Without a doubt, Christmas is the season of over indulgence. From October onwards – some of us sooner – we begin to plan just how excessive we can be, come the 25^th December. Whether we’re drafting out Christmas lists as long as our arms, stocking up on bottles across the weekly shops, or planning a festive feast fit for kings, we’re prepared for extravagance at any cost.

A one way road to tinsel town

Whoever you are, you’re well within your rights to go all out over Christmas. Don’t let anyone tell you any different. Yet, amidst all the excitement, it can become all too easy to go way overboard, spending savings, racking up the credit bills, plummeting down to the breadline just in time for the January blues.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. There’s definitely a fine line between nailing the niceties and going OTT. If you sense you’re on a one way road to tinsel town, reign yourself in and assess what’s important and what’s not. Once you know where to place your efforts, your time, and your hard-earned money, you’ll know exactly when to be extravagant at Christmas and when not to be.

Personalising your Christmas

We have all sent those Christmas cards with the family photos on them (haven't we) but this could be the just start, you could personalise almost everything about your Christmas by creating your own family logo like our Lilypad one above. We tried out the company Logojoy who make creating logo childs play. You could use your logo for a seal on your Christmas cards or have your Christmas napkins embossed to really be extravagant this year.

Christmas with the kids

Many of our Little Lilypad readers have children, and definitely place personal value on creating the magic of Christmas for their young ones. I think it is fair to say that when your Children are small, going all out to see those eyes sparkle is certainly a priority.

Most would agree that the ‘parenting era’ is when you can go OTT, for sure. Yet, while it’s a pleasure to pile presents under the tree, it’s sometimes more worthwhile to spread out those festive feels throughout the month.

Rather than ploughing all your pounds into prezzies, make Christmas an event. Look at experiencing theatre shows, pantos, Christmas markets, ice skating, Santa visits, woodland walks, Christmas craft activities, Elf on the Shelf, Christmas films and snacks… there’s so much to do around Christmastime, it really is the perfect opportunity to create family memories.

All I want for Christmas is… 

While giving gifts to loved ones can be a particularly pleasurable gesture, seriously give your budget the once over. What can you afford without dreading the sight of your bank balance? Often thoughtful, personal gifts are worth so much more than fortunes spent on the high street. If you have time, consider crafting some homemade creations with the kids.

And remember, not everything has to be so matchy-matchy. Don’t buy a new dinner set because you’re plate short, and don’t buy a new set of chairs because Auntie Eileen has invited herself along for a bit of your best turkey.

Cast your mind back to when you were young. Much of the charm was in the family being together, along with the odd bits and bots that made the day perfect in its own imperfect kind of way.

Be as extravagant as you want this Christmas but remember to be extravagant with children, with love, with well wishes, and with warmth this Christmas.

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