So my family did an early secret Santa on the start of December as we all live in different parts of the country and it was hard for us to see each other during the Christmas holiday.
(For example I live in West Midlands and my grandma live in the north)
I am 18 years old and I currently work for an agency that pays really well but DOESNT give me enough hours to actually make any money. I have worked there for 2 months and have only worked 4 days altogether due to the agency messing me around.
Anyways the amount of money I have is low and thats putting it politely.
I went to the secret Santa and the budget was £20 for everyone’s gifts to each other.
I bought my auntie a candle that cost me about £6 because it’s all I had in my bank after I used train to travel up north for the week. Also I needed money for my boyfriend’s present Who I felt was more important to splurge on a little.
They called me selfish after I showed what I am buying my partner. They said “if you can spend over £60 on your boufriend but cant out any effort into your auntie’s present what is the point of you being here”
I honestly cried because I’m not sure if they said it because they were a little tipsy or if they meant it but i really do feel like an asshole for not spending as much money as everyone else.
(Btw it wasnt my auntie who said this it was everybody else, my auntie actually loves candles so I out lots of thought into it at least)
Not to sound stupid but I saved up all the money I have for 2 months only to have earned all together £120 and that has to go towards my partners present and travels via train)
I feel I maybe have said something wrong. £20 was the limit we were allowed to spend not that we had to spend £20 or more.
Edit: everyone I got some good advice I will take. I am going to budget presents this year myself. The fact is I simply DIDNT think at the time about the pricing a people expected. It’s always been the thought thag counts in my head and that’s exactly what I did.
Also for some people thinking im being dramatic about how much I get paid.
12/11/25
£168
(Half went on rent bwcause I love with my partner and I give him what I can afford)
Other half I still have
26/11/25
£25
I worked a 12 hour shift and only got this much jusy bwcause they didn’t believe I clocked out 🙁
So basically thats all I have left including less now I had to pay for trains and stuff
I hope to get paid for work last week on Wednesday