Am I the only one who??

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-26-2004
Am I the only one who??
15
Thu, 11-12-2009 - 2:53pm

Doesn't buy for my brother and sisters in law, nieces and nephew and their husband and wife. Yes we pick names but that's it and a spending limit. When I read your messages you all are buying for the neighbors, co-workers, etc. Isn't that overboard a bit?? It just doesn't seem like a good thing. I buy for my husband, kids, mom and mom-in-law and the exchange present. THAT'S IT and my husband comes from a large family.

To each their own, if you feel you're obligated to do so then fine. But if you tell them that you cannot afford it, I'm sure they will understand. I know my family does.

Kelly

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iVillage Member
Registered: 02-09-2000
Thu, 11-12-2009 - 11:46pm
I used to - at one point, my list had 40+ people on it! - but now we buy just for my parents, our kids (3 of 'em) and grandkids (6yo, 5yo, and 1yo)
Avatar for cathiann
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Fri, 11-13-2009 - 8:40am
My siblings and I, and DH and his sister, all agreed a few years ago NOT to buy presents for each other.
Surviving Middle & High School
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-09-1999
Fri, 11-13-2009 - 10:51am

We draw names on both mine & DH's side of the family.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-04-2008
Fri, 11-13-2009 - 3:31pm

We don't buy for brothers and sisters, just the kids.


So I have:



  • DH and I

  • My two kids

  • Dh's sisters two kids

  • My brother's three kids ($25 limit)

  • And our 4 total parents,

  • and one grandmother (very small gift as she is in a nursing home.)

14 people total.




iVillage Member
Registered: 07-14-2008
Fri, 11-13-2009 - 8:50pm

We keep it simple at our house.
DH and I buy for the kids. We really try to buy quality gifts and stuff that they truly need. We have a rule that the kids get 4 individual gifts (2 from Santa, 2 from us). They also get 1 thing from us and 1 from Santa that is a joint gift, plus stockings. Right now the girls are young so everything is pretty inexpensive. As they get older and their wants get more expensive, we will have to re-evaluate the number of gifts. I think we spend about $100 each. DH and I don't always buy for each other. This year we are hoping we will have enough to buy a new camera, but we will have to see. We do splurge on a family gift. A week-end in February at Great Wolf Lodge. The four of us look so forward to it every year. It is a splurge, but we truly enjoy the week-end of no stress, cleaning or cooking and pure enjoyment of time together.
We do give gifts to our parents, but this year is the first time they will be all home made. We are loving how easy it is on the pocket book, but more importantly the creative process. The girls and I are going tomorrow to buy some stuff so they can make some gifts for their Dad and grandparents.

We buy for our parents, but no other family members. We don't buy for our friends or god sons. But, we do have a tradition of attending the Christmas parade together and then gather at somebody house for munchies and hot chocolate.
For teachers I usually write a nice note and donate something in their names.
No gifts for co-workers and neighbours. I do buy for our teen-aged baby sitter. The girls really enjoy picking out a gift for her.
I really hope that by keeping things low key we will be less stressed financially, and spend time together creating stuff. Also, I am more excited to give our family gifts that we have made than bought. As well, I really hope that our kids don't see Christmas as gift time, but time together, having fun.






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