KellieJo

Karen2905

I read your post about Christmas gifts.  I have three siblings, two of which are married, four nieces and a nephew.  Add parents to the list and I completely understand the money thing.

About five years ago, my siblings enacted a gift exchange, where we exchange names for Christmas.  We are each assigned one adult, plus both our parents and all our nieces/nephews.   At least in my situation, that really helped.  It was a little sad doing that at first, because I personally liked getting gifts for everyone... but it was just more practical to do it that way.

Maybe you and your family should think about something like that? Just a thought. 

 

kelliejo83

Thanks, I'm guessing a lot of us are in that boat!   DH and I are already in a gift exchange with his family.  He only has 2 siblings but we still draw names with them and their spouses.  Hey, 1 gift each is better than 4 together!   I just call it off with my family whenever I can, haha!  I guess I'm a Scrooge this year.

chayer227

I just had the same thoughts.  A few years ago, the adults in my family began drawing names instead of buying for everyone.  We still buy for the kids. 

Last year was a particularly tough year financially for a few of us in the family, so I put my foot down (I'm the baby, so it was surprising that they listened) and said no gifts at all.  We just got together and enjoyed good company and good food.  It made things SO much better on so many levels.