|
Author
|
Topic: Christmas gift exchanging
|
keebs
WAHM.com regular
|
posted July 31, 2004 04:36 AM
  
As my sister and I got older, the 'magic' of christmas kind of walked out the door. The last few years I've been more bah humbug about crowds at the mall than I have about the things I love, like the smell of pine trees, wood burning in fire places on a cold snowy night, stockings and decorated trees, and exchanging gifts.At some point it hit me that I'm having a baby and now I'm just completely obsessing about stockings and pine trees and snow. LOL Today it occured to me that I have a LOT of family and inlaws. We are not rich people by any means. How do you guys determine who you are supposed to buy gifts for? If I never got another gift for the rest of my life (other than from my husband *ahem* LOL) I would be just fine. But I also feel like if someone gets me or my family a gift We should be able to return the gesture. I want to spend 100 million dollars on my child which leaves little for the rest of the family and friends. LOL How do you guys handle this?
[This message has been edited by keebs (edited July 31, 2004).] IP: Logged |
cpatt
WAHM.com regular
|
posted July 31, 2004 08:42 AM
I would think that with a new baby people would understand where your focus will be. Why don't you put together a nice collage or something with the family or just the baby and give that to loved ones. You could get creative and make Christmas Ornaments or something with the pictures. Remember, it is the love and thought that counts, not the money you spend! LOL  ------------------
Cassie Patt
http://www.discoverytoyslink.com/cpatt/
cgrayhunt1@aol.com Ask me how to create a richer, safer and more educational environment for your family! IP: Logged |
TheChucklePatch
WAHM.com regular
|
posted July 31, 2004 10:25 AM
Hi KeebsIf your family is close suggest a secret santa. Everyone puts there name on a piece of paper , put the papers in a container, then have everyone pick. What name you get on the paper is the only person you buy for. You can also make a spending limit on the secret santa..$25, 50, 75 max.
OR..make homemade gifts..cookies, brownies, cakes maybe something your known for baking and give that as a gift to everyone.
In my opinion I think as a society we are all too focused on material things and forget what the holidays really mean. I think the holidays are for the kids and they should be spoiled with lots of presents. As adults we had our fun in the sun so to speak LOL! My last suggestion would be get nice inexpensive frames ( like a dollar store ) and give a picture of your baby in a cute christmas outfit Good Luck Hugs, Kathy
The Chuckle Patch http://www.mychucklepatch.com [This message has been edited by TheChucklePatch (edited July 31, 2004).] IP: Logged |
LilyPerez
WAHM.com regular
|
posted July 31, 2004 10:41 AM
People love yummies at Christmas. I always ship out homemade fudge around Christmas to most of my friends. It's my way of getting off cheap, but they all love it, and often request more. (Which I all too happily send) I love Christmas! I don't think I ever let go of the love of it. Never grew up I suppose. IP: Logged |
jelmyoung1
WAHM.com regular
|
posted July 31, 2004 10:45 AM
We buy gifts for each other and the kids. I bake a bunch of cookies and other goodies and pack them up really cute for the rest of the family (parents, sister and BIL, SIL, nephew, in-laws). My parents and sister understand our financial situation and still insist on buying us gifts. My FIL probably could care less, he's not a gift kind of guy and seems happy just to see us for the holidays. My mil and sil always seems a bit dissapointed about the lack of a gift but that's just her and I don't let it bother me. In fact one year we had to stay with my in-laws because my dh lost his job and my sil made a big scene about how she bought us gifts and we didn't buy her one. The truth is we BARELY were able to buy a couple gifts each for the kids... didn't buy each other anything... it is a shame some people are that way. To me Christmas is about giving and I could care less if anyone buys me anything, even my dh. I think most people forget the true meaning of Christmas, celebrating Jesus' birth. Last year we went kind of crazy with the gifts to *make up* for the previous year we were staying at the in-laws but looking back I wish we hadn't. This year gifts will be minimal and learning about the meaning of the holiday will be the most important of all.Christmas with a new baby... I can't wait! Michele ------------------
Disciple's Cross FREE Check-up For Your Computer IP: Logged |
gazick
WAHM.com regular
|
posted July 31, 2004 11:27 AM
My husband and I have 2 children.This is how we handle Christmas: We buy for our parents and grandparents
Small ($6.00) gift for each teacher
We spend about $7.00 per family for siblings
Pastor gift.
Special gifts to a few people that work hard in the church.
