What did you spend this Christmas?

[Swirly girls]

Ok, I've seen several different threads like this one, but was just after thanksgiving.... But now we are getting close to Christmas.
im thinking most of us moms are done, or very close to it. SO, I'm wondering what you spent?
Did you spend more than you originally planned?
I did, but that's ok

 

[Happyjen27]

About 1200, and that includes charitable donations. My mother asked that instead of a gift we donate to Hurricaine Sandy survivors, and instead of exchanging with siblings, we 7 siblings contribute to a charity, this year, Ronald McDonald House.

The rest of the $ was for exhanges between DH and I, gifts for our 5 year old twins, and DH's non-philanthropic family, all of whom are comfortable and don't need anything because we just buy what we need when we need it, yet, we still exhange gifts.

 

[foltzy]

Way more than I budgeted for. My husband kept saying "Oh let's get this for the kids" and so they each have more than their usual gift amount. Though it will be a Merry Christmas, next year I plan to stick closer to the budget and make him stick to it as well.

 

[dumboiu]

Way more than I had originally thought that I would. I can't even think about it! My wallet and credit cards are crying.

On the bright side, it will (hopefully) be a Merry Christmas for some!

 

[BeachLove]

Right under budget Includes Birthdays, Christmas and donations. I'm extremely happy with that.

 

[wiigirl]

I was under budget, then I remember a few office gifts

 

[princesspiglet]

I spent just a hair over $1700, which is under my budget.

I have a little left over for last minute gifts that I might find while out shopping the weekend before Christmas.

 

[sk!mom]

The rest of the $ was for exhanges between DH and I, gifts for our 5 year old twins, and DH's non-philanthropic family, all of whom are comfortable and don't need anything because we just buy what we need when we need it, yet, we still exhange gifts.

One thing I've learned is that while some of us don't need or even really want gifts- others do. For some people that is part of the celebration. If this makes you sad, then why do you and your DH exchange? Just buy what you want, when you want instead.

To the OP...We've had an extremely expensive year so my goal was to spend less than in recent years while still having a joyful holiday. That goal was achieved. I don't want to give an exact number.

 

[CammelleandBre]

Way to much. But she's an only, and spoiled. And I'm not done spending yet, her 10th birthday is Jan. 7th and she's having a big party with 25 kids. Then we leave Jan. 19 for 10 days in Disney as a surprise gift from me. My poor checking account.

 

[akcire]

I budgeted $1500. I only took $800 out of my stash, most of which is for the new iPad. However all in I spent about $1000. I got paid cash and a visa gift card to do 2 market research studies that covered $200. The remaining $500 will be split between a donation and seeding next years christmas fund. I already did a bunch of holiday donating too. I was just lucky and got some excellent deals.

We also bought a new tv. It was not a Christmas gift. We haven't bought a tv in more than 15 years. My husband started a tv fund 12 years ago to save up for a tv. He never could decide what he wanted. Two years ago I raided the tv fund and paid for a new roof and hvac system. Since the tv fund was still flush I bought one of the 55 inch Best Buy specials. My husband is very happy. I have now officially converted the remaining tv fund into a new car fund. Anyone need a 300 lbs. 32 inch Sony? Here the Goodwill sells them for $1.

 

[ChiCat]

I went over budget next year I vow to do better! I'm estimating I've spent close to 2K.

 

[Swirly girls]

Way to much. But she's an only, and spoiled. And I'm not done spending yet, her 10th birthday is Jan. 7th and she's having a big party with 25 kids. Then we leave Jan. 19 for 10 days in Disney as a surprise gift from me. My poor checking account.

I know the feeling! But, I love buying for our girls!
We just got back from our 12 day Florida vacation. We went to Disney, Discovery cove ( dolphin swim, sea venture, and dolphin swim private cabana) Sea World, and universal studios.
I told myself, I wouldn't be buying them as much as we normally do....since we went so close to Christmas, But, I did. I'm right at about $1400 for the 3 girls, DH, and my parents. This includes thier stockings on Xmas morning -- they are Disney theme full of Disney stuff I bought on vacation and goodies from Disney world, shipped fresh directly from them, to our home! ( 6 bags of flavored kettle popcorn from main street , 3 giant mickey PB cups, 3 santa minnie caramel apples, 3 mickey cake pops, 3 mickey ruce krispie bars, and 3 christmas lollypops) a
We are also planning a surprise Disney trip next fall again, but I don't think I'll let them in on this secret just yet

 

[anniemck]

NOTHING... unless there is a windfall between now and the 25th we will not be exchanging gifts.

I have finally found a job after looking and applying at over 200 places in the past 2 years. I start January 5. My daughter is getting married in February and our wedding anniversary is in March quickly followed by my birthday 2 weeks later in April. We will do something between our Anniversary and my birthday rather than in December. Finances will be better and the weather probably will also.

