and this year I'm completely broke. How am I going to face everyone? I've had a tough year but I've taken care of my own. Now what am I going to do? I'm so low. Thanks.
Oh yes. I know the season isn't about how much you spend but trust me, some people are expecting it.
2007-12-01 00:42:45 · 8 answers · asked by jacquie 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
Bake everyone cookies
and if they are "expecting" it, they are not deserving
2007-12-01 00:47:01 · answer #1 · answered by :) 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Here are a few suggestions
1. Be Honest and tell the people that you typically exchange gifts with that this year has been hard on you and you won't be able to exchange gifts. This isn't so much for them as it is for you. I'm getting the impression you feel there is the expectation that you should be spending every last cent on them. If you say this upfront that you won't be exchanging then you won't feel the expectation when it comes to Christmas.
2. In larger family get together perhaps encourage them to pick names. State that we all have so much and you don't need anything.
3. If you need to buy for a bunch of people try and gift group gifts. Instead of buying for your sister & brother in law and the kids. Give a family gift of a board game.
4. Think of your talents what you have to offer people and make homemade gift certificates. Some ideas would be a night of babysitting, clean your eavestroffs, shovel your snow, mow your grass, 2 hours of computer help.....think of your talents. I really love this idea because it does have allot of value. There are so many things people do need but don't cost a thing to do. I'm sure they will appreciate this.
My recommendation is #1. If they do get you a gift then pull out a #4.
2007-12-01 09:17:06 · answer #2 · answered by Violet 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
forget it. the money spending is way out of control. if the people you give presents to are poor or need the gift than give. but not just for the purpose of everyone loosing the perspective of what giving is. my relatives are going to get a christmas card with a 2 dollar bill in, to each. help is a gift too.
2007-12-01 08:55:42 · answer #3 · answered by aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There's no reason to feel low - the people who care about you will understand, and the rest don't matter. When my funds are too low for gifts for all, I buy scrapbooking materials at dollar stores and make spectacular cards for people with a personal message or poem in each one.
2007-12-01 09:11:14 · answer #4 · answered by irish1 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Christmas presents are supposed to be given to *children* by their parents. All other gifts are optional.
Don't feel bad. A lot of people are in the same situation. Maybe your family can agree to draw names, and each adult will only have one other to buy for.
2007-12-01 08:59:19 · answer #5 · answered by Robin W 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
time to trim the fat then! I'm sorry...but those that love you aren't going to give a whit...
My suggestion? send cards to everyone and include a note about "bringing back what the holidays are about...please enjoy your family this time of year. My family has decided to volunteer our time (or something like that) in lieu of gifts"
frankly- anyone who is offended should probably make their way off your list...
hang in there and enjoy your family!
2007-12-01 08:53:05 · answer #6 · answered by jmd72inva 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's not about how much you spend
It's also not about their expectations
so what about that
perhaps you can do something lowkey
maybe homemade cookies or something
made from the heart counts for a lot
votive candles maybe wrapped up pretty
2007-12-01 08:48:00 · answer #7 · answered by ceviche queen 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If they love you then they will tell they don't want you buying anything for them so they will know NOT to expect it, if they know of your circumstances and if they don't just tell them that you are broke and are doing good to take care of yourself and that you can't afford anything for them this year and they will surely be big enough to tell you that they don't want anything from you as you need the money for yourself and don't need to spend it on them.
2007-12-01 09:18:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