bearisgray

spending only what one can afford and paying cash for the items?

deciding (as a group) to donate to a charity instead of participating in a " gift exchange"?

baking only enough goodies to last until the middle of January?

committing to only the activities one has enough energy for?

( I realize that there are some things one has to do - like it or not - in the interests of family harmony)

crafty pat

Maybe I am a scrooge but I buy only what we can afford and pay cash for them. I have had to cut way back on my baking and candy making because of age and RA. Christmas for us is worshiping our Lord for His birth and being with those we love. Charity means so much to those in need and seeing children's faces light up when they get gifts they were not expecting. So I feel when we put what is important first we are just being sensible.

Up North

i SEEM TO BE HAVING THAT PROBLEM WITH JUST ONE dAUGHTER IN LAW THAT THINKS MONEY IS OF NO MATTER. oF COURSE HER PARENTS CAN SPENd MORE THEY JUST HAVE 2 cHILDREN AND ONE sON-IN-LAW i HAVE 5 cHILDERN 3 dil's AND 7 GRANDS. tHERE IS JUST A SMALL AMOUNT OF DIFFERENCE THERe! ( dang cap locks stuck) Thy all know my limit or at least by now they should!! We do what we can do with what we have!

MaryMo

Call me Scrooge too ..... With no family and tight budget, Christmas is very quiet for me. I enjoy the seasonal music but not the over-commercialization, the seasonal movies but not the foul language and obscene action. I spent many a holiday with extended family that only saw each other once a year or once every other year and who used the time together to impress others with his or her importance, deriding others for past mistakes. And I worked for many years in the government and non-profit worlds watching many take advantage of the goodwill of the season. Finally for me it's a quiet holiday doing what I enjoy.

Tartan

I will not be putting anything on credit. We only buy gifts for the children now. The adults all donate the money we would spend to the Salvation Army.

Neesie

We almost always pay with a credit card BUT always pay off the entire amount, when the bill comes. We simply don't like carrying much cash on us.

Our (grown) kids will be getting sensible gifts, for Christmas. For instance, my dd has asked for (homemade) scones, soups, and a crocheted scarf, along with "a pair of fuzzy socks . . . just ONE pair, Mom!" I'll include a few surprises but pretty much practical stuff. Ds is getting practical, needed/wanted stuff, as well. Included in his gifts will be socks (every year, he asks for new socks!) and razor blades! I also traditionally give them each a can of cashews, each Christmas! That started many years ago and they look for those cashews, each year.

Billi

I feel like any gift given, any baking done and any event attended with an open giving heart is perfect in the spirit of The holidays. No explanation required if one chooses to use cc's that is thier choice. If I can't pay for it in full at the end of the month I don't buy it I don't care what time of year it is that is my choice. Some years I give more than others I do it with the best of intent and the happiest heart I can and hope that it's received the same way if not that is a reflection of who they are not me.

And the opposite is true any of those things done begrudgingly or with a bad attitude is Scrooge like.

quiltingeileen

I, too, pay cash for everything. We keep it simple and practical with gifts. This year I am making most of the gifts. Thanks to my fabric stash . I am so grateful to be able to spend time with family and close friend, that is a gift in itself.

lynnie

we don't have money this year, but 4 familys condo's went up and burned to the ground last week. the money I didn't have is going to them. making all 7 little kids stockings with their names on it. I can do that, I have the fabric. i'll personalize all of them. they think Christmas isn;t coming this year. all 886 homeowners are giving in some way to help these unfortunate families out this season. I'm glad I can sew and have the ability to donate. also donating my mystery train quilt to the families too.

jeanne49

In our family we don't buy gifts for grownups, only for children. Most all of us have everything we want, and if there is something we really want or need, we buy it for ourselves. I only have 1 child, my sister also only has one child, both grown with their own children. So I buy for my son's 2 step children and his son, and I buy for my sister's 2 grandchildren and she does the same for mine. Neither my sister or I have extra money so we definitely don't go overboard. As far as baking, my sister does most of the cookie baking, too much cookie baking. I make pizzelles because everyone loves them, so when I do make them they are really appreciated and do not last long.