I'm against Xmas gifting

[adamak]

Am I the only one? I hate buying junk, and getting junk. I hate wasting time exchanging junks. And I don't have money to spend this year. I don't even want to make stuffs for others. I'd rather spend that time/ money on food and wine and hanging out with family members instead. Much more 'quality' to me.

Last year, I donate money on behalf instead. But my DH said I should at least get stuff for the kids. Why? They're getting gifts for birthdays (not just theirs, but they each get gift for each other's BDay). And their parents don't really want more stuff in the house.

This is a big scam!!! Not looking forward to this.

 

[newmousecateer]

Well, since you feel so strongly about it, why not skip Christmas this year? Just tell the kids there isn't going to be any Christmas celebration this year, that it is going to be just like any other day of the year. Don't put up decoratons or a tree. Don't buy gifts. Just treat it like any other day of the year.

If you feel that strongly about it, I don't blame you for not doing anything.

I feel the total opposite...family gathering and sharing in the joy of each other, exchanging gifts (junk or not) just knowing they thought enough to get me something , the tree symbolises a "birthday celebration" for the God we believe in, and sharing in the spirit of the season with family and friends.

JMO.

 

[DocRafiki]

RoqueC, that was incredibly rude, but FRIGGIN' HILARIOUS! I have the giggles now and can't stop!

I agree... I hate getting junk. I hate the clutter and can't just toss it out if someone gave it to me. I hate wasting money on buying junk for other people too. I try to buy something that people want or need, but you never know. I definitely think you should get stuff for your kids, though. Getting junk is better than getting nothing at all. That would be horrible for a lot of kids to get nothing. Actually, when I was a kid and my parents would talk about not having money, I'd have nightmares about that.

 

[SplshMtn99]

I understand! Last year we didn't exchange gifts -- only bought gifts for the 3 neice & nephews. Nothing for the adults or ourselves. We donated that money instead to charities of our choice.

Other family members felt financial relief from knowing the pressure was off too -- but they had been afraid to say something for a while. Christmas is NOT about paying that charge card off in April. LOL

I can HONESTLY say, it was the most ENJOYABLE Christmas I had had in a while. No stress of shopping for my family or his family. No buying gifts for people who have everything / need nothing / want nothing. No exchanging gift certificates for gift certificates. No buying gifts for people who only give you broken items from the dollar store. You get the idea.

We ENJOYED Christmas --- ALL of us -- even those against the idea of not exchanging at first. We enjoyed decorating for a change, we enjoyed cooking, we enjoyed see Christmas lights, we enjoyed music, we ENJOYED EACH OTHERS COMPANY. The season wasn't all cluttered up with shopping!

Donating the money made me feel GOOD!!!!!!!!

Dare to be different!

 

[doxdogy]

What I dislike is the commercialization of Christmas. We are in financial straits this year. I have put a SET spending limit. The amount has been cutback. The only amount I didn't cut back was the amount for the Angel Tree that I do every year. I enjoy buying gifts for this more than anything.

 

[newmousecateer]

When I was a kid my parents didn't have much money at all. Our "Christmas stockings" were Mom's old nylons (washed of course) that were tacked to the door, stuffed with apples, oranges, nuts, and a few pennies. Best Christms stockings we could have asked for.

Doesn't take much to make kids happy, or me for that matter. A hand-drawn picture from my son was all I needed in way of "junk".

 

[SPAGo 98]

Christmas is about love, family, etc (plus the additional factor of Jesus if you believe ). it's not about presents, but if that's the way you express your love, ok. and it's also ok if that's NOT have you express your love.

 

[Nikole]

I hate buying junk, and getting junk.

Then why buy junk?! Why don't you try giving gifts people will treasure and appreciate? Or don't give gifts at all! Starting to sound a little bit Bah Humbug here.....

I'd say whatever you decide don't let it get to you. It should be a wonderful and enjoyable time of the year spent with friends and family......not a stressed out dreadful event!

 

[adamak]

Wait. I like the Xmas gathering. I like the cooking. I like putting up the trees. I like the chatting and hanging out together. I just don't like seeing parents going nuts trying to fight for that right gift. Not a very pleasant scene.

When I was growing up, I dont' remember needing the gifts. I was looking forward to the tree and the cookies, and grandma coming over. But never getting THE gift.

I would like my Xmas to be more like Thanksgiving, and not a commercialised gift exchange holiday. We already have Valetine's day for that.