Missionary gifts
My husband and I buy our own Christmas. Ocassionally we buy one special gift to give to each other. I really like this way. Neither of us get to shop very often, so this way we get exactly what we want and it's just less stressful.
Of course we buy for our precious children. We probably don't spend as much as some people do on gifts, but it should be the giver not always the gift. We try and teach our children about being thankful for EVERYTHING they receive. Always be thankful. Have a great day! Cathy
------------------
Disciple's Cross
Ryze
Love doing Disciple's Cross and spending time with my family! IP: Logged |
LunaAislin
WAHM.com regular
|
posted July 31, 2004 02:34 PM
I am fairly poor and more imporatantly a TOTAL cheapskate. I actually have a spending formula. $20 each my parents and DH parents.
$5 each kids in the family
$200 DH (we dont have children)
$20 each VERY VERY close friends I normally spend about a total of $400 for xmas... everyone who i dont deal with on a daily basis (except for kids in family) do not get a gift... I know they understand that we dont have a ton of money. I do however always bring food to family events. IP: Logged |
Carrielee
WAHM.com regular
|
posted July 31, 2004 02:43 PM
Luna, why do you celebrate Christmas?
In your words, Jesus was the world's biggest con man. Do you usually celebrate the birthdays of criminals? Carrie ------------------
Get paid when people rent DVDs IP: Logged |
TracyLH
WAHM.com regular
|
posted July 31, 2004 05:07 PM
My hubby and I usually host Xmas for my mom's side of the family, at least 35 people each year. Most will get a little something for the young kids, but we primarily focus on our white elephant gift exchange where everyone brings a wrapped gift and they all go in a pile. Each person draws a number; the person with #1 can pick any present from the pile. Then #2 can either steal #1's gift or pick from the pile. #3 can take #1 or #2, etc. It gets to be a lot of fun when the stealing gets going! Then if your gift is stolen, you can steal from someone else (except the one who just stole from you) or pick a new gift from the pile. A true white elephant is more of a gag gift, but our rule is that it should be something desirable (and therefore stealable! ) And we put a limit of $15. We've never had any complaints! ------------------
Tracy ~ Mailbox Memories
Delivering Smiles one Letter at a Time
Your child will love a Back-to-School Fun Pack! IP: Logged |
CandleTeam
New to WAHM.com
|
posted July 31, 2004 06:05 PM
Christmas will be extra special with a little baby. But remember, they really don't need much but your love and nurturing. As for family, just explain the money is not there for Christmas giving and you want to cut back to simpler things. I bet if you searched the net you could find some simple homemade gift ideas. How about a candle, a deck of cards and an invite to come over, you could copy favorite recipes and tie them with a ribbon to give to the ladies. Just keep it simple. Best wishes with your wee one.Sarah Eiden P.S. Grandma will treasure a framed photo of the baby! ------------------
WE ARE GROWING ACROSS AMERICA! http://www.candleteam.com/ http://www.yummysoycandles.com [This message has been edited by CandleTeam (edited July 31, 2004).] IP: Logged |
keebs
WAHM.com regular
|
posted July 31, 2004 07:10 PM
Thanks for all of the ideas. =)Luna, why do you celebrate Christmas?
In your words, Jesus was the world's biggest con man.
Do you usually celebrate the birthdays of criminals?
Yay, I love threadjacking. Please do not assume that everyone celebrates christmas because of religion. My family is Jewish and we still did Christmas (not sure if you know anything about Jews, but they don't accept Christ as the massiah). I'm Atheist and I'm not going to stop doing christmas just because of religion. IP: Logged |
mjk101
WAHM.com regular
|
posted July 31, 2004 07:12 PM
We have a polyanna it's a lot of fun, and much easier on the wallet. IP: Logged |
jelmyoung1
WAHM.com regular
|
posted July 31, 2004 07:56 PM
quote:
Originally posted by keebs:
Thanks for all of the ideas. =)Luna, why do you celebrate Christmas?
In your words, Jesus was the world's biggest con man.
Do you usually celebrate the birthdays of criminals?
Yay, I love threadjacking. Please do not assume that everyone celebrates christmas because of religion. My family is Jewish and we still did Christmas (not sure if you know anything about Jews, but they don't accept Christ as the massiah). I'm Atheist and I'm not going to stop doing christmas just because of religion.
