Originally Posted by Shelbie

Perhaps I have the wrong idea, but I've completely cut back on Christmas gifts as I think the gift giving has gotten completly out of hand and many people just don't need any more "stuff". Now my gifts fall into two classes. Close family only get small practical items (mitts, socks, underwear) and extended family, neighbours etc. get a Christmas card saying a gift of $ has been sent to the Salvation Army in their name or they get a card and a small tray of homemade squares and cookies ready to serve. We have a wonderful large family dinner, play lots of board games and nobody has been bent out of shape by the lack of gifts. In my opinion, Christmas should be about being together and I don't want to spend all Advent season making and buying gifts which most people don't need. It's not that they're not nice or that I can't afford to do it but it just isn't a priority fo me any more. I know many will completely disagree with me but this is where I am. During the year I may make little gifts and often give something at Easter or Valentine's Day but I'm just not into the Christmas shopping/gift making frenzy anymore.