'I spend £1,000 on my two kids at Christmas using their child benefit'

ok.co.uk:

Parents will understand the desire to make Christmas as magical as possible for their little ones, whether that's leaving Santa's footsteps from the chimney or arranging presents around the tree ready for the 5am wake-up call.

With costs quickly mounting for the big day, one mum on a low income starts prepping for the festivities as early as January, spreading the costs across months while also using some of her benefit money.

Elesia Hayes is a doting mum to her two children, Jaxon, five and Olivia, three. Every year, she transforms their Manchester home into a winter wonderland with piles of presents and matching Christmas pyjamas.The 23 year old spends £100 per month on gifts for her kids and barely finishes the holiday celebrations before she's planning for the next year, with wrapping commencing as early as March.

Due to her tight budget, Elesia says she prefers to spread the cost of Christmas presents over a longer period. "I can’t afford to buy in bulk," the mum of two told What's The Jam. "I have a low income, and I find that spreading the costs [helps].