Keebs, This is very interesting to me... just out of my curious nature. Is there a reason why you celebrate Christmas? I just like to see how other people view things and it seems strange that if you consider yourself an athiest you would even want to celebrate a day that is in honor of Christ's birth. Just wondering is all, not trying to start a debate. Michele [This message has been edited by jelmyoung1 (edited July 31, 2004).] IP: Logged |
keebs
WAHM.com regular
|
posted July 31, 2004 08:19 PM
Is there a reason why you celebrate Christmas?1. Christians want this to be a "Christian Nation" and then when someone takes part in the 'national celebration' it -has- to be for religious purposes? I've never in my entire life celebrated Jesus's birthday. If you read again, my parents were Jewish and we still did Christmas. Non-Christians still get snow, are allowed to buy pine trees and decorations, and are allowed to decorate their yard in lights and raindeer. I don't remember anyone having a monopoly on parties, get togethers and national holidays. I'm not Irish but I celebrate St. Patrick's Day. 2. It's about the kids. Is it okay if I do santa clause for my kids? 3. Yule (Christmas) is a Pagan holiday that Christans adopted. Would you prefer I call it the Winter Solstice or Yule? [This message has been edited by keebs (edited July 31, 2004).] [This message has been edited by keebs (edited July 31, 2004).] IP: Logged |
jelmyoung1
WAHM.com regular
|
posted July 31, 2004 08:54 PM
quote:
Originally posted by keebs:
Is there a reason why you celebrate Christmas?1. Christians want this to be a "Christian Nation" and then when someone takes part in the 'national celebration' it -has- to be for religious purposes? I've never in my entire life celebrated Jesus's birthday. If you read again, my parents were Jewish and we still did Christmas. Non-Christians still get snow, are allowed to buy pine trees and decorations, and are allowed to decorate their yard in lights and raindeer. I don't remember anyone having a monopoly on parties, get togethers and national holidays. I'm not Irish but I celebrate St. Patrick's Day. 2. It's about the kids. Is it okay if I do santa clause for my kids? 3. Yule (Christmas) is a Pagan holiday that Christans adopted. Would you prefer I call it the Winter Solstice or Yule? [This message has been edited by keebs (edited July 31, 2004).] [This message has been edited by keebs (edited July 31, 2004).]
I understand. Just curious is all... wondering how you were viewing it. Thanks for sharing your point of view. Michele ------------------
Disciple's Cross FREE Check-up For Your Computer IP: Logged |
Suth
WAHM.com regular
|
posted August 01, 2004 12:35 AM
Keebs I was wondering if you have time to craft your own gifts if so I would love to show you some very simple quick and memorable gifts.One thing I love from my kids is an updated picture and each year my one daughter in law gets photos done at Walmarts for really cheap.
IP: Logged |
keebs
WAHM.com regular
|
posted August 01, 2004 01:53 AM
Yes with all these suggestions of making things, I was thinking I could go to a dollar store or maybe big lots and buy some Christmas Tins and make an assortment of cookies and/or fudge and give that to all of the family and friends (I think we have the only kids other than hubby's 2 little sisters and my bestfriends 3 year old) so we could actually buy for them. I remember the lady that lived across the street used to make cheese logs (man they were good, too) and gave them to all the neighbors. Now I know why. LOLThe pictures are a good idea too. Do a walmart thing and give out family pictures with the tins. IP: Logged |
LunaAislin
WAHM.com regular
|
posted August 01, 2004 04:46 AM
CarrieLee,
In response the little jab made at NON Christian Christmas celebrators here is a little info I think is fascinating. The celebration on December 25th has a much longer recorded history of being publicly celebrated by Pagans than it does by Christians by a REAL long shot and MANY of the traditions that I am SURE you take part in are actually of Pagan origin also (Yule Logs, Mistle Toe, etc)
http://de.essortment.com/christmaspagan_rece.htm Furthermore, I celebrate Christmas as a family tradition. I in no way honor ANY religion. For me and my family Christmas is a long celebrated time of the year for our family to get together as a group, exchange presents and have a good time. Jesus has not a factor my families Christmas never has... I cant recall when anyone set out presents for Jesus.... Like I was saying before going off on a tangent lol.. It is a time for gathering and sharing for our family and it is a very special time regardless of anyone’s religion. This is where Im ending this topic… your comment was inappropriate, unwarranted and plain petty… If you don’t have anything constructive to say I suggest you keep your opinions to yourself or to another topic. This topic is regarding Keebs question on money and gifts not on why people celebrate Christmas.
