Hi boudoirbabe. I've managed to spread the cost better this year, and have just added up what spending I have to do this month. I've discovered I have to spend £100 on the remaining presents and another £100 for food and entertainment, and I've completed the Christmas spend. Other years, I've spent about £600 in December, so if I've spent the same amount in total, I haven't noticed the same financial burden simply by picking up an odd present here and there since summer time, especially when I've spotted a bargain. I also got some cellophane, kilner jars and ribbon, and made a few batches of cookies and fudge for some relatives and friends, and this has saved money - thanks to Kirstie's Home Made Christmas programmes! I've spent many years running around like a headless chicken in the last two weeks before Christmas, and this is the first time I've organised myself. Feels great, because I won't have debts in January.