Do You Limit Your Christmas Spending?

18 replies
  • OFF TOPIC
  • |
Usually I spend a ton of money on Christmas. With the way things have been going this year, doesn't look like it will be a big Christmas this year. Anyone put a limit on their spending?
  • Profile picture of the author RebeccaL
    I always limit it. Christmas has just turned into a commercial exploitation, it is all about money now. I refuse to fall for the stores tactics - I limit mine to about $25 per person and thats it! The best things in life can't be bought anyway.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[311682].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tommyp
    I sure do limit it. I don't spend a cent. Come to think of it I didn't last year either. Or the year before that. Participating and spending money for a winter solstice that worships pagan gods and has things connected to it like orgies, worshiping phalluses and eating little babies isn't appealing.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[313272].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author valerieSONORA
    Of course I'm limiting it I have to. This is only the 2nd time I'm celebrating Christmas in forever-long story.

    Anyway if I were rich I'd probably spend wayyyyyyyyyy to much on ppl cause I'm such a nice, generous person

    So anyway I'll probably spend too much on one or two ppl regardless. Can't help myself. But ya can't spend what ya don't have so I'll be doing a lot of bread, brownie, and cookie baking. Of course That still costs for the ingredients but not like those over priced made in china crap and cheaper than gift cards. But they're made with love-that's what counts Christmas doesn't have to be so commercial anyway. For kids I've already had their toys since last year if you read my post on how i save on retail.
    Signature

    siggy taking a break...

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[314179].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ShayB
      We always have a limit - all cash, no credit.

      This year will be a generous one.

      We are buying more for the kids, and we will be donating more toys to charity this year, too.
      Signature
      "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[314423].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jsward
    Well for the first time me and the missus purchased mostly joint presents for everybody, so that alone adds a limit, but as were both quite skint this year there will be even more of a limit
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[315155].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Christie Love
    I always limit my spending around Christmas. I try to spend $50 for each family member and a pair of shoes from my company. I also factor in my budget the amount I give to charity.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[324281].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author myob
      I have a very large and growing extended family, so it looks like I'll actually be spending much more this year than ever before.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[325105].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author ShayB
        OMG! We had the best time shopping for the kids yesterday!
        Signature
        "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[325420].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author acreativetouch
    With four ( three + one ) grandchildren, and on SSI, I MAKE gifts all year long.

    I start in February making things---socks, toys, blankets, stuff to hang on the wall, rugs, etc. When hanukkah comes around, I try to have one gift per person in the family for each of the eight days. I also include clothing, school supplies, etc.

    Being on a limited income, not waiting until the last minute makes this time of the year MUCH easier. Then I can focus on more important things.....COOKING! COOKIES! LATKES! SUFIGNOUT! Lots and LOTS of yummies from Grandma! Decorating the apartment, games, and sending the kids home with ways to drive their parents crazy for the rest of the year !

    Dorothy
    Signature

    Dorothy Carlson
    Phoenix Natural Health

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[325604].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author valerieSONORA
      Originally Posted by Shay60654 View Post

      OMG! We had the best time shopping for the kids yesterday!
      Ok spill it. What did you get them?! I am a lil kid at heart

      Originally Posted by acreativetouch View Post

      With four ( three + one ) grandchildren, and on SSI, I MAKE gifts all year long.

      I start in February making things---socks, toys, blankets, stuff to hang on the wall, rugs, etc. When hanukkah comes around, I try to have one gift per person in the family for each of the eight days. I also include clothing, school supplies, etc.

      Being on a limited income, not waiting until the last minute makes this time of the year MUCH easier. Then I can focus on more important things.....COOKING! COOKIES! LATKES! SUFIGNOUT! Lots and LOTS of yummies from Grandma! Decorating the apartment, games, and sending the kids home with ways to drive their parents crazy for the rest of the year !

      Dorothy
      Nothing at all wrong with making gifts. It takes a lot more work and thought to MAKE a gift than swing in a store and buy one.

