Nearly Half of UK Parents Are Skipping Meals to Pay for Christmas: How to Give Your Children a Happy One Without Going Into Debt

Nearly half of the UK's parents are going hungry to pay for Christmas. In a survey published by the children's charity Barnardo's on 6th November 2026, 45% of parents said they have skipped meals or reduced how much they eat to afford Christmas for their children. Barnardo's estimates that this amounts to around 3.7 million parents across the UK.

The research company Censuswide asked 2,763 UK parents of children under 18 between 6th and 16th October. Debt is the next worry: 43% expect to borrow to get through Christmas, which Barnardo's puts at around 3.5 million parents. More than a third (37%) think their child will miss out on the magic of Christmas because of money, and 52% worry that this Christmas will be harder to afford than last year.

What parents are giving up

The survey shows where the money comes from. To pay for Christmas, 27% of parents would give up saving for emergencies, 17% would give up paying household bills on time and 16% would go without heating their home.

Barnardo's chief executive, Lynn Perry, said: 'No parent should have to choose between feeding themselves, heating their home or giving their child a happy Christmas.' A father of two from Edinburgh, aged 58, described what that choice looks like at the table: 'I'd eat whatever they didn't eat off their plates.'

Christmas presents are only part of the pressure. Our guide to Christmas presents for kids in 2026 lists gifts under £20 and the charity toy appeals that give new presents to families who are struggling.

Set the budget before you shop

The debt charity StepChange advises working out what you can afford before you spend anything. The free, government-backed MoneyHelper budget planner adds up your income and outgoings and shows you what is left over. A Christmas budget set from that figure is one you can keep.

StepChange also suggests sticking to a list and comparing prices, so that deals do not tempt you into buying more than you planned.

Agree limits with the rest of the family

StepChange recommends setting spending limits with family and friends, or drawing names for a Secret Santa. It says that talking openly about cutting costs can ease the pressure for everyone.

Inside your own home, the four-gift rule keeps children's presents in proportion: something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read.

Think twice before you borrow

StepChange warns that credit cards and buy now, pay later can leave you with a 'debt hangover', because interest can make them cost more over time. Its advice is simple: if you would find the repayments hard, do not take the credit.

Ask for help early

If you are already struggling, ask now rather than in December. Toy appeals such as The Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal, Mission Christmas and the Family Action Christmas Toy Appeal work through referrals from schools, health visitors and support workers, and referrals take time. Barnardo's own support has included e-vouchers for a child's gift.

For money worries, free and confidential advice is available from StepChange, MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice and National Debt Line.

Start next year's fund in January

StepChange suggests starting to save for the following Christmas in January, because small amounts add up over a year. Buying a few things early also helps you avoid the rush and the higher prices of December.

Christmas pressure builds long before the day itself, and our guide to reaching January rested has more on keeping the season manageable.