This year I have budgeted $0 for Christmas Gifts, how about you? (pay, Hawaii)
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I mean really--what can you really buy an adult for $20 which they "need"?
Last year I bought my brother in law a CD he really wanted but couldn't find. I found it while digging through cds at my local music store. He LOVED the gift not because I bought him something but because I spent my time searching for something I knew he would love. There are lots of things you can buy an adult for $20.
Last year I bought my brother in law a CD he really wanted but couldn't find. I found it while digging through cds at my local music store. He LOVED the gift not because I bought him something but because I spent my time searching for something I knew he would love. There are lots of things you can buy an adult for $20.
Sounds like you found something meaningful to him, and certainly that's great. What I meant was that most of us can afford to go buy ourselves whatever we want, if it costs $20. On the other hand, if you donate to a charity you can provide someone with something they would never have been able to afford.
If it's something really meaningful, like what you got your BIL, then I could see spending the $20 on it. But if you're kind of searching for something someone would like....why not spend that $20 on a charity and have them send a card to the person you're buying for...most people would appreciate you wouldn't be adding to their "stuff" and would like that you've done something meaningful in their names. And the recipient would of course be very grateful.
I used to love Christmas and everything about it, but gee, can you get tired of it? It comes around sooner and sooner every year. After many years of buying the same people gifts you start running out of ideas. This year the money just isn't there like in the past. I'm sure most people are in the same boat this year. Well, my kids have grown but no grandkids yet and I guess I'm in the inbetween years. Last year a couple of weeks before Christmas the Christmas spirit hit me and then I started to get into it. I think everyone should handle Christmas to what there spirit is as we are at different times of our lifes when its more enjoyable than other years, but wouldn't it be nice to say Hey, I'm taking a year off this time!
There's no rule that says you have to exchange gifts, but I don't think that's what you're asking. You seem to be upset that your relatives are ungrateful for "the thousands of dollars $$$ on Christmas gifts." Either you've been burnt too many times or you're stingy or maybe both.
Gift giving is suppose to be a happy and joyous occasion for both the giver and the receiver.
If you're not happy about it, don't give.
Why does it have to be black and white? My guess is that the OP probably overgives in a lot of areas, not just xmas. She feels like she has to do a lot for other people and probably has a pattern of overdoing it. She probably feels resentful that she gives and gives and people are not appreciative enough or don't give back. Not only that but she wears herself out! So the key is to learn to hold back more for yourself. Find a comfortable medium.
I used to love Christmas and everything about it, but gee, can you get tired of it? It comes around sooner and sooner every year. After many years of buying the same people gifts you start running out of ideas. This year the money just isn't there like in the past. I'm sure most people are in the same boat this year. Well, my kids have grown but no grandkids yet and I guess I'm in the inbetween years. Last year a couple of weeks before Christmas the Christmas spirit hit me and then I started to get into it. I think everyone should handle Christmas to what there spirit is as we are at different times of our lifes when its more enjoyable than other years, but wouldn't it be nice to say Hey, I'm taking a year off this time!
Thank you! I'm already sick of the commercials and music that started BEFORE HALLOWEEN WAS OVER. It's slightly ridiculous. I'm only buying my immediate family gifts, and that's just because I feel obligated. I'd rather make a fuss over people on their birthdays than Christmas.
I always enjoy the Christmas season, it's always fun to get caught up in the holiday spirit. I never have really set a budget per say, I try to go under X amount of dollars but I don't set it in stone. I mean after buying for aunts/uncles, newphews/nieces, parents, siblings, co-workers, friends; it gets fairly expensive but I enjoy doing it. My money is best spent seeing my newphews and nieces eyes light up when they open their presents.
For example; we lived in Scotland for a few years, so we sent everyone knitted wool items each year.
And we lived in Italy for a few years, so one Winter Solstice Holiday we sent each of my siblings, parents and cousins an Italian stock pot filled with various pastas and a recipe book.
We sometimes send jars of honey. My DW does mason jars filled with fruit-breads, or maybe chocolate drink mix with mini-marshmallows in it.
For example; we lived in Scotland for a few years, so we sent everyone knitted wool items each year.
And we lived in Italy for a few years, so one Winter Solstice Holiday we sent each of my siblings, parents and cousins an Italian stock pot filled with various pastas and a recipe book.
We sometimes send jars of honey. My DW does mason jars filled with fruit-breads, or maybe chocolate drink mix with mini-marshmallows in it.
Wonderful gift ideas! Love it!
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