Anyone else stressed about the financial aspects of Christmas?

Question

I don't want to sound like a grinch. But I am really tired of going all out for Christmas and not getting much for it except a lot of stress and bills. I go to great lengths to try to find the perfect gifts and then it's a disappointment. How do I back off? Is it ok to set a gift limit even for close family? I don't normally cheap out but this time, I want to be more sensible.

This year is different because I work and go to school. My budget is tighter. Does anyone else too have the problem with some people that you don't know if you need to buy a gift for or not? I have overbought and underbought in the past. (brother's girlfriends, friends of the family that I may or may not see, inlaws, etc.) There are recipient expectations. I don't want to disappoint anyone. I want to simplify too. I think I may just buy it all online, save time and hassle. I do have work and school. I also volunteer.

Answer 1

I believe that one should never go into debt for anything that doesn't appreciate in value. Buying presents using a credit card, and paying over time, means that you're living beyond your means, and paying a lot more for the purchases than the prices on the receipts.

I see nothing wrong with being realistic about expenditures on holiday gifts. There have been times when I've made presents: crocheted hats and scarves, needlepoint tote bags, sand paintings on fabric, etc.

Everyone says, "It's the thought that counts." What could be more valuable than putting thought, time, and effort into creating one of a kind gifts?
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Answer 2

I learned to set a budget for each gift. I spend no more than $25 per person. I've been able to get some good gifts by sticking to sales, using the internet (I won't buy if I don't have a coupon or no shipping and I stay in the clearance section). I also try to think out of the box and to buy things that are useful for the recipient unless I know that it is something they want. I also don't worry about getting for someone I know I won't see. I wait until the after Christmas sales and get it then. No problem, if you are truly money tight your family probably already knows this. It's being together that is important.

Answer 3

No you are not wrong for wanting to cut out large debts, I have a 10 year old girl and a 8 year old girl and this is the first year I have come to relize that Christmas is not a buying all this commerical gifts and going into debt to do so just to hear them say that's it when they did that last year it was like a wake up call, Christmas is about making meomeries, laughing, playing board games, talking about Christ and learning about him, the retailers have turn it into something that is not suppose to be. Our family have come to an agreement that we buy for our own children and for the children in the family we are to spend no more than 20.00 per gift. That has helped out quite a bit, don't feel guilty, the whole world is so use to spending more than what they earn, that is why so many people are loosing there home they bought more of an home than they can afford, a home is just suppose to provide shelter not a mansion that is 4,000 square feet, basically what I am trying to say is that I am glad that people are coming back to earth and turning back to tradiations.

Answer 4

Relax! While Christmas is creeping up on us, you don't have to freak out about buying gifts. Here's a few tips to try and make it less stressful... Put a notebook in your purse (or back pocket) - use it to jot down ideas for gifts instead of trying to remember all the cool things you saw and thought "oooh... that'd be perfect for..." Don't wait until the last minute. We overspend when we're shopping in a panic. Shop a little at a time and start now or soon. Make a budget and absolutely stick to it. And - have a glass of egg nog (or whatever holiday drink makes you happy). It's a great time of year!

Answer 5

6 or 7 years ago my family agreed it was made no sense to all exchange relatively meaninless gifts- waste of time, effort and money. There are 9 adults and 3 kids at our annual Christmas gathering, We agreed to each pick a name out of a hat and buy one gift only, for that person, with a price tag of 75.00. You can get ideas from that person of what they want, or not, but it works well for us, and saves tons of mental stress.

Answer 6

Commercialism has destroyed many of our holidays. Would Jesus be able to hang with some folks who spend hundreds on gifts on each person? The ones who make out are the retailers. Average people go into debt thanks to these holidays and being sold this idea of spending more than you have to make people "happy". Black Friday? Yeah, retailers go in the black while Americans go in the red.

Anyone hear of: Buy Nothing Day ?
http://adbusters.org/metas/eco/bnd/

The grab bag idea is good.

Answer 7

I think everybody is. But you know what? Let's all just really enjoy this one. Bake up those turkeys, hams, pies and cookies, and get the whole family together. Go caroling and all the other outrageous stuff you used to do as kids(Well maybe not all of it...LOL). Just enjoy and share it.