My husband and I have been married for over eight years. We have three small children. We bought lots of stuff for the kids but we haven't bought anything for each other. Upon discussion, we determined that there really isn't anything that either of us wants. We don't want to waste any time or money getting things we don't want or need anyway, so we've decided to not get each other anything at all. We are a Christian family that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas. So the commercial side of Christmas is not really a major part of our agenda anyway. What do you think of this?
2007-12-23 09:42:29 · 21 answers · asked by North 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
Thanks for the responses, so far. I feel better.
Pearl: You're special.
2007-12-23 10:09:19 · update #1
Honey my husband and I have been married for 35 years and never have we ever bought each other an anniversary present. We're just not real materialistic. I think that the children should come first and it's okay just to have each other for Christmas. Somewhere along the way we've lost the true reason for the season. A little while ago I made a birthday cake for Jesus. I'm taking it to my daughter's house tomorrow for her get together. I decorated it really cute. To anyone that asks no I'm not crazy, just crazy about the person that never lets me down. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
2007-12-23 09:50:25 · answer #1 · answered by Pearl 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I do agree that Christmas is far too commercialised. I think many people feel pressured to buy gifts or spend a certain amount of money and it takes away from the real meaning of Christmas. It's completely unecessary to spend time or money buying gifts for each other when there isn't anything you'd like. I do think small gestures are nice though - maybe you and the children can make something together for him - does depend on the age of your children though - my daughters have spent the afternoon making their dad cookies and then putting together a kind of voucher/cheque book for him. - it's a booklet of signed little promises to him - little silly things like 'I promise to tidy up (without complaining!)', - I've added some in too - things like promises to let him have a lie in till noon, cups of tea on demand for a week etc - they're only small things but I'm sure he'll take great pleasure in redeeming them!
Anyway, good for you - I do think watching the children open their presents on Christmas day brings much more joy than receiving something yourself.
2007-12-23 10:13:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have reached a great level of maturity at a young age. It is much more important to give your children good Christmas memories than to give your spouse something just for the sake of opening a present. Since you and your husband are in agreement it is perfectly OK to not exchange gifts. It sounds like you have already given each other the best gift of all - a loving family.
Merry Christmas
2007-12-23 11:46:10 · answer #3 · answered by Deb W 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think is fine. Perhaps give each other a token, letter etc to tell the other person how much they mean to you and why they make your Christmas special. With 3 small children you might want to give each other the gift of couple time. Make arrangements for a friend or relative to watch the children one evening and go out and do something together that you both enjoy.
2007-12-23 09:50:16 · answer #4 · answered by ImaHarper 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It definatley seems okay since you two agree, but I wouldn't forget your husband on Christmas! Even if you don't give him a gift, make sure that you have some alone time with him, such as sledding or a romantic nap. Light candles and make a dinner. The best Christmas gift is family. I'm a Christian as well, but I still appreciate giving to the people I love.
2007-12-23 09:47:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is fine as long as one of you doesn't break and go out and buy a gift. Then the other will feel really crappy on Christmas day. Maybe you could each exchange a letter telling the other how much they mean to you and how much you appreciate them. That would be a nice giftless gift, lol
I have also heard of people wrapping something they already have from the other one and telling them on Christmas morning why it has sentimental meaning to them.
2007-12-23 09:48:21 · answer #6 · answered by JenMommyMom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course it's all right. We are broke and can't afford to buy ANY gifts this year and I have grandbabies --- they're young young thank goodness. I just went back to work after a 3 month lay off. We've hit hard times on numerous occasions.....buying gifts is NOT what Christmas is all about anyway -- you know that.
2007-12-23 09:46:55 · answer #7 · answered by butterfliesRfree 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If that is what you both want, there is nothing wrong with it. Christmas is for kids anyway.
I love to buy gifts for people, so it would be hard for me not to get my boyfriend something even though we are both Christians. We are not married either. I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas. God Bless.
2007-12-23 09:47:03 · answer #8 · answered by Stephanie F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have been married for almost two years and that would make u think we still get all lovey-dovey with each other and surprise each other with a present whenever there's an occasion - we're not like that though. during the holidays, instead of us stressing on what to buy each other, we just ask each other straight off the bat what we would like for christmas. and then we both go to the mall and get what we said we wanted. no hassle. it beats thinkin and stressin about what to get each other. so i think its normal for u not to get each other anything. just buy what u want and consider it as presents to yourselves. its already a hassle to think of presents for everybody else so both you and yours should take a break from the norm and just do whatevers.
2007-12-23 09:50:30 · answer #9 · answered by cheetos fasho 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Me and my husband don't really get gifts for each other. I did get him some silly stuff to open but not much. He (I got) got me an electric skillet because mine broke and I told him to wrap it and stick it under the tree. It is enough joy for us just to see the kids happy and excited.
2007-12-23 09:45:44 · answer #10 · answered by Oh me oh my...♥ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