We need a "Don't go over Budget" support thread for Christmas....

[shortbun]

I don't see a budget as being a good thing for Christmas, especially if it is so tight that it's unreasonable. Imho, it just sets you up to fail. I also do not see how it is possible to set that amount and choose the items right now when Christmas is three months away and children don't say what they want until sometime in November. We've done away with gift giving on both extended sides of our family and that is about all the control I can stand. Children are the only recipients of gifts around here but I have no idea what they will want. I think some people try too hard.

 

[jacksmom]

I do try to set a budget! But always over do! I am trying though!

 

[klacey1]

I always set a dollar limit and usually come in under for everyone but DBF, so it usually about evens out!
I've already purchased three things for DBF, but I have to stop for now. I find the earlier I start shopping, the more I buy! Part of enjoying the holiday season for me is buying and wrapping, so I have to be able to enjoy that in November/December!

 

[Momrow]

I am setting our budget and it's scary. Both of my dd's have their birthdays in December. I can probably get a lot of stuff for my younger dd (turning 5) a lot of stuff for $75-$100. My 10 year old wants an ipod touch, so there would only be a few little things for her. Planning on getting her a bike for her birthday.

 

[ilovepete]

I guess I don't have a Christmas budget. BUT I have done all my shopping already and I'm pleased with the outcome so I guess that is good. Everything I got, I got SUPER deals on. From free to 75% off, and I think the highest I paid was $59 for a $300 suit case for my mom. And I'm done! Thank goodness! So, I guess I do have a budget, and it's $0! I always end up talking myself into more stuff at the end so I guess that will be my goal, not to buy any more no matter what.

 

[jaci-h]

this year we are doing handmade EVERYTHING. mostly picture frames with wedding pics for family & friends who were in the wedding. my parents & his parents are getting handmade (by me!) Christmas ornaments early. I'm shopping for ideas now

 

[ChiCat]

I'm really bad with Christmas too but I've been getting myself in the mindset to not go overboard for months. A bad example of my overboardness is one of my very best friends S, always get each other extravagant gifts on our birthdays and Christmas. Last year I took her and another friend to a cooking class which I paid for $75 for each person plus I bought two bottles of wine to split. Then I sent her a package of a Dooney & Bourke purse, 2 Philosophy shower gels, 4 OPI nail polishes, a set of pearl earrings, and I'm not sure what else but I'm literally shaking my head at how ridiculous this is getting between her and I. It's fun but obviously way overboard.

I also have 6 nephews and 1 niece that I used to go way overboard on but now I'm coming up with a budget.

I'm thinking $40 per kid, $300 for dh, no gifts for any of the other adult members of my family, and $30-50 each for a few random friends. This seems like a reasonable, sane plan