Are you shunning the whole christmas enduldgence thing?

Question

If for one am opting out while I can! I hate the need for people to spend silly amounts of money on gifts people don't want, need or use!

Within my family (sisters, parents and brother in laws) we do a secret santa with a limit of £20 and one rule - it has to be silly!

You know 'I saw this and thought of u' things. For neices and nephews we have a limit of £30 and my friends don't feel the need to buy each other pressies - we love each other all year!

Me and hubby spend about £40 on each other, small thoughful gifts. If there is anything we're 'needing' we just buy it throughout the year!

My son is only one but we're going to try not to spol him - easier said than done I guess!

How do u feel about the whole endulgence of the season?

I do enjoy it!

I love the whole season, we have a lovely day with our family and remember why we''re celebrating it in thee 1st place!

Answer 1

Well, here in America, there is a movement afoot to return Christ to Christmas again. In Portland, Maine we are having an argument about what to call the Christmas tree in our town square. The city fathers insist it is a holiday tree, so as not to offend anyone, but of course all the Christians are offended because they know it's a Christmas tree. Great attitude to set the stage for a happy Christmas, huh. And so it goes. I just spent about three hours up in our attic trimming down all our Christmas things and I brought it over to the waitstaff where we have our lunch every day - Newick's Restaurant. Now I have just TWO boxes of things as compared to FOURTEEN boxes a year ago. You have to get the whole thing under control or you will knock yourself out for nothing all over again. Every year is the same. But if you take it all apart before the season "kicks in" (gets under way), then there is a good chance you will be able to get it under control. But you have to be determined. Some people go all out at Christmas, and they also decorate their homes with millions of lights. My partner and I have been together for forty-seven years and we are very modest now in our celebration of the season. We have a four-foot little tree with lots of little coloured lights that twinkle in the darkened living room, and it looks just lovely. Between the two of us we send about forty cards. Three gifts. And that is it. I like to meditate on Christmas in complete silence, because that is where I find the real meaning to me of what Christmas and Christ are all about. By the way, Merry Christmas to you and everyone reading this. Sent with happy energies from Chris in South Portland, Maine, U.S.A. (I am 63 years old.)

Answer 2

To me, Christmas is about the thought. I figure it's like this; it's only once a year, because the 10 weeks after Christmas are cold, nasty, and depressing- so have fun. But that doesn't mean you have to buy into all the commercialism that now comes with Christmas these days. Making candies and cookies for my friends and family are my forté, and always appreciated; sometimes they're even begged for during the year. I think 80% of my Christmas funds are spent on food and ingredients.
There are a lot of areas I save in so I can spend the money elsewhere, such as buying marked- down wrapping paper and decorations after Christmas to have on hand for the next year ( or even making my own); buying pretty trays and dishes at thrift shops or rummage sales throughout the year to give my homemade goodies on ( believe me, they care more about the cookies than what it comes on!); making a list of things needed by people in October so I can get them something they can really use- that kind of thing.

Answer 3

I used to go the whole hog.Tasteful decorations, banisters with holly and red ribbons, Christmas tree, crib, snowy forest and village, wreath on the door, mince pies for carol singers, the whole family descending on us( Two sets of parents, three sets of children with partners) mountains of presies under the tree. Now the elders have all died. The children have children of their own . Some live across the world and can no longer come. This year other demands have been made on them and for the first time ever we shall be on our own for Christmas eve and Christmas day. We are posting a present each to the grandchildren. No presents for adults. We have enough junk and so have they. We are inviting two elderly ladies without any family for lunch. Decorations to a minimum. Go to bed early. None of the marathon of previous years. No tears because perfection has not been achieved. A quiet log fire and a bit of grog on Christmas eve. BLISS!

Answer 4

My family is starting something new this year and not buying anyone gifts as far as siblings and adult children. The little kiddos will still get gifts and we all will each get our mother something but other than that we're just going to spend the day together and have a huge family meal.

Answer 5

yes I agree there are many who forget " the real reason for the season " in the commercialization. however, if a person keeps things within certain limits they are better off. many people go overboard and just get the last Christmas paid for until they start all over again.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

i am only spending about £20 per person as i am a student and even if i wasn't i don't spend more than £50 per person

Christmas should be about being with the people who are special to you

i will be eating a lot of choclate, crisps and pop though

Answer 8

me and my friends never buy each other presents. we usually just go out for a meal somewhere nice. my family aren't bothering this year either. Instead, we are going to see our relatives in Ireland... so to be honest, as much as we save on presents will probably be spent on guiness. slainte!!!

Answer 9

actually yes because christmas is only once a year have a good time try not to spend so much money you probaly like christmas as much as i do

Answer 10

I think Christmas indulgence has gotten to stupid levels!! I don't see anything wrong with your plan.
I try to keep it simple and buy, as you say, thoughtful gifts.