[This message has been edited by LunaAislin (edited August 01, 2004).] IP: Logged |
keebs
WAHM.com regular
|
posted August 01, 2004 08:30 PM
I try to have one simple little conversation and it goes to hell in a hand basket. *huff*IP: Logged |
DesigningLife
WAHM.com regular
|
posted August 01, 2004 08:32 PM
No doubt keebs - what's up with that? Must you be SUCH a trouble-maker?? How DARE you ask for Christmas gift ideas!! LMBO! J/K!  Edited to ask: How is the pregnancy going? Very well, I hope! It is sooo awesome becoming a Mother [This message has been edited by DesigningLife (edited August 01, 2004).] IP: Logged |
PrimeDeborah
Board Grand Poobah
|
posted August 01, 2004 08:38 PM
Sorry guys. Rather than lock the thread or delete it I tried to find a solution that would work for everyone. Deborah IP: Logged |
keebs
WAHM.com regular
|
posted August 01, 2004 09:08 PM
It's ok Deborah, I was just being silly anyway. Kind of like getting sent to the corner or something. LOLPregnancy is good! I can hardly wait. We (hopefully) find out the gender in 8 days. *claps wildly* IP: Logged |
DesigningLife
WAHM.com regular
|
posted August 01, 2004 09:17 PM
NP Deborah, we all luv ya! Keebs! Awesome!! I didn't know you were that far along! [This message has been edited by DesigningLife (edited August 01, 2004).] IP: Logged |
crystalvs
WAHM.com regular
|
posted August 01, 2004 09:28 PM
Have you ever read a book called "The Case for Christ". It was written by an atheist. It is a good read.;< ) IP: Logged |
keebs
WAHM.com regular
|
posted August 01, 2004 10:31 PM
I promise I will never bring up christmas at this site again.IP: Logged |
Carrielee
WAHM.com regular
|
posted August 01, 2004 10:35 PM
Oh, no, I was NOT making a jab at non-Christian Christmas celebrators. I know many people who don't give a hoot about the religious significance of Christmas who celebrate. In fact, I would venture that *most* people who celebrate X-mas do so for NON religious reasons. I in no way meant to insult the Jewish moms here... I was specifically poking Luna in the ribs, and I think she can take a joke Oh and Luna, I am *quite* aware of the origins of Christmas and its pagan roots, but I'm glad you posted that... Take care girl! Carrie ------------------
Get paid when people rent DVDs IP: Logged |
erika20
WAHM.com regular
|
posted August 01, 2004 11:20 PM
Keebs I don't usually believe in superstitions. But, both of mine are girls and they hid their gender in all the ultrasounds. They would cross their legs, turn away from the ultrasound and move their feet behind them to cover their girl parts. I thought it was kind of funny. Then I talked to a ton of other women who all said that their girls just wouldn't show their gender on the ultrasounds. Just a heads up in case. My doctor was able to guess that they were girls based on their bone structure, but they were too modest to show the goods. IP: Logged |
keebs
WAHM.com regular
|
posted August 01, 2004 11:30 PM
I'm really, really hoping we don't have that problem. LOL I don't care if it's a boy or a girl, I just want to know!! IP: Logged |
athomeworker
WAHM.com regular
|
posted August 02, 2004 10:15 AM
I think it is important to note that two Christmases are celebrated in the US. The first is the secular holiday - Santa, snowmen, hohoho, etc. This seems to be enjoyed by most people. The second is the truly sacred and religious holiday celebrated in church, in good works, in worship, etc. Don't confuse the two - they aren't the same!!!!For years my DH and I were the only ones with money and my family did a gift exchange. Lately we are the only ones without money and my family is now doing individual gifts. I am thinking I am going to push the pulling names thing again with them because I just can not afford all the gifts. We of course give to all the children in the family and our own kids. IP: Logged |
grapeleafgirl
WAHM.com regular
|
posted August 02, 2004 11:26 AM
keebs, I sometimes think that having a child is self-inflicted poverty, LOL...Here's what we ended up doing the first year little one was around:
My mom: garage sale frame 'spruced up' with paint and embellishments and a pic of baby, and a coffee mug I got at a dollar store with "World's Best Grandma" on it.Stepdad: A 'grandpa golf tag' for his bag (lugage tag with picture of anthony, and a GC for a free round of golf at the local course. MIL: locket (garage sale find) with baby pics, handmade calandar with Anthony's pictures (you can get the software for calandar making for free at many download sites) My younger brother and my father got 'real gifts', and hubby and I didn't exchange.
