I bit the bullet about Christmas

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-12-2007
I bit the bullet about Christmas
4
Sun, 10-19-2008 - 8:33am

I asked my parents what they thought about more scaled-down gift-giving this year due to the economy and they said that sounds good.

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-23-2007
Sun, 10-19-2008 - 6:47pm

Good for you, Robyn. I do know how good that feels to have that discussion with family and have it go well, instead of feeling like the Grinch! It's fun to find other ways to give and feel close anyway.

I still need to have that conversation with DH (who doesn't spend on many people but can go overboard at the last minute) but I did talk to DD today and she is only planning to spend on a few very close friends and also make gifts for three teachers who are helping her with college applications. She loves to give, so this is a frugal change for her. She may still give a lot, but it will be home baked goods or something like that. DS never seems to remember to give to anyone, so he's still a work in progress!

At work this year I'm planning on giving one joke gift and one nice gift for the Yankee Swap we do in our office. I have both gifts ready to go already.

As for folks back home, we may just send gift certificates and home-made cards with a bag of biscotti or almond bark or, if I'm really motivated, both!

Take care,
Dee


iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2007
Mon, 10-20-2008 - 11:55am
This is a great idea. My close family decided a couple of years ago to spend no more than $10 per person, and we draw names of a couple to buy a $40 gift for. It was just getting too expensive, especially since my sister has a child now, my brother is married...Also, it was just turning into a clutter exchange - not that we don't appreciate the thought, but who needs another candle, or bath set, or sweater? It works perfectly. That way, you still give a little something - and a lot of times it's a box of chocolates, or something homemade, but you don't blow the budget.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-12-2007
Mon, 10-20-2008 - 7:10pm

You're right, Dee, being upfront about it makes me feel less Grinch-like!


My DH is the exact same way as yours!!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-16-2007
Tue, 10-21-2008 - 8:44am
I agree with you.

It won't be hard to scale down with my family since we're all struggling, but I'm not sure about DF's family. DF's dad is very frugal and he has tons of money. His sisters also have more money than I do. I feel like I'm the only one struggling out of the bunch. But, I'm just going to put my name on DF's gifts to them, I think. I'm really very frustrated and am really hoping and praying that we get decent bonuses this year. I know that sounds greedy, but this is the first year that I've actually remembered them and really need one.


I've thought about just having my family over for dinner and having everyone bring something that they made.