My family is getting larger by the second. There are babies everywhere. With 4 generations of family members celebrating Christmas together we are pushing 50 people at my Grandmother's house on Christmas morning. Over the past 15 or so years we have resorted to passing parties to relieve the costly occasion. My grandmother still feels as though she needs to buy for everyone regardless, including girlfriends and boyfriends of her family. Last year we did away with the passing party for the adults and left it in place for the children to enjoy. It didn't feel like Christmas though. Don't get me wrong, this is why I am asking this question. What suggestions do you have for Christmas to help bring the "spirit" back home without purchased gifts. (Except for the kids) I need ideas that cost little or no money at all.
2006-11-16 16:33:23 · 10 answers · asked by ? 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
You could play dirty Santa. Each person playing purchases a generic gift. It can be a good gift or a gag gift and inexpensive. Everyone draws a number out of a hat or box etc. The person with number one goes first and picks out the wrapped gift that he or she wants to open. Of course they have no idea what is inside and they open it. The person with number two can either open a gift or take the one from the person that has already opened theirs. If they take a gift already opened then the person who's gift was taken goes next. You cannot take back from the person who took your gift. It goes on and on and can be very funny. The gifts are not great and wonderful but it is all about fun. If you want a particular thing buy it for yourself and save the fun for the large get together. Of course it does not work for the kids. They should get some small gift from each person so that they will be entertained while the grownups have fun. It is a good way to teach children about having fun and not focusing on material worth.
2006-11-16 17:41:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
1
2017-01-17 14:30:56 · answer #2 · answered by monroe 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some things that I would really appreciate as a gift that are inexpensive from family are:
a great candle (and you could tape/stick a nice inspirational phrase or saying regarding Family on each candle!)
a picture frame (find old photos and put different pics in everyone's frame or maybe the same pic)
cozy socks
stockings filled with good candy
a great writing pen (a decorative one)
a nice book mark
a book regarding family (many books stores have clearance books)
some type of monogram ornament or plaque to each immediate family group with the first letter of their last name to use in their home.
I hope these help or get your creativ ejuices flowing at least! : )
2006-11-16 16:44:57 · answer #3 · answered by Lady Albritton 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Candy canes of course! Those are great for bringing in Christmas spirit cheaply.
Butterscotch Krimpets are good also...
Unfortunately, there are not many other things beyond small portions of food that you could get without spending a large deal of money. Btw, try having people dance to Christmas music. Whether it works or not, I'm certain it will be amusing ;)
2006-11-16 18:05:14 · answer #4 · answered by Ortensia 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I feel like i'm reading my family holiday story. What my family does is draw a name from a hat. The adults play secret santa. Everyone draws a name out of a hat and is given strict rules not to tell who they drew and everyone is given a limit on spending. It's so much fun and it takes the pressure off of my granny. My grandparents had 11 kids, then there are their kids, and then those kids kids. AHH. It can be very stressful. I hope this helps.
2006-11-16 16:42:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest that everyone recycle a gift or make one from home. You might have something at home that you do not use anymore but maybe your sister or brother would like it. For a homemade gift you can make cookies or photos of each other. Orientaltrading.com has a lot of christmas ornaments that you can get for $15 a dozen and you can personalize them. Keep in mind, its always the thought that counts.
2006-11-16 16:43:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have a large family too and a few years ago we started putting everyones name in a hat and everyone drew a name (well we weren't all there but someone did it for us) so everyone had 1 person to buy gifts for with a $100 limit. You could buy them 1 or 5 but you had to stay close to the limit.
2006-11-16 16:41:30 · answer #7 · answered by jnp3577 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
all gifts must be made.... the women can make quilts for the senior adults.... the men could make a pick of woodwork..... women could bake gifts like special deserts.....
make a family history book for each family member
do a family video
collect pine corns and make a xmas wreath for each family member
2006-11-16 16:51:06 · answer #8 · answered by ladyqueenbeeee 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you may want to try buying inn bulk from stores that are overstocked.usually this works by asking the store if they have any overstock they wish to sell at bulk or wholesale (provided if you have a tax i.d. number) this would be your best choice.or even buying wholesale on ebay is another idea.
2006-11-16 16:42:39 · answer #9 · answered by justice rat 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why not draw names?
2006-11-16 16:57:23 · answer #10 · answered by Sarah 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