Managing Christmas with a herd of family and not enough money is always hard. Since you are thinking this far ahead, you could always start buying some items now, stick em in the closet, and that way Christmas shopping will just be for wrapping paper! IP: Logged |
keebs
WAHM.com regular
|
posted August 02, 2004 11:59 AM
I think it is important to note that two Christmases are celebrated in the US. The first is the secular holiday - Santa, snowmen, hohoho, etc. This seems to be enjoyed by most people. The second is the truly sacred and religious holiday celebrated in church, in good works, in worship, etc. Don't confuse the two - they aren't the same!!!!*Famly Feud Clap* Good answer, good answer! GLG - Garage sales are a great idea and I don't know why I never thought of that - I love garage sales. LOL In september I'm going home for a couple of weeks and there is a bi-annual 15 mile garage sale in a little town called Grandbury (all you Texas ladies should go - it's awesome!). So maybe I can find some lovely treasures there! =) IP: Logged |
StaceyL
WAHM.com regular
|
posted August 02, 2004 12:53 PM
I hit ebay to be completely honest. If you know what you are looking for you can always find a good deal on something. It's between that and good old clearance aisles. My husband loves to spend money so I have to be clever and make it "look" like we spent, lol. I am doing an early lay away this year doing all the toys for our little one from Walmart. I might stick things on there for other family members while I can. Can't beat a payment plan for breaking up that cost. IP: Logged |
AtlantaGAMom
WAHM.com regular
|
posted August 02, 2004 01:32 PM
Keebs:Hey woman. I buy throughout the year. Like I got two bath collection things at Walmart for $3 they were regularly 12. I don't know who I will give them too, but it's a great deal and eventually I will give them to someone. I also have certain people I know I will buy for (moms and dads) so I buy for them also when I have extra cash. The only people then I have to buy for is whoever's name I get and immediate family. ------------------
Stephanie
Fundraising Wishes
Fundraising Fun
Candles... Cookies... 50% profit, free shipping
Homemade mosaic Crosses great unique gifts. IP: Logged |
keebs
WAHM.com regular
|
posted August 02, 2004 01:51 PM
Good ideas!! Thanks =)IP: Logged |
kekesmom
WAHM.com regular
|
posted August 02, 2004 03:16 PM
last year we were really tight on money so I bought a dozen clear ornament bulbs ($6) and a package of acetate (I think around $4) Then I printed pics of the boys on to the acetate and cut them out in circles to match the circumferance of the bulbs, rolled the pics around a pencil, inserted them into the bulbs and viola a beautiful xmas ornament with a "floating" pic of the grandkids and nephews. Everyone LOVED them and noone knew they didn't cost much. LOL...we're thinking of making it a tradition every year .IP: Logged |
grapeleafgirl
WAHM.com regular
|
posted August 02, 2004 03:34 PM
LOL steph, remember how we used to laugh at our mothers/grandmas for having the 'gift closet'...and now we all have them! *chuckle* great minds think alike. I found a cute tea set (cup/saucer/tea strainer) at Fred Meyer for $4 that was normally $20 that was for Mother's Day. It made a great birthday gift for my Mother in Law once July rolled around!
IP: Logged |
LunaAislin
WAHM.com regular
|
posted August 02, 2004 03:47 PM
Oh I definately do the same thing! But all year round when those awsome 70% off sales hit! I also collect free samples of things and make stockings. If you goto the fair or something like that youll get at least 2 stockings worth of samples lol.. im so cheap... its sadIP: Logged |
Suth
WAHM.com regular
|
posted August 02, 2004 11:18 PM
I would love to know more about the Grandbury garage sale. I live between Waco and Temple. IP: Logged |
keebs
WAHM.com regular
|
posted August 02, 2004 11:36 PM
My mom says there is a website, let me try to find it....IP: Logged |
keebs
WAHM.com regular
|
posted August 02, 2004 11:58 PM
I feel so bad. =( It's not Grandbury, it's Grandview to Cleburn. Sorry! But here is the information anyway...
http://alley.cleburne.com/ It's so awesome. It's not just vendors, there are yard sales for 15 miles. Also the Mennonite's (Amish-like) have they're bake stands up and down the road-which are SO yummy. My mom is renting a van because we never have enough room in her truck for all the crap we buy. LOL I think I'm going to go post this in the Texas folder too. IP: Logged |
