We stayed within our budget and did put it all on the credit card but that's because we earn cash back. Once the bill is received we'll pay it off.

I went over by about $100, but it was in cash! And all the Christmas money was as well...no credit card purchases! YAY! This year I already started my Christmas savings account so I will have more than enough next year (I only saved $700 in it last year, and that had to cover the kids plus family and friends) next year I am aiming for $1000 and to have cash left over

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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass~ It's about learning to dance in the Rain

For the most part I stayed in my budget. It helped that I had bought some gifts during the year, during Amazon's toy sale, Target clearance, etc.

I'm pretty excited - I budgeted $975 for a total of... our family of 5, plus 8 adult relatives (my parents, dh's parents & g-parents), plus 2 teachers, plus 1 neighbor boy & 8 of my nieces and nephews! Many of the adults & older nieces & nephews got gift cards so I couldn't go any cheaper there! (I hate giving them, but did anyway...)

I ended up spending $840 and actually should be getting another $20 for one of those gifts!

So, $135 under!! ($155 when I get reimbursed) And next year I am going to do even better! Most of my nieces and nephews gifts were purchased early - most in June or July whenever Target had their big sales!

I did 3 gifts for each of my boys plus 1 santa gift plus stockings! This was a BIG cut back from what I got them last year and I STILL think they got too much! By the time we get around to opening the gifts from us they already got a TON of gifts from my family and half of DH's family, plus they still have the other half of DH's family to go! Next year I plan on doing even less! I'm not sure what yet, but I will! PLUS, I'm cutting back on stocking stuffers... I was so happy with all the little one dollar items I got for them, but their stockings were overflowing and I'm already wanting to throw away a ton of that junky stuff!

SO overall, this year was a success - I spent less and kept the presents to a minimum. BUT, next year will be even better -- I'm going to spend even less and give less to the boys!!!

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We actually did pretty good. We didn't put anything on credit so nothing to worry about there. Dh put us over because he bought me a video camera for Christmas. Now I really wanted one and its great to have with the new baby but I would have bought a much cheaper one!!

Other than that we did good but I know this year is going to be even better. We've cut down our gift list as my mom's family has finally decided to draw names and I've already started making gifts for this year. Since I'm starting so early I'll be able to make more gifts so there will be less out of pocket expense. So far I've made scarves for all the ladies. They are super inexpensive since I can make several out of a ball of yarn and I already had all the yarn too!

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Proud mommy to adorable Kinsley

MY BLOG!

Always! I save every week all year long towards Christmas. Works great for me!

I never really make a budget but I think we went over what we thought we would. UGH!!! Quick Question when you say you have a Christmas Saving account did you start one just for Christmas or do you have one that you say is for Christmas? I need to do something like this. Also what do you guys think is resonable as a set limit for Christmas we are just a family of four but we have huge familys??? Thanks for the help