..........................................

[C.Ann]

 

[CamColt]

We used to go all out for each other, but once the kids came along, and we got down to one income(plus a huge mortgage), presents for each other arent really priority. We do usually go with something small though.
This year we are being practical. Since our gift to the kids is a Disney trip in August(getting APS to probably make 2-3 trips with), we decided to just give each othr Disney Dollars to put toward the trip.

 

[caitycaity]

we do buy presents for each other, but since we're on a tight budget right now, the gifts we buy for each other are practical things.

 

[snowwhitemom]

Well...I am one of those who don't exchange, DH and I put our money together as one and we are saving and have a plan for a common goal.....for us putting more toward the cause was better than unwanted or wanted gifts, we do tend to get what we need thru the year....now our dd.....thats another story

 

[cruisnfamily]

DH and I would prefer not to exchange gifts....it's kind of silly really. If we wanted it, we would probably have bought it already, you know. Or if it is a big ticket item, and we couldn't afford it, we certainly can't magically afford it just because it is Christmas.

Anyway, that said, we do exchange gifts because the children would be so disappointed if we didn't. We usually show the kids the gifts we've bought for each other and let them help wrap and put their names on the cards and it makes them very happy that Mommy and Daddy get gifts too.

 

[Kermit]

We only exchange gifts on years that we spend Christmas with other people, my parents mainly. My parents both think that gifts are important, and they'd think that DH was neglecting me if he didn't get me anything. But honestly, I couldn't care less.

We buy gifts for other people because it's the normal thing to do, but we prefer to give a substantial gift to charity on Christmas. (We do give all year, but not as much.) In fact, we're currently rethinking the way we celebrate Christmas. It's gotten way too worldly, so next year we'll definitely do things differently. We just haven't decided exactly what we'll do.

 

[Ted and Holly]

We usually don't. When we want something, we go out and buy it... together! In lieu of Christmas gifts, we spend more money on our families and save more for our trips to WDW!

Holly

 

[iluvorlando]

We have in the past. Last year we didn't, because we went on a cruise. This year, were not because I took a huge paycut.

 

[browneyes]

My SO tends to forget to get me anything, so we've decided to forego gift giving for Christmas and bdays. I usually get him something and tell him it's from the kids though.

 

[CamColt]

Originally posted by DisMNagain
After 8 or so rough years of general life stuff, gift giving is extrememly UNimportant in our lives....

we almost feel hard-hearted, but to us, every dang day is SUCH a gift that the material things (yeah, even at Christmas time) just don't seem to matter anymore.


So to answer your question, no, we don't do gifts for each other and may only have 3-4 things totally under our tree this year.

Im sorry you have had such a hard time lately, but I think you said a whole lot in this one post. Thanks for putting things in perspective, and Merry Christmas!

 

[EROS]

We're on a stringent budget which provides only $100 for us to spend on each other. The bulk of our presents are for our son. We don't exchange gifts with my sister or brother-in-law, but we do buy presents for each other's children.

 

[Serena]

I guess I'm part kid, I want something to open up on Christmas.

 

[Nancy]

We don't exchange for holidays, birthdays or anniversarys. It's not really any one reason.

If we need something we go and get it, or save for it.

As far as Christmas goes, we have really cut down on our spending for the kids. As they get older they realize how much things cost and don't get as disappointed if there isn't tons of stuff under the tree. I think it bothers me more that I can't get them everything they want.

We do try and get one large "family" gift, and I put Mom and Dad on the gift tag. This year I think it's going to be a DVD player, but I'm not really sure...maybe a new TV for the family room...I'm still waiting to see if I can get a really good bargain.

 

[Buckalew]

We usually don't exchange. It has nothing to do with not liking Christmas though.

Last year it was definitely a lack of funds. This year I'm getting DH a few gifts. He is into mountain biking so these are things for that.

I always ask for a trip to WDW during the following year. (That is what I want for B-day & Mother's Day and Anniversary too. LOL) I'm hoping for that in 2003 although I do think it really is family vacation time.

I would also be glad to see a Kitchen Aid mixer or VCR/DVD player or Mickey waffler under that tree. But, if there are none of those things, that is fine. Just yesterday I was thinking of how wonderful my life is to me right now. I feel very blessed with or without any of those "things".

 

[JasonLyons]

we dont, if I need something I will buy it, and her the same

 

[DaisyDebbie]

This year we have chosen not to since we just go back from Dis-Con and spent enough there

 

[SplshMtn99]

We don't either. However, I learned yesterday he got me something - so now I need to go shopping for him. He didn't follow the agreement.

We don't exchange for a couple of reasons. Growing up, presents weren't a HUGE part of Christmas for either of us. Our families focused on the "family together aspect" & other festive activities. So, I guess it's just what you are used to.

Also, we are D.I.N.K.s (Dual Income No Kids) Basically, we see something or want something - we just go buy it (within reason & budget of course). When we first married & we went Christmas shopping, we ended up just seeing stuff & buying it. We already knew what we got, so we didn't bother wrapping it or putting it under the tree. LOL Our friends used to roll their eyes at us. Hey, what's the difference. We got what we wanted on Dec 1 rather than Dec 25. (Actually, the gift he got me yesterday was Tevo - something we both have been wanting. I just upgraded his cable to digital cable TV; something he had been wanting. So I think we are even. )

Some years, it's because we've done large things throughout the year; like trips. This year I got a new car in October.

Last year, we donated what would have to spent to charities of our choice. He picked 2 & I picked 2.

We also don't exchange with anyone else either. We only buy for 3 neices & nephews. Christmas is for the children. I recently heard this quote & I like it: " Besides, it's Christ's birthday, not mine or yours. "

 

[Mamu]

DH and I do not exchange gifts. Neither one of us are in need of anything. If and when we need or want something we purchase it.

We are each others gifts. 37 years of marriage and 4 children, and 4 grandchildren later do we really need to exchange gifts. Is there any thing we really want other then to grow old together.

 

[Aprille's Mom]

Ditto what Mamu said. Our numbers are a little different than hers but the sentiment is the same.

 

[Kitty 34]

We used to go all out for each other but now we save it for trips. Three years ago we started going to a fancy casino/resort the day after Christmas with my sister and brothers and all their families for the night. We all have so much fun!

To me, that's the best gift to share....being together with loved ones.