Christmas Spending

[one_cat]

With the rotten economy and the state of flux we are in with our finances, we have made the decision this year to practically write off Christmas. We will celebrate but will be spending very little money. I am wondering what everyone else is doing?

 

[newmousecateer]

We will be spending about the same on the kids and grandkids. DH and I might cut back a bit on each other. Actually, all I want is one present and I will be happy.

 

[imgoingtodisney]

my vote was spending the same
However, if you consider that our MAGICal cruise is part of our Christmas we are wayyyyyy over budget!

 

[Serena]

I'm being very careful this year, or I will when I get started.

 

[Boots]

We are spending about the same. But since my children and DD's spouse and DS's spouse to be are in their 20's they aren't getting as much.

 

[Kermit]

We're spending about the same, but we don't spend a lot at Christmas, at least not on ourselves. We usually "adopt" a child or family to buy stuff for, but we don't go crazy with gifts for each other. And I try to make stuff for the other people we buy for. DH and I really feel pretty strongly about not over-emphasizing the material aspects of Christmas. We're already trying to decide how we'll tell our parents next year that we don't want our baby getting tons of toys.

 

[helenabear]

Last year was a very very rough year for us so we had to cut back our spending big time. I felt awful for the limited gifts we got but we just couldn't afford it. Now we are doing a bit better financially so we will increase our spending a little more than last year. We aren't going overboard though, but I won't have to feel like I am held back with my spending like I was last year.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

We are not spending a lot on DD since we ar on a budget, but she is only 15 months and doesn't know the difference anyway!

Kermit-We have really stressed to DH parents about investing in her college savings plan. And since they live in WI they get a tax break.
My parents like to give the Grandkids savings bonds for Birthdays, Christmas, and other important events.

 

[Jenzebelle]

I budget our Christmas money a year in advance and I try to spend the same amount every year. It does mean some less little extras during the year, but we think it's worth it.

This year DH is getting less gifts but we are actually spending more money - He's getting a new computer for Christmas