday for a few things and ended up spending nearly £400 and only realised it when I got home  Was shocked at how much I'd spent and had to sit down and figure out where it all went.

So lesson learned.  Do everything online next year!

I think I have spread my money more evenly this year...  

the kids have had a drastic reduction in total spend...     about half what I have ended up spending in previous years... 

they've been warned...     and I do think I have been a lot more selective with their stuff this year (they haven't got a load of stocking filling toot).

I think my overall spend is probably about the same...   have spent ALOT more on food (as its me thats cooking for us, my parents & my brother & his gf on xmas day, and then just me & mine are having a turkey roast at home on Boxing Day)...     and other people like my parents, brother, MrD etc have had more spent on them... 

I did feel a bit guilty earlier in the week..    but having just wrapped most of it I don't any more ...    I am happy with what I have got for everyone.

Also..  this year...    my kids didn't seem to NEED as much as they have previous years...    probably because Ickle buys all her own stuff now she is away at uni, so I have had more money to get the boy stuff he has needed throughout the year.

hahahahahaha.....

you are very welcome in my box Aims...  

& yeah, I hear ya on the "stuff don't look like much"...    

but tough...  anyways...  advantage of our girls suddenly having "their own money" is that they are suddenly more aware of how much stuff costs... 

Ickle said to me, the first time she came home for the weekend, "are we having a roast for tea... mmmmm meat...   I can't believe how much meat costs"  

I thought you was going to have to set an extra place for christmas dinner if I didn't get out your box

Lil Aims is the same this year, she's done nothing but moan that her bank balance is going down,I think that's why she's going in Boxing day as it's £10 an hour