2006-12-11 07:43:24 · 12 answers · asked by Michelle 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
It's downright depressing.
2006-12-11 07:46:40 · answer #1 · answered by * 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nope.
Because I don't participate in the commercial nature of Christmas.
I have always done home made gifts, and continue to do so. Also, they are generally not extravagant gifts, either. I truly believe that heart gifts are the best ... and one of the best, most uplifting gifts you can give a person costs less than a dollar ... a letter telling them how much their being in your life means to you.
In the past I have made clothing, toys, stuffed animals, jewelry, ornaments, accessories, stationery, food gifts, wall hangings, paintings, the list goes on. This year i am making something different using my computer, but I cant say what it is cuz my family reads my answers here!
Anyway, be creative, start early, and focus on making gifts with true meaning for the receiver.
2006-12-11 09:01:13 · answer #2 · answered by Pichi 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes it can be stressful financially, especially if you already have bills and very little cash. But it can also make you be a little more open-minded to new ideas for gift giving.
I hate to sound like Scrooge but you don't have to give gifts to everyone. Make a list of people that are most important like your children, spouse, parents, etc. Exclude friends, co-workers, the mail man, etc. It sounds harsh but tough times call for tough measures. Then, make a plan and stick to it.
Make an overall dollar amount you want to spend for everyone. Then for your parents for example get them something they can both use, (a joint gift) Two birds with one stone. For very important friends or influences in your life go with the home made gifts. Those are always enjoyed, especially if they are treats and goodies or home made coupons for house cleaning, picking up their kids from school, babysitting or washing their cars, etc. And for other important people that you feel obligated to give a gift to make them a card.
If you follow some of those tips it can be less stressful and can save you from a load of debt plus many trips to the mall of doom and chaos.
2006-12-11 07:59:42 · answer #3 · answered by rokthunder 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No - just don't fall into all the commercialism of it.
Do a grab bag - to save some money. I do that with my siblings. So much easier!
If you have kids, make sure you teach them from day one about not "wanting" what other kids have, how appreciative they should be about what they have, etc. Teach them that Christmas is about Jesus and not all the material things.
Happy Holidays!
2006-12-11 07:47:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
not this year thank goodness. I actually did okay. I got a job that pays a monthly bonus, and have been wroking my other job 2 nights a week. I did most of my shopping out of this last pay and still have plenty of money left for my usual expenses. Last year was tight. I also was abe to limit my creidt card use which was nice.
2006-12-11 07:47:17 · answer #5 · answered by Rowdy's Mama 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A little, especially last year. I didn't have a job and was living on unemployment but I managed but this year it's a lot better and the way to help aleave the stress is to pay cash for EV-ERY-THING!
2006-12-11 07:51:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well yes the Hoildays are a bit stressful, but if you put $10.00or$20.00 dollars a month aside every month for the next year it won't be so bad next years! And you will be less stress.
2006-12-11 07:59:45 · answer #7 · answered by RC C 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I pay for my gifts with credit cards and then pay them off with my income tax check, I also buy all year for the kids when I see something on clearance, so that helps a lot! On both sides of our family we draw names for gifts and put a limit on what is spent.
2006-12-11 21:00:37 · answer #8 · answered by stephiii2003 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. My tree was $45! And were are only going to have it for a month.
2006-12-11 08:09:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes! My husband and I just bought a new house, so this year in particular.
2006-12-11 08:44:51 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