Lucky my kids are 21, 22 and 24, and do not care about gift exchange either. They are spread out and we will not all be together until my daughters bridal shower in January.

 

[JamesMom]

I am actually shocked that this year we (I) are actually stayed within our budget of $1,500 which is $500 less than usual because we are saving for you know what (WDW in 2013!). Got some good deals and made those $ stretch. I am quite proud. Now to stay out of Amazon to keep it that way

For the geeks here is what I got (yes, I have a spreadsheet):

Misc (Before Christmas stuff) $400 - Star Wars advent calendar, christmas photo shoot & cards, postage; gift wrap & bows, Hallmark Belle dog/book/dvd; Arthur Christmas blu ray; 2 gingerbread houses, baking supplies for bon bons (3 kinds), fudge and cookies with containers; teacher gift cards; church donation.

Stockings $100: $25 itunes gift cards x 4 (paid $80), candy canes, chocolate coins, Pez packs, various $1 craft items, Lego stuff, glow in the dark stars, coloring books, lip balm and silly putty.

DS10 ($250) Nintendo 3DS XL, 3-3DS games and Brave blu ray
DS7 ($175) - Skylander Spyro & Giant Starter sets with 4 other characters for Xbox, How the Universe Works DVD, Just Dance 4 Xbox and Finding Nemo Blu Ray

Hubby ($95) - Blu Ray collections: Jurassic Park (3), Die Hard (4), Aliens (4), The Hobbit Leatherbound book, World of Warcraft monopoly

Other family ($400) Nephew, niece, SIL/BIL, BIL, In-laws and brother. Don't have a big family

My Gifts ($100 budget given to hubby) ??

 

[Swirly girls]

Misc (Before Christmas stuff) $400 - Star Wars advent calendar, christmas photo shoot & cards, postage; gift wrap & bows, Hallmark Belle dog/book/dvd; Arthur Christmas blu ray; 2 gingerbread houses, baking supplies for bon bons (3 kinds), fudge and cookies with containers; teacher gift cards; church donation.

I never thought to include costs towards Christmas photo cards, wrapping paper and bows ( ect) baking stuff ( for all the yummy Christmas cookies and goodies we make)
Nor did I include the costs for food, and beverages, for Christmas Eve meal and Christmas day meal. We host DH family Xmas eve, my side of the family Xmas day.
I make all the fixings... Ham, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, greenbean casserole, stuffing, cranberries, and pumpkin, pecan, and banana cream pies ( 2 each) munchies for the night : pickle & ham roll ups, BBQ wieners, chex mix, shrimp, crackers, cheese, and summer sausage, sherbet punch, and wine.
Xmas morning I bake egg casserole, with fresh fruit, juice and coffee.
Whew! I can't wait!

 

[mrssmith06]

Around $1500.... (that includes buying for all of our family)
lol

OVER budget! I wanted to stay under $1000 this year, but it just didn't happen. $100 of that was for a Angel tree kid though... plus I went a little overboard on the kids (as usual!!!!)

 

[JamesMom]

I think that is why many go over budget, because Christmas spending isn't just the presents - it all the little things (that added up to 25% of our budget!) that do you in.
Sounds like a great menu. Our inlaws go to visit their other grandchildren out of town for Christmas so we 4 are on our own and figure our christmas meals are part of our regular food budget. But we are hosting a get together this weekend with hors dourves and wine - could add another $50 bucks or so to the Christmas budget? Nah, leave in the food budget, lol. Enjoy!

 

[richmond282]

I went over budget for sure... on paper. I had budgeted around $1700 for gifts and technically spent $2200ish. However, I had a ton of amazon gift card credit saved up from swagbucks and earned a decent amount of money selling on ebay and my local facebook yard sale group. So actual OOP expenses were $1075. $300 of that was a laptop for my DD which I was going to buy whether it was Christmas or not.

 

[skeettafic]

We're right around $1100. I was hoping to stay under $1000 but a couple of things I was planning on finding deals on, I never did. I should say, this doesn't include DH's presents to me (not sure what he spent). And DD's birthday is next week so that's another $300 or so with presents and party.

 

[pigletto]

I think that is why many go over budget, because Christmas spending isn't just the presents - it all the little things (that added up to 25% of our budget!) that do you in.
Sounds like a great menu. Our inlaws go to visit their other grandchildren out of town for Christmas so we 4 are on our own and figure our christmas meals are part of our regular food budget. But we are hosting a get together this weekend with hors dourves and wine - could add another $50 bucks or so to the Christmas budget? Nah, leave in the food budget, lol. Enjoy!

I used to go over budget all the time by forgetting to include the extras or underestimating the costs. I would make a gift budget and totally leave out batteries for toys, food for big meals, decorations, cards, postage etc. And it's a good 20-25% of our holiday spending!!

So this year I made line items for ALL of it.

I don't feel like sharing a number.. but by watching for sales and deals on everything I stayed in budget completely. The extra went to pad what I had allotted for donations which felt good.