I get the donating money thing from Ophra. She did a great show last Dec, and list out all the not-so-famous donation sites. And she said "now that you know where you should donate, you cannot say you don't know anymore in your life". She's right.

 

[newmousecateer]

I'm not saying Christmas is about "buying". The smallest most simple gift can be appreciated if you put your heart into it.

I agree, enjoy the season, the beliefs, the love. But if we go into it feeling it is just a scam, then it is. The spirit of Christmas can and should be a beautiful thing. It should bring out the love and joy of sharing our lives and love. I'm just saying we can celebrate the happiness of life through our Lord (if you believe, or even if you don't), then just through each other during this special time of year.

 

[SplshMtn99]

I never connected it, but I think you are right. I never received lots of toys or presents in general as I child -- at least compared to my friend.

I got only 2-3 gifts -- and they were all of the practical nature. Christmas as a child (for me) wasn't about receiving gifts either.

When I see all the junky toys & junky stuff they manufacture for Christmas for kids AND adults -- you have to start to wonder where are we heading with this?

 

[Dream]

I can understand how the commercialism of the season can get ya down. But instead of skipping it, change it. I just love thinking of THE perfect gift (not necessarily expensive or extravagant) for all those I love. I keep my eyes open for them all year, not just the last month before Christmas. My brother is exceptional at this...his gifts are extremely thoughtful and meaningful. Gifts from the heart. Hang in there and try not to let the "overdoneness" of the holidays ruin it for you!!!

 

[Nikole]

adamak I def. agree with you that the focus shouldn't be on getting THE gift. Then again....I also don't have kids so I don't see that happening....... I get what I want for my family members and I think they usually like the gifts! LOL Personally, I'd much rather be able to spend the Holidays with them than get them gifts. Unfortunately, it just doesn't always work out. (We live in PA, brother is in OK, Johns family is in GA, OH and HI, and my parents and grandparents are in OR)

 

[SplshMtn99]

Yes, but some folks don't look at it as a gift from the heart. They see $$$$$$ signs OR should that be LACK of $$$$ signs.

A difficult family to shop for can take ALL the fun out of it!!! LOL

 

[JasonLyons]

I just told my daughter Santa is broke this year

 

[JohnTBap]

Did she cry?

 

[newmousecateer]

Ok Jason. It's ok Santa is broke. One special (inexpensive) gift will be all she needs.

Hey, sorry, didn't mean to be controversial.

Here is a wish for everyone:

May you enjoy the holidays with your family and loved ones. May the spirit of Christmas be in being together, sharing in laughter, breading of bread together and singing caroles around the Christmas tree, and being thankful for what we have. That is the best gift of all.

 

[Tiggeroo]

Re-think the sorts of gifts you give. For the adults and nieces and nephews who you definitely exchange with in your family why not a grab bag. By doing this, and only getting one gift it allows you to spend a bit more $$ on the one gift plus put alot more thought into what to get. When our family did this we all got excited about what to get instead of feeling we have to check items off on a list.
The kids - if they are yours you need to get them gifts. Decide what you can affore and either get a few quality items if they are older or more inexpensive puzzles, books, games, dolls for the little ones.
But if they aren't yours why not the gift of time. Take the nieces and nephews or grands out for an inexpensive lunch, or bowling or the movies. Or if that is too expensive have them over for an afternoon and do something special. You could make a really nice invitation like Tea Party at Grandma's or Cookie baking at Aunt Jenny's.
I have had alot of really broke Christmas's. but I so love buying presents for my family. But in honesty if you asked my kids what they loved best it would be going to cut down the tree and decorating it, or candelight Christmas service, or baking cookies, or wrapping gifts. Even our poor Christmas' where we bought fruit for the stockings, and coloring books and silly putty were special to the kids. It is memories we are creating in their hearts.

 

[Saffron]

My ideal Christmas would be just like the Fourth of July, only a little cozier and colder. I would love to have all my family come over for a great meal, some great conversation, some great some great games, some great music and some great sweet treats. No gifts!!! Not one! I would love that! But, my mother worries about not having gifts for everyone, or not having the right gifts. She feels it's very important to give gifts. I'm not sure why that is, but that's how it is. So, while we are fortunate to have her here with us, we celebrate her way. She not only loves to give gifts, she loves to receive them too.

 

[Nikole]

A difficult family to shop for can take ALL the fun out of it!!! LOL

lol then for those difficult people do something that isn't a typical gift..... maybe a gift certificate to a restaurant.... Or.....no gift at all.....or donating to charity like was mentioned! If the people aren't appreciative then well I'm sure there are plenty of others who would be