'What do you spend on your kids at Xmas? What if it has to be zero?'

“I stress myself out financially every year to the point I actually hate it and can’t wait for it to be over."

Christmas is a time of giving, joy, and making memories - but for many parents, it comes with a sharp sting to their bank account.

While children believe Santa Claus is behind the magic of Christmas morning, the real credit belongs to financially stretched parents working hard to make it all happen.

The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has tightened its grip on Aussie households throughout the year, and as the festive season fast approaches, the strain is only intensifying.

It's generally true that the innocent Christmas lists our children write rarely take any of our sacrifices into account.

Who can afford a pony in this economy?

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‘Do what you can’

A post in the Western Sydney Mums Facebook group highlights just how much it’s all weighing on parents' minds and budgets. 

“How much roughly do you guys spend per child for Christmas?” it reads.

“I stress myself out financially every year for Christmas to the point I actually hate it and can’t wait for it to be over,” an anonymous parent admitted.

In response, supportive parents flooded the comments, sharing their budgets and concerns.

“Comparison is the thief of joy. One year might be different from the next. Do what you can…” one commenter encouraged.

“$20-50. Depending on what they want. They only get one gift each, as they get heaps from family and friends,” shared another.

“Around $150 each. I have five kids. It might not be as much as some, but they’ve always loved what they’ve been given,” added a third.

Christmas is hard on the budgets of many families. Image: iStock

RELATED: 'Save your money': Mum says parents should skip 'new' Xmas tradition

‘Go to an op shop’

While the stress is undeniable, many parents offered tips on the Facebook post to help make Christmas manageable on a budget.

“If your children are still young and you want to buy them something, go to an op shop. There are so many brand-new and well-looked-after items for cheap, and Kmart is affordable too,” one mother suggested.

“If this helps, we just do this: something to read, something to wear, something they need, something they share, and something to play with,” added another.

Other commenters suggested looking into toy drives, local community programs, and focusing on experiences rather than tangible gifts.

As tough as the season can be, the overarching advice is clear: measure Christmas morning by the love shared, not the price tags.

Originally published as 'What do you spend on your kids at Xmas? What if it has to be zero?'