How much is too much for Christmas?

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-18-2008
How much is too much for Christmas?
24
Thu, 11-20-2008 - 11:21pm

OK - So I have a question about the holiday season - How much is to much?

Community Leader
Registered: 07-26-1999
Fri, 11-21-2008 - 12:16pm
Hilari, I think the 10 year old is old enough to have a semi-frank discussion that "santa" is cutting back a bit this year, if in fact he/she does believe in Santa.
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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 11-21-2008 - 2:07pm

I would say you're spending too much if you can't afford to pay for it comfortably with cash.

We budget right around $1000 for Christmas..that includes food, gifts, cards and decorations. We buy our kids' gifts (2 dds and 1 son in law), a gift for his parents and something for my mom. I also buy each one of my daycare kids a Christmas gift but I try to limit it to $10-$15 each (I have 14 to buy for).

Sue

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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-14-2008
Fri, 11-21-2008 - 2:35pm

I am feeling the pressure as well (guilt). But just because you give a gift doesn't mean it has to be expensive. If it is a true friend or family member they will understand and really not care what they get. I would rather get a $5 gift myself that I use and enjoy than a $100 gift that just sits there. And really, with family, parties and friends my kids get soooo much. I am just getting them one thing this year for the both of them and say it is from the whole family. They don't need anything!! My boy friend and I are doing a $50 dollar limit for each other. He just graduated from an engineering degree in August and received his two diplomas in the mail. Maybe frames for his office? I am looking forward to good wine and food and everyone's company. I do want to get a board game and a puzzle so we can do things together.

I love the idea it should all be paid for before it goes under the tree. There are still some things I need to get for stocking stuffers and maybe one or two more gifts......Hmm, maybe on my trip to the states this weekend. I have budget and I am bound and determined not to go over the cash in my wallet! I soooo need to get away and I have to go(stagette for a friend) so I am going to have fun!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-02-1998
Fri, 11-21-2008 - 3:28pm

This year Christmas is going to be a bit more scaled back from usual as we have a new grandbaby due in a matter of days and so alot of our Christmas budget will be going to traveling there when babe is born. Most of our gifts will be hand made or come from rewards points at various stores I have shopped in over the year.
Speaking with my daughter today (my children are all in their 20's) Her and her brothers have put a $20 limit on gifts to each other this year as they also have to tighten their belts due to school and job changes.
I will also give out alone time coupons to my nieces for Auntie & Uncle time. They are all under 8 years old and love to spend alone time with us.
As for stockings I like to fill them with necessities that the kids need, shampoo, soap, etc along with a few chocs and oranges. (I still get a stocking from my mom lol)
Hopefully I can keep to this and not have a lot of credit card debt to worry about int he new year.

Sharon


iVillage Member
Registered: 01-25-2006
Fri, 11-21-2008 - 3:54pm

I've enjoyed reading all the responses.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-18-2008
Fri, 11-21-2008 - 9:02pm

Thanks Arryl,


I like the idea of helping my kids and hearing your response reinforces this.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-18-2008
Fri, 11-21-2008 - 9:13pm

Thanks p7eggyc,


The wisdom and advice of this site is just amazing.

Avatar for earnhardt_jr_fan
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Sun, 11-30-2008 - 3:36pm

Our rule for Christmas is ...


Cash only. We buy what we can afford with the cash we have. Generally, I start with my children first -- they are still on the younger side (12 and 10) and I want them to have a good Christmas. They are good kids who never flinch when we have to tell them they can't have something because we don't have the money for it. We try and make sure we buy what's on their lists since they are so good the rest of the year.


As for the rest of our family, we buy for them but we buy what we can afford. If we can only afford a pair of $10 pjs, then they get $10 pjs.


I learned my lesson with credit card Christmases. We had a couple of those when we were first married -- and while they were AWESOME we paid for them long after the gifts were opened. No more!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-17-2007
Sun, 11-30-2008 - 5:48pm

Everyone that has posted on How much is to much for Christmas and has kids to buy for. Close your eyes just for a second and think back to when you were a child. Now think hard really hard and try to remember the first time you really remember what you

Avatar for earnhardt_jr_fan
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Sun, 11-30-2008 - 8:00pm
I can remember a Christmas when I was 4 or 5. I wanted baby alive desperately and I got it. So, I DO think children often remember items they really and truly want. The items my kids have on their Christmas list this year? They are things they've been asking for and wanting all year. I figure if a kid asks for the same thing the entire year -- they REALLY want it. It's worth what I will pay for these items. And my kids often talk about the things they've received in years past. My older dd talks about a particular item she received on her 4th Christmas. She talks fondly of that item and actually still has it in her closet. So, I think kids DO remember if the items are things they REALLY wanted and didn't decide they wanted based on a commercial on tv.
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