Political View: The Hidden cost of Half Term and Christmas

With October half-term approaching, children across Peterborough will be looking forward to a week away from school. But for many parents, another school holiday brings financial worry rather than excitement, particularly with Christmas just around the corner, writes Conservative Group councillor Kirsty Knight.

As a mum of three, I often think back to how different school holidays were when I was growing up. Those were the days when your mum would pack you a lunchbox, fill a large bottle with squash and send you off on your bike to meet your friends in the morning, with instructions to be home for dinner.

We didn’t need expensive days out or organised activities. We made our own entertainment, spent hours outdoors and came home with memories that hadn’t cost our parents a penny. Sometimes I wonder whether we’ve lost some of that simplicity.

Today, even a modest family outing can become expensive once you’ve paid for transport, admission and food. When children are home all week, the food bill increases too. For families relying on free school meals during term time, those additional costs can be particularly difficult.

And before parents have recovered financially from half-term, Christmas arrives.

I love seeing children excited about Christmas, but I also understand the pressure parents feel to make it special. Nobody wants their child to feel left out. Yet presents, Christmas dinner, winter clothing and rising household bills all compete for money that simply isn’t there.

Some families will still be paying for Christmas long after the decorations come down.

What concerns me most is that financial hardship isn’t confined to those out of work. Parents can work full-time, sometimes with both adults employed, and still struggle to cover everyday essentials.

They budget carefully, make sacrifices and do everything they can for their children. Yet one unexpected bill can leave them worrying about their next food shop.

Through my community work, I’ve seen how important local food hubs and food banks have become. It saddens me that families increasingly need charitable support simply to put food on the table.

Nobody should feel embarrassed about asking for help. Illness, losing a job, relationship breakdowns or unexpected expenses can change someone’s circumstances overnight. Sometimes there isn’t a particular crisis. Everyday living costs simply exceed what families can afford.

So I want to make a personal appeal.

If you’re fortunate enough not to worry about your next food shop, heating bill or Christmas, please consider donating to your local food hub or food bank.

It doesn’t have to be much. A few tins, pasta, rice, cereal or toiletries can make a difference. Small donations from many households can help another family through a difficult week.

But community generosity cannot be the long-term answer.

How have we reached a point in 2026 where parents can work full-time, do everything society asks of them, and still need charitable support to feed their children? That should concern every politician, regardless of party.

Government and councils must recognise these pressures and ensure families can access practical support without judgement.

Children only get one childhood. They don’t need expensive outings or mountains of presents to create happy memories. But parents deserve to enjoy these precious years without constantly worrying about the next bill.

As half-term and Christmas approach, please spare a thought for families quietly struggling.

A little kindness won’t solve the cost-of-living crisis, but it might mean another parent can put food on the table and worry a little less.