We don't have much money so we set a limit on each other this year. We were happy. It was for the rest of the family that broke us. We have to buy for about 12 people and we try to keep it to $10 to $15 each. My hub. has 10 brothers and sisters so it is very inconsistent as far as gifting; some only buy for our daughter, (some cheap, some not), some give us money as a family, some only send a card and some we don't hear from at all. My family is small but involves step nephews who move in and out of my brother's house with babies or change girlfriends all the time. We don't know them very well and their sister never seems to appreciate anything we buy for her. Hub's mom can no longer host the family get together so it is such a commotion trying to figure out how to get together and not get people's feelings hurt because of no gift. I had some of them over but spent 2 days cleaning and stressed myself out and spent more than we could afford for food. Any ideas?
2006-12-25 16:19:25 · 10 answers · asked by confusedmom 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
Don't go overboard next year. Give the adults a small gift such as a Christmas ornament you picked especially for them. And get the kids a small gift. It isn't how much you pay for things that matters. Tell everyone in advance that they will not be getting extravagant gifts.Or you could suggest the adults draw names. Or have all the family agree to just buy gifts for the kids. And for Heaven sake, go to someone else's house next year. When you are discussing where to go, just say "well, we were at my house last year, so someone else can do it this year.
2006-12-25 16:25:15 · answer #1 · answered by Jon's Mom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try buying gift cards and then everybody can get what they want, especially the sister who doesn't appreciate anything. Try not to get so stressed out over cleaning your house after the holidays. It takes me a week. One year my house will be clean on Christmas Eve and I can enjoy myself like everyone else, I keep telling myself. Well another year came and went and tomorrow morning I start babysitting my grandchildren again. And my house looks like a tornado hit it. But we all survive. Just some of us better than the rest of us.
But I think Gift Cards are the best thing to give to people.
2006-12-25 16:36:16 · answer #2 · answered by myninny54 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do a Secret Santa. Each family picks only 1, 2, or 3 people to buy gifts for instead of buying a gift for everyone in the family.
2006-12-25 16:21:51 · answer #3 · answered by jjc92787 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow. I would start early this year and buy little gifts that could be for any girlfriend that ends up at Christmas. Save money and make a budget and stick to it. No one will feel under gifted. If they do, who cares they are being greedy and that is not what the holiday is about. Try canning, jellies, stewed tomatoes, soup, pickles. Yum.
2006-12-25 16:24:01 · answer #4 · answered by corryglory 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We've told my family that next year we are going to take the money we would have spent on gifts and donate some to a children's charity. If there were children in our family we'd just say "Christmas is for the kids" only. Buy for the kids only! Hope this helps...
2006-12-25 18:26:45 · answer #5 · answered by butterflylover 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My family draws names. We spend $25.00 on whoever's name we pick. Everybody buys for everybody's kids if the kids are still in school. You spend whatever you can afford. Christmas is not about stressing out - it's about being joyful together. It won't be your turn to host next year - so somebody else can do the cleaning. In fact, since you hosted this year - you shouldn't have to host for the next 10 years if everybody takes a turn! Also - you should suggest a potluck.
Hope next year works out better for you!
2006-12-25 16:27:38 · answer #6 · answered by liddabet 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All that matters during this time of the year is that you remember the ones you love...sometimes the best gifts are the ones that don't even cost a dime...the best thing you can give someone is the expression of your sentiments...so write a note, a meaningful one, something they can cherish forever...
2006-12-25 16:22:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
save money, about 10-15 dollars a month or you could make the gifts yourself
2006-12-25 16:27:29 · answer #8 · answered by Brynn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what I do is save all my change all year and then take it and have it changed into money. You will be surprised how much money you can get in a year. Tell everyone to bring a covered dish.
2006-12-25 16:23:38 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes. i have one. stop it, just stop it. if your gonna complain how others act, then stop being involved. it really is that simple.
2006-12-25 16:22:00 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