Interpretation please?

Question

how would you interpret the sentence listed below?

" this is the first Christmas we've not had to watch the purse strings."

i think it means that is the first Christmas that we didn't have to watch how much we spent on gifts and things like that, but im not sure.

the thing that gets me confused is the "purse strings" what does that have to do with anything?

Answer 1

Yes...you are "interpreting" it exactly correct..."purse strings" is just an "old saying"...meaning money....(or money in the purse)....

Answer 2

You are right.   I'm guessing purses used to be closed with strings or something.  It's similar to how credit cards are referred to as "plastic."

Answer 3

purse strings means , we can finally open the purse and be free to spend .