this year we pared down, hugely. i'm in my second year of retirement. hubby's in his 15th. income is down by 75%. i'm at a place where i really only "need" the necessities of life. my kids are grown, with families of their own. so, no gifts for the grown kids. none for us, please. if you really want to get us something, a roll of stamps is good, or a giant pack of toilet paper! the grandkids will get spoiled, but not to the extent of the past. the oldest are "challenged", so they, too, will get goodies--but again, not like in the past. the babies (both under a year) only want to rip up the paper, anyways--so small gifts, and a check to their folks for the baby bank account. we do charge things, but they are paid off immediately. rule of life: if we can't pay for it, right now, we don't need it. my youngest's opinion is that it's really about family and food, and the celebration of christmas, anyways. i agree. time to take it in hand, and keep it controlled.