Do you run into debt buying stuff for Christmas?

Question

Do you max out credit cards and get loans to buy presents at Christmas? If so is it worth it?

Answer 1

Hell no, if you ain't got the money to do it, then don't do it, don't get yourself in a rut just to try and keep every other b*gger satisfied, spend the rest of the year in debt, hell no don't do it, it's like the fools you see taking out a loan to go on holiday, go off, spend a couple of grand in two weeks, come back and what have they got to show for it, a sun tan that will fade in a week and up to their neck in debt, the two grand they borrowed is now three grand they owe, not for me thanks, think before you spend.

Answer 2

I think a time a time of spirituality and love for two major religions has been turned into a commercial whirlwind. I do put a nice wreath on my door and put out some tasteful decorations, etc., but I stopped the putting up and taking down of the Christmas tree god some time ago. It is way too much work to haul it all down from the attic, set it all up, and then in a few short weeks, pack it all away and lug it up to the attic again. I love the lights on the streets and there is nothing wrong with experiencing a warm glow from the decorations that mark the season. The true expression of this season should fill us with a warm glow anyway. I hate the crowded malls. I think it is almost criminal of stores to advertise a really good special and then have like five on hand. It is like instigating a riot as people just about trample each other to get the prize. It stinks! When the grandchildren were young, I always made a big pile under the tree. Santa Claus and all you know. Now that they are young teens, we usually have a discussion about what they would like to have as a gift and whether it would be useful over the long haul. The adults, in our family, don't buy gifts for one another. It was always understood that the holiday was about making a magic time for the children. Most kids today have everything already, anyway. So, last year, after we had a "talk", we settled on me and hubby buying them a family gift of a large screen TV for their family room. Much more useful than a bunch of junk and sure to last a lot longer. We haven't quite settled on what it will be this year, but we are working on it. I refuse to become drawn into the mall orgie. Now, I don't know how smart that makes me and I don't know if I am a philosopher. That is just how I see it.

Answer 3

Hi,
I am a failure in this department.
I admire those folks that plan well ahead, but using January sales for next Christmas seems all too much.
I rack up credit / debit cards at the 11th hour on-line shopping.
Well - it seems the easiest.
Perhaps not the best method, but as Christmas starts in September, apparantly, I am a grumpy that is fed up with it.
They will be selling Easter eggs next month.
Scrooge ? No, and anyway, if I work out the re-arrangement of the Gregorian calender, Jesus was born in late March.
There's a thing to behold.
Hey Ho, put up with it all I suppose.

Merry Whatnots,
Bob

Answer 4

I don't have a credit card and I would never take a loan out just for Christmas presents, we have an understanding between our family and friends, no one pays more than £10 per gift, that way none of us are getting into debt trying to please each other.

Answer 5

No, deadman. I am in uni, on my own and could not dig out from under a christmas debit load if it were much, but I would love to spend more. So many wonderful friends and family doing for me. Perhaps the gift of gratitude is the best anyway.
Charles "That Cheeky Lad"
A wickedly happy Christmas to all, no matter how little or much they have to spend!

Answer 6

we are mostly grown ups now, the children are covered easily, and we have most things, and can wait for the sales.We did run into debt spending for Christmas when our children were young, that is the time when we needed more money to cover the expenses, as most young family's do now. Yes it is worth seeing the little ones happy smiling faces, and their memories will last into adulthood, I hear them talk about the big Christmas tree and the presents they loved. and the family closness Merry Christmas

Answer 7

For the past 5 or 6 years, I'd open a new card in time for Christmas, and use it to buy stuff online. (SO much easier!!). Well, today, I'm about 10,000 dollars in debt, and I really can't tell you what I bought.
It sucks.
Don't do it.

Answer 8

No way! I never max out my cards. I do use them for Christmas, but I can afford to make double or triple payments, not the minimum payment, so they go back down again. You have to, or you're paying forever.

I only use them because I buy some stuff online.

Answer 9

Nope. Even though I buy more than I would normally buy during the year, I still keep my self from going in the whole. Its called budgeting and being financially wise. Unfortunately, many folks do not know how to budget. I would recommend spending money wisely and saving for certain times or projects during the year.

If this is hard for someone then seek financial counseling and learn how to use money wisely.

Answer 10

NO I dont whats the point. Christmas isnt about buying and getting stuff its about being happy and with your loved ones