Comments on: The No Gift Christmas

By: Abnermil

Abnermil — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 22:18:01 +0000

This year I unwrapped two gifts. And while I would accept a no gift Christmas, I get incredible joy out of opening gifts so in the future I am going to make the effort of giving gifts. I think part of opening gifts is the anticipation and pacing the opening of gifts throughout the day would make it more fun!

By: Jason

Jason — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 06:12:59 +0000

I don't know about NO gifts, but every year I swear I'm going to put my foot down and really cut down on the number of gifts my family exchanges. It's a bit hard to bring it up because my wife and I make substantially more than anyone else in her family. It's hard to be the cheapskate when you're the "rich" family. I'd like to establish something like a one-gift limit or a dollar limit for my parents/in-laws regarding our kids. We only have one kid now (a one-year-old) but I was amazed at all the gifts he received and this is a bigger problem for him because his birthday is only 17 days before Christmas. I like to joke that we'll never buy him any gifts because his grandparents already spoil him enough on their own.

By: spaghetti0625

spaghetti0625 — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 14:26:53 +0000

I really like this idea, but I doubt it would happen in mine or DH's family….which I find sad. We all have what we need, even more then we need, we have our wants as well.
I think I'd be pretty bummed with no gifts under the tree, but I was thinking of going around the house and giving away to family stuff I already have. I kinda did that with DH's family this year…we had Xmas with them on Sunday since DBIL and family are going to Florida. I gave everyone toothbrushes and toothpaste, candles and brownie mix (all free from the pantry) as gag type gifts. They all got a kick out of it. Or even with DH and I…finding stuff around the house we don't use as much and 'wrapping' it to have something to open.
And what a headache it is to shop, to find THE perfect gift. People are out there struggