Christmas Spending

[jm-mom]

I am amazed at how many people you all buy for and how much you spend on them. I am also amazed at how many little kids (under 12) are getting Ipod touches. That just seems like an extravagant and unnecessary gift for children that young but that's just my opinion. My girls are 9 & 11 and have mentioned the Ipod touch but are perfectly ok with not getting one too. It helps that all their friends don't have one and aren't getting one either.

We spend Christmas day with my husband's family. He has 4 siblings each with a spouse and 2 kids, and his parents. We all decided years ago not to buy gifts for one another. We all have all that we need in life and decided that we didn't want the pressure of figuring out what to buy for someone or the spending of the money to be what Christmas is all about. We get together, talk, visit, laugh, enjoy a good meal, and it's a great day. We definitely don't miss the gift exchange at all.

At our house my husband and I don't buy anything for each other. We love each other very much and if we want something during the year, we usually buy it if the cost is right. Our kids like to get us stuff so we each come up with a list of smallish type things to get and they usually spend about $25 on each of us.

As for our kids, I would say their total is around $150. That's pretty much the norm for us. We aren't poor by any stretch but just choose to make Christmas more about spending time with each other than a gift frenzy. I am so thankful that we are not a part of one of those families where every member is expected to buy for every other member. It would drive me crazy and break my bank! Incidentally, we charge absolutely nothing at Christmas and end the season with no debt. That's gift enough for me.

 

[jm-mom]

On the subject of gift buying and spending, I'd be curious to know how much of your kid's gifts come from "Santa" for those that still have believers? When our girls were really little everything came from Santa. This is the first year my 11 year old doesn't believe but her 9 year old sister still does. About 3 years ago we told them that now that they were no longer toddlers, Santa only brings 2-3 gifts and the rest come from mom and dad. When they were old enough to understand, we wanted them to be aware that we were spending our hard earned money on their gifts. They are able to understand that everything costs money and they should take care of things because we had to spend our money to get them. So far it's worked beautifully. Santa brings 2-3 token type gifts and the rest are from us, including whatever big item they might get that year.

We also do an "elf" exchange on Thanksgiving weekend. The girls pick out one roll each of gift wrap they want Santa to use and they write their letter to Santa. We put those things out on the porch one evening and an hour or so later, the doorbell rings. Gone are the letters and gift wrap (Santa's elves took them) and left behind are new Christmas themed pajamas. They think this is the coolest thing. And they always need warmer pajamas by that time of year and will wear Christmas themed ones long past Christmas. It's just one of the ways we've tried to put some magic into the Christmas season.

 

[Leshaface]

We've saved $1200 so far from Dec 2010 till now (will add about another 300-400 to that account before Christmas) so will have about $1500 for

-mom
-mil
-sil (18)
-sil & bil
-3 nieces and nephews
-brother and sil
-aunt and uncle
-young cousins (about 3 of them)
-and maybe small gifts for some friends.

We will probably cut it close to our budget.

 

[mrseace711]

On the subject of gift buying and spending, I'd be curious to know how much of your kid's gifts come from "Santa" for those that still have believers? When our girls were really little everything came from Santa. This is the first year my 11 year old doesn't believe but her 9 year old sister still does. About 3 years ago we told them that now that they were no longer toddlers, Santa only brings 2-3 gifts and the rest come from mom and dad. When they were old enough to understand, we wanted them to be aware that we were spending our hard earned money on their gifts. They are able to understand that everything costs money and they should take care of things because we had to spend our money to get them. So far it's worked beautifully. Santa brings 2-3 token type gifts and the rest are from us, including whatever big item they might get that year.

Santa brings the stuff Mom & Dad dont feel like wrapping... AND sometimes Santa uses Mom & Dads wrapping paper, some years he doesnt

 

[mrseace711]

I am amazed at how many people you all buy for and how much you spend on them. I am also amazed at how many little kids (under 12) are getting Ipod touches. That just seems like an extravagant and unnecessary gift for children that young but that's just my opinion. My girls are 9 & 11 and have mentioned the Ipod touch but are perfectly ok with not getting one too. It helps that all their friends don't have one and aren't getting one either.

We spend Christmas day with my husband's family. He has 4 siblings each with a spouse and 2 kids, and his parents. We all decided years ago not to buy gifts for one another. We all have all that we need in life and decided that we didn't want the pressure of figuring out what to buy for someone or the spending of the money to be what Christmas is all about. We get together, talk, visit, laugh, enjoy a good meal, and it's a great day. We definitely don't miss the gift exchange at all.

At our house my husband and I don't buy anything for each other. We love each other very much and if we want something during the year, we usually buy it if the cost is right. Our kids like to get us stuff so we each come up with a list of smallish type things to get and they usually spend about $25 on each of us.

As for our kids, I would say their total is around $150. That's pretty much the norm for us. We aren't poor by any stretch but just choose to make Christmas more about spending time with each other than a gift frenzy. I am so thankful that we are not a part of one of those families where every member is expected to buy for every other member. It would drive me crazy and break my bank! Incidentally, we charge absolutely nothing at Christmas and end the season with no debt. That's gift enough for me.

2 of my children are getting i-Pod touches as well as some other gifts. I could spend that money on tons of small generic gifts or buy a few larger gifts they will use THIS does NOT mean Christmas is a "gift frenzy" in our family. Christmas is about the birth of our savior Jesus Christ and our children get gifts on his birthday(our kids get gifts twice a year their birthday and Christmas) and we spend the entire Holiday together

 

[tikilyn]

Why is it that people just assume that because some posters like to spend more/give more(have larger budgets) on Christmas that they have forgotten what the day is all about? I just don't understand this line of thinking. It's like I'm better than you because I spend less and it means more, really? Come on now!

Take my family for instance. My kids have received mp3 players, laptops, tvs in the past and this year will be receiving touch pads and bluray players, electric scooters and legos. All expensive items that they have asked for, but yet they also understand what Christmas is all about. We go to church, we have birthday cake for Jesus birthday. They understand what Jesus did for us.

I just wish people wouldn't be so judgmental in threads like this. We are posting ideas for the OP.

I'm out! This was a fun thread and had some really great ideas.

 

[richmond282]

On the subject of gift buying and spending, I'd be curious to know how much of your kid's gifts come from "Santa" for those that still have believers? When our girls were really little everything came from Santa. This is the first year my 11 year old doesn't believe but her 9 year old sister still does. About 3 years ago we told them that now that they were no longer toddlers, Santa only brings 2-3 gifts and the rest come from mom and dad. When they were old enough to understand, we wanted them to be aware that we were spending our hard earned money on their gifts. They are able to understand that everything costs money and they should take care of things because we had to spend our money to get them. So far it's worked beautifully. Santa brings 2-3 token type gifts and the rest are from us, including whatever big item they might get that year.

This is basically what we do. Santa usually brings 2 gifts and leaves them unwrapped. All Stocking stuffers and wrapped gift are from mommy and daddy b/c I kind fell the same way you do. I work hard for my $ and put a lot of thought and effort into gifts for my DD7. I certainly don't want SAnta to get all of the credit.

 

[neatokimmo]

Santa = Fijit, Rosie Train, Thomas Train set, Lite Sprite with Wand, extra Sprite

Mama = pettiskirt, dance rings, dress up boas, art easel and a ton of craft stuff (that I would buy anyway throuhgout the year so I am cheating).

$$ wise
santa = 132
mama = 201

She is almost 5. Last year 90% of it was from Santa.

On the subject of gift buying and spending, I'd be curious to know how much of your kid's gifts come from "Santa" for those that still have believers? When our girls were really little everything came from Santa. This is the first year my 11 year old doesn't believe but her 9 year old sister still does. About 3 years ago we told them that now that they were no longer toddlers, Santa only brings 2-3 gifts and the rest come from mom and dad. When they were old enough to understand, we wanted them to be aware that we were spending our hard earned money on their gifts. They are able to understand that everything costs money and they should take care of things because we had to spend our money to get them. So far it's worked beautifully. Santa brings 2-3 token type gifts and the rest are from us, including whatever big item they might get that year.

We also do an "elf" exchange on Thanksgiving weekend. The girls pick out one roll each of gift wrap they want Santa to use and they write their letter to Santa. We put those things out on the porch one evening and an hour or so later, the doorbell rings. Gone are the letters and gift wrap (Santa's elves took them) and left behind are new Christmas themed pajamas. They think this is the coolest thing. And they always need warmer pajamas by that time of year and will wear Christmas themed ones long past Christmas. It's just one of the ways we've tried to put some magic into the Christmas season.

 

[Ephany]

I'm pretty sure we'll be around $700 for our whole family for Christmas. My problem is to keep from buying stuff just because it's a really good price and then having lots of items that are only 'meh'. DD, DN1 and DN2 all have Nov. birthdays, so that complicates things too.

DD8 (birthday/Christmas) $250ish
$30 Harumika sets (TRU super clearance: 2 lg sets, 4 med sets, 4 sm sets). 1/2 for birthday, 1/2 for Christmas
$12 Illustory (design/illustrate a story and it gets bound into a book)
$10 Create clothes for Barbie set
$30 Pogo stick
$18 Bad Kitty boxed set of books
$139 Kindle Touch or $109 Kindle (haven't decided yet)
$15 Lalaloopsy mini-dolls (2 for birthday, 2 for Christmas)
$ stocking stuffers

DH $100-150
$25 Underworld trilogy blu-ray
$10 flashlight
$15 Lego Star Wars book
$ everything else, not sure

Me $100-150
No idea what I want or what DH is looking at

Grandparents $100ish total
We try to get each grandparent something small and then a gift card to a restaurant they enjoy but wouldn't pay for themselves. There's hording issues on both sides, so we try to think of gifts that aren't 'clutter'.

DNiece3 $25 Christmas
DNephew4 $25 birthday, $25 Christmas
DNiece6 $25 birthday, $25 Christmas

DD's teacher $25 gift card for classroom supplies

We stopped exchanging gifts with our siblings a few years back. Some were ok with it, other not so much. It just seemed silly to give gifts to people we never see or talk to (or in my SIL's case, has flat out told me she doesn't like us). None of our friends want to exchange gifts, we might do a dinner or two though which is nice. Our jobs don't do gift exchanges or parties really, so we don't have to worry about that.

 

[jm-mom]

I never meant to imply that I was better than anyone else because our Christmas' aren't gift centered. We just choose to use our money in a different way and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas at Christmas. If you enjoy the religious aspect of the holiday as well as the gift gifting then go for it. It's just not OUR family's way of doing things.

Personally, my opinion is that children do not need all the expensive stuff that is out there these days. Of course they want it but that doesn't mean you are a good parent to provide it or a bad parent if you don't. I wasn't brought to expect extravagant presents at Christmas and my kids don't either. If they want something like an electric scooter or Blue-Ray player for example, we'll work together to help them save the money to buy that for themselves.

I have known way too many kids that get the latest and greatest toy, actually expect it, only to want the next big thing the next Christmas and get it. My niece goes to school with kids who have the latest phones, electronics, computers, cars, etc. and so many of those families try to outdo each other. She has none of this and yes, she feels left out. But, she has a mom who's waiting at home for her every day, because they've sacrificed so she can stay home. She has her parent's time all the time to talk, listen, and enjoy each other. She's not lost on how lucky she is in that way. So many of her friends who have all the latest toys are also raising themselves because mom and dad both have to work to support the house, cars and lifestyle they can't really afford. My niece is lucky in that her parents have no debt and are going to be able to send her to college and they are in taht position by not having expensive holidays year after year, at least in part.

So Christmas or not, it's all about the financial choices each family wants to make. If you choose to spend a million dollars on gifts for your kids, that's your choice. You're kids are very lucky to have so many new and wonderful things. If you want to give your child a gold nugget and then celebrate the birth of Jesus, again, go for it. I personally find the extravagance and overspending not in keeping with the celebration of the birth of Jesus but that's me and maybe it's not you.

 

[NYEmomma]

On the subject of gift buying and spending, I'd be curious to know how much of your kid's gifts come from "Santa" for those that still have believers?

Santa gives the toys, but the clothes & boring stuff comes from mom & dad.

 

[mrseace711]

..... GOOD NEWS
64 Days

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As of right this very minute eastern time

 

[NYEmomma]

I am amazed at how many people you all buy for and how much you spend on them. I am also amazed at how many little kids (under 12) are getting Ipod touches. That just seems like an extravagant and unnecessary gift for children that young but that's just my opinion. My girls are 9 & 11 and have mentioned the Ipod touch but are perfectly ok with not getting one too. It helps that all their friends don't have one and aren't getting one either.

We spend Christmas day with my husband's family. He has 4 siblings each with a spouse and 2 kids, and his parents. We all decided years ago not to buy gifts for one another. We all have all that we need in life and decided that we didn't want the pressure of figuring out what to buy for someone or the spending of the money to be what Christmas is all about. We get together, talk, visit, laugh, enjoy a good meal, and it's a great day. We definitely don't miss the gift exchange at all.

At our house my husband and I don't buy anything for each other. We love each other very much and if we want something during the year, we usually buy it if the cost is right. Our kids like to get us stuff so we each come up with a list of smallish type things to get and they usually spend about $25 on each of us.

As for our kids, I would say their total is around $150. That's pretty much the norm for us. We aren't poor by any stretch but just choose to make Christmas more about spending time with each other than a gift frenzy. I am so thankful that we are not a part of one of those families where every member is expected to buy for every other member. It would drive me crazy and break my bank! Incidentally, we charge absolutely nothing at Christmas and end the season with no debt. That's gift enough for me.

I would LOVE to stop buying gifts for DH's brothers & SIL's. Every year we bring the subject up & every year we're shot down.

And then Christmas day comes and we come bearing gifts for all 4 brothers, 2 SIL's & 3 nephews and the rest of DH's brothers get gifts for whoever they feel like.

Last year one brother got DH something but nothing for DD or me. Another brother got DD something but nothing for DH or me. Another brother got us all something. Another brother didn't buy for anyone (yet rejected the idea when I brought it up... ). The year before that, on of DH's brothers bought gifts for my nephews but nothing for my DD.

I wouldn't care whatever we decided to do if we could all come to the decision together & stick to it.

I love gift-giving and would spend more if I could... not because I like throwing my money around but because I truly enjoy watching my family members receive gifts. More than I do receiving gifts myself. There is no "Reason for the Season" for my family, so "family" is THE holiday for us.

 

[neatokimmo]

Santa gives the toys, but the clothes & boring stuff comes from mom & dad.

Bah - I'm tired of the fat man getting all the credit!

 

[Marionnette]

I am amazed at how many people you all buy for and how much you spend on them. I am also amazed at how many little kids (under 12) are getting Ipod touches. That just seems like an extravagant and unnecessary gift for children that young but that's just my opinion. My girls are 9 & 11 and have mentioned the Ipod touch but are perfectly ok with not getting one too. It helps that all their friends don't have one and aren't getting one either.

We spend Christmas day with my husband's family. He has 4 siblings each with a spouse and 2 kids, and his parents. We all decided years ago not to buy gifts for one another. We all have all that we need in life and decided that we didn't want the pressure of figuring out what to buy for someone or the spending of the money to be what Christmas is all about. We get together, talk, visit, laugh, enjoy a good meal, and it's a great day. We definitely don't miss the gift exchange at all.

At our house my husband and I don't buy anything for each other. We love each other very much and if we want something during the year, we usually buy it if the cost is right. Our kids like to get us stuff so we each come up with a list of smallish type things to get and they usually spend about $25 on each of us.

As for our kids, I would say their total is around $150. That's pretty much the norm for us. We aren't poor by any stretch but just choose to make Christmas more about spending time with each other than a gift frenzy. I am so thankful that we are not a part of one of those families where every member is expected to buy for every other member. It would drive me crazy and break my bank! Incidentally, we charge absolutely nothing at Christmas and end the season with no debt. That's gift enough for me.

I never meant to imply that I was better than anyone else because our Christmas' aren't gift centered. We just choose to use our money in a different way and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas at Christmas. If you enjoy the religious aspect of the holiday as well as the gift gifting then go for it. It's just not OUR family's way of doing things.

Personally, my opinion is that children do not need all the expensive stuff that is out there these days. Of course they want it but that doesn't mean you are a good parent to provide it or a bad parent if you don't. I wasn't brought to expect extravagant presents at Christmas and my kids don't either. If they want something like an electric scooter or Blue-Ray player for example, we'll work together to help them save the money to buy that for themselves.

I have known way too many kids that get the latest and greatest toy, actually expect it, only to want the next big thing the next Christmas and get it. My niece goes to school with kids who have the latest phones, electronics, computers, cars, etc. and so many of those families try to outdo each other. She has none of this and yes, she feels left out. But, she has a mom who's waiting at home for her every day, because they've sacrificed so she can stay home. She has her parent's time all the time to talk, listen, and enjoy each other. She's not lost on how lucky she is in that way. So many of her friends who have all the latest toys are also raising themselves because mom and dad both have to work to support the house, cars and lifestyle they can't really afford. My niece is lucky in that her parents have no debt and are going to be able to send her to college and they are in taht position by not having expensive holidays year after year, at least in part.

So Christmas or not, it's all about the financial choices each family wants to make. If you choose to spend a million dollars on gifts for your kids, that's your choice. You're kids are very lucky to have so many new and wonderful things. If you want to give your child a gold nugget and then celebrate the birth of Jesus, again, go for it. I personally find the extravagance and overspending not in keeping with the celebration of the birth of Jesus but that's me and maybe it's not you.

You should have quit posting while you were ahead. You've made a lot of assumptions about people who do not adhere to your views as to the appropriate levels of gift giving at the holidays. And you've managed to insult more people with your follow up post.

I suggest that you may want to stop digging before putting yourself into a deeper hole.

 

[NYEmomma]

Bah - I'm tired of the fat man getting all the credit!

You've got a point! They'll realize what the REAL story is when they get older.

 

[Colleen27]

I am amazed at how many people you all buy for and how much you spend on them. I am also amazed at how many little kids (under 12) are getting Ipod touches. That just seems like an extravagant and unnecessary gift for children that young but that's just my opinion. My girls are 9 & 11 and have mentioned the Ipod touch but are perfectly ok with not getting one too. It helps that all their friends don't have one and aren't getting one either.

I'm all about gifts that will get a lot of use. We've found that one extravagant gift that gets used every day is preferable to several smaller gifts that will just be more clutter in a few months' time. The kids' gifts from the last three years of birthdays & Christmases (bikes, Nintendo DSes, MP3 players, guitar & amp for DS, digital camera & sewing machine for DD) all still get used. How many toys have that sort of useful life?

 

[jm-mom]

I suggest that you may want to stop digging before putting yourself into a deeper hole.[/QUOTE]

I'm sorry you feel that way. I think you are making the assumption that because my feelings vary from some of the posters, that I am in the wrong. I'm not wrong, just feel differently. I've never pointed a finger at anyone and said what they chose to do is "wrong". I've stated what our family does and that was the original purpose of this thread and every thread on these boards. They are about the sharing of ideas and whether you or anyone else agrees is beside the point.

I would imagine I am not alone in the thinking that some people do go unnecessarily over board on Christmas spending. It's not my own concept, it's just a common opinion shared by millions on and off the boards. If you are happy spending $700 or more per child, I'm thrilled you have the finances and the ability to do that. It's your Christmas to celebrate as you choose, just like the rest of us. If you take any implication or assumption from that, that's your business as well.

The original post was about spending more, less or about $700 and I've stated we spend less than that and why. I never said you or anyone else had to follow my family's thinking.

 

[jm-mom]

I'm all about gifts that will get a lot of use. We've found that one extravagant gift that gets used every day is preferable to several smaller gifts that will just be more clutter in a few months' time. The kids' gifts from the last three years of birthdays & Christmases (bikes, Nintendo DSes, MP3 players, guitar & amp for DS, digital camera & sewing machine for DD) all still get used. How many toys have that sort of useful life?

I have to agree, getting expensive things with usefulness is great. To be able to find something your child wants and actually uses over and over is a good thing. It doesn't have to be expensive or cheap, just appropriate to their wants and needs. There's no point in spending "little" money on junk that will get broken or go unused soon after Christmas. I think you are teaching your kids a good lesson about giving them something useful and enjoyable and keeping it at that. I'm all about keeping the clutter to minimum!

 

[mrseace711]

Bah - I'm tired of the fat man getting all the credit!

Thats what my husband said!!