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I am tired of media hype and materialism we see for Christmas in this country. It is all about buying junk that gets tossed into the garage 2 weeks later. iPods, "must have" toys, as promoted by the media..... junk junk and more junk.
personally, we travel, last year went to Hawaii and this year will go overseas for the holiday. I find it healthier to do something radically different, rather than go through the obligatory ritual.
Good for you. My dh and I don't exchange gifts anymore as it is pretty senseless. Everyday is a holiday for us b/c life is good. We don't need the hype of commercialism.
We send the kids and grandkids money to use as they see fit. They think this is the best gift out there.
I agree- It is just nonsensical. Everyone clamors to the mall for 4 weeks, like sheep. Than the rush is over until next year. I am tired of it, and much prefer to travel, or see something new, different cultures.
Even a few years ago, I visited London at Christmas, didnt see the blind materialism that I see here. (They still exchange fruit, traditional old-fashioned symbols at Christmas)
DH and I exchange small gifts. Then we pay off our visa bill after new years! Our gift to ourselves... to not be in debt.
My goal every year is to finish our christmas shopping for our kids before thanksgiving. That way they get the toys they want, they are not out of them at the stores yet and the "ebay scalpers" have not picked over everything.
I think christmas is way overhypped - i enjoy it as a religious holiday only. I do like how it bring the generosity out of people, donating food, gifts, etc.
Besides my family is too dysfunctional and difficult to enjoy the holiday. If we didn't have kids, we would be travelling as well. Good idea!!
DH and I exchange small gifts. Then we pay off our visa bill after new years! Our gift to ourselves... to not be in debt.
My goal every year is to finish our christmas shopping for our kids before thanksgiving. That way they get the toys they want, they are not out of them at the stores yet and the "ebay scalpers" have not picked over everything.
I think christmas is way overhypped - i enjoy it as a religious holiday only. I do like how it bring the generosity out of people, donating food, gifts, etc.
Besides my family is too dysfunctional and difficult to enjoy the holiday. If we didn't have kids, we would be travelling as well. Good idea!!
I agree 100%. Also its sad because people feel they have to buy so much junk- get kids everything, etc. It seems to get worse every few years.
We travel over Christmas and New Year since many years. Before, our families always expected us to visit and travelling was a good "excuse". DH and I don't exchange gifts since 20 years, instead we travel and spend precious time together. That's better than any gift I can imagine.
I shop thru out the years so I don't have that mad dash around the holidays.
I have never gone into debt either.
If we want a big tickets item, I do watch the T-day ads and will go after it if I see it.
Christmas is only commercialized if you let it be.
It depends on the travel. Air travel is not as pleasant as it used to be.
Because of family obligations, I traveled a *lot* for many Thanksgivings and am in no hurry to do that again.
I have been in London for Christmas and it was very nice. I am sure I will travel over the holidays again sometime, it is fun to get away, but my shopping is minimal and we are enjoying our new home.
I agree that if you are halfway organized, the shopping experience does not have to be too bad. Preparation for Christmas does not have to include multiple trips to the mall.
We are visiting friends in Pacific NW for Xmas. No tree to set up, or things to take down and throw out the next day. Yay.
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and travelling was a good "excuse". DH and I don't exchange gifts since 20 years, instead we travel and spend precious time together. That's better than any gift I can imagine. 
