Shopping for Christmas...

[ferja333]

A few months back I decided to only buy for my children. (We have 5). I told all the Grandparents that we are sorry but we had to cut back this year. I asked them not to buy for us. Did anyone else ever cut it down to just Children? Does this shopping guilt go away? I hate the fact that I am walking in empty handed this year.

[mysweet1s]

Dec. 24, 2008 at 8:41 AM

Yes, we did this with my side of the family some years ago - not with DH's family, his mom lives for Christmas all year, it would kill her.  But, about 4 years ago my family started doing an exchange game with the adults.  Every adult brings a 20-25 dollar gift and we play the exchange game with the numbers, etc.  Are you familiar?  Its now the highlight of our day and SO fun!  So, we all get and give a little something and are only out an extra 40-50 dollars.  Good luck...and good for you for calling halt to all of the holiday craziness!    

[allord]

Dec. 24, 2008 at 8:43 AM

We've done this for ages!  As long as I can remember.  I remember being a kid and thinking "woo hoo! glad I'm not an adult!"  once you reached 18... you weren't a kid anymore.  It really takes the stress level way down.  Never felt a moment of guilt.  Sometimes my family will do a regifting exchange or secret santa for grown ups but that's not all the time.

[mdmjam]

Dec. 24, 2008 at 9:41 AM

We started a tradition of "garage-sale" gifts. It's kinda fun too... That way you're not paying a ton of $ and the items are still nice! LOL.. We love it! Or we did stockings one year. We all bought something to put in every adults stockings. (cheap items) That was fun too!