by A mother dresses her children in a different holiday-themed outfit during December while she makes Christmas sweaters at home every day.
36-year-old mother of two Katy Warburton has purchased more than 240 Christmas outfits for her little ones over the past seven years and makes each year’s countdown to the big day truly unforgettable.
Warburton, of Wolverhampton, West Midlands, started the annual tradition in 2016 to celebrate his first Christmas, which his now six-year-old son, James, and his three-year-old younger sister, Charlotte, also enjoyed.
Warburton also lets them storm their stuff on a daily festive ‘catwalk’ to showcase their impressive collection of seasonal sweaters. The family also has dozens of matching Christmas pajama sets.
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But while Warburton is certainly doing his best, he’s trying to do it in the most resourceful way possible.
“I usually pay no more than £1 for a sweater, festive shirt or dress,” she says.
“The cost of Christmas-themed clothing in stores shocked me. I like to call charity shops and car trunk sales for almost new bargains in the summer.
“Every item I buy comes from a car trunk sale or a charity shop. They only wear them for a day, and then I save the larger ones for Charlotte to wear for years to come, give them to my friends, or resell them.”
The idea was born unintentionally while expecting her first child from her 32-year-old husband, Nathan Warburton.
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“James was due at the end of November, so I spent the summer collecting festive-themed outfits for his first Christmas,” Warburton recalls.
“I loved finding baby bargains for less than a pound. I took them home, washed them, and packed them up to be ready when he arrived.”
Still, “I actually forgot how many Christmas-themed dolls I grew up with.
“I couldn’t help myself, the newborns’ tiny clothes were so cute.
“The vests that read ‘Mother’s little Christmas pudding’ or ‘Santa’s little helper’ were all adorable.”
The first year he bought much more than he had planned.
“When my husband James joked that he could wear a different dress every day in December, I found myself getting a little carried away,” she admits.
Last year, Warburton worried that his favorite tradition would end when James entered school. But always being resourceful, she was mindful of how much she spent and bought more matching pajama sets so she could continue into the evenings.
Last year, Warburton worried that his favorite tradition would end when James entered school. But always being resourceful, still being mindful of how much she spent, she bought more matching pajama sets to keep up with the evenings.
“Kids love it and I get so excited when I pack a bright 50p sweater or a £1 red velvet dress with the tag still on,” she says.
“When I have a bargain, I show it to my husband, but I wait until December to surprise the kids with what clothes to choose.”
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And kids love to take care of clothes too.
“They choose what they want to wear every day, especially if we’re going to a Christmas party or daycare, and I love taking pictures and sharing them with my family,” explains Warburton.
“As James aged, styles changed from the cute ‘Mummy’s little snowman’ to game-control Santa’s sweaters or Minecraft characters wearing Santa hats.
“But Charlotte’s dresses are so beautiful I couldn’t pick one or two. I absolutely love her December wardrobe.”
Warburton has no intention of stopping the festive tradition anytime soon.
“It’s such a magical time of year at this age!” he adds.
“They’re both very excited about Christmas and that helps build excitement for them.
“When they decide they’re too old to dress up, I have photos to treasure.”
Additional reporting Caters.