      I just started a blog on living in rural Ky. long ago in the 30s and 40s based on stories from my grandmother who was born during the great depression and grew up dirt poor. When she grew up everybody got handmade gifts. Their gifts were all crocheted mittens and crocheted scarves and hand made dolls, stuff like that. Store bought was unheard of for them, but they were all still happy.
      Signature

      siggy taking a break...

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[326111].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author ShayB
        Originally Posted by annoyedgirl View Post

        Ok spill it. What did you get them?! I am a lil kid at heart
        LOL The oldest one wants cash (15). No problem.

        The 2 middle ones wanted Nintendo DS's. We bought each a DS and 3 games.

        The youngest (4) loves Thomas, so we spent tons o' bucks on the wooden tracks and trains.

        About $800 in 2 hours. Not bad. Not including what Santa is bringing....:rolleyes:
        Signature
        "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[326198].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author acreativetouch
        Originally Posted by annoyedgirl View Post

        Ok spill it. What did you get them?! I am a lil kid at heart



        Nothing at all wrong with making gifts. It takes a lot more work and thought to MAKE a gift than swing in a store and buy one.

        I just started a blog on living in rural Ky. long ago in the 30s and 40s based on stories from my grandmother who was born during the great depression and grew up dirt poor. When she grew up everybody got handmade gifts. Their gifts were all crocheted mittens and crocheted scarves and hand made dolls, stuff like that. Store bought was unheard of for them, but they were all still happy.
        1) 1 dinosaur ( triceretops-chocolate )
        2) 2 bears ( ocean & multi-blue )
        3) 1 dog ( copper )
        4) 3 sets gloves ( black, green, brown )
        5) 1 blanket ( 8 ft x 10 ft, pineapple lace, eggshell )
        6) 6 hats ( 2 pink, blue, black, brown, green )
        7) 8 sets house socks ( adult )
        8) 3 jammy sets ( one-three--ocean, blue, pink to match toys)

        dot
        Signature

        Dorothy Carlson
        Phoenix Natural Health

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[326236].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author valerieSONORA
    Yeah video games n cash seems to be what's hot for older kids n teens. The little kids are fun to shop for before they get 2 picky.
    Signature

    siggy taking a break...

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[326204].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ShayB
      Originally Posted by annoyedgirl View Post

      Yeah video games n cash seems to be what's hot for older kids n teens. The little kids are fun to shop for before they get 2 picky.
      Yeah, Ethan would be happy with a big empty box to play in. LOL
      Signature
      "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[326208].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author SH_Design
    I'm not doing any Christmas shopping this year. All of my family and friends decided we won't exchange gifts this year.
    Of course the children will be given gifts though we can't let Santa Clause forget them!

    But we will still party, eat, and be merry!
    Signature
    Quickly Make Money Online Learn how you can make a decent living from home.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[334737].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author easyshopin
    I spend depending on how much money I have and I only give gifts to my nephews and somtimes my sisters and mother. If you are broke there is no need to spend on expensive gifts because they will know that you love them and that you tried and remembered about them.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[354659].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author freedom25
    I feel like such a Scrooge this year. I am going to my husband's family tomorrow and I have no presents for anyone. I have run out of money, after paying bills and all that exciting stuff and now I am actually dreading going to see them, because I think it will be really embarrassing. If I have some money I love Christmas shopping. Giving presents, is so much more fun than getting them.
    I wonder whether there is anything I could make in time for tomorrow?
    Signature
    Honest Internet Marketing Reviews
    http://www.twirlie.com.au
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[354711].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author acreativetouch
    It would be so nice if Christmas wasn't so commercialized. Maybe one store bought gift then other things to make the holiday season.
    1) special story read to the kids
    2) go to a museum, play, or other outdoor event with the kids
    3) MUST DO: go look at Christmas lights
    4) grab a bunch of well tuned folks and go out caroling

    just a few ideas.

    dorothy
    Signature

    Dorothy Carlson
    Phoenix Natural Health

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[355057].message }}

Trending Topics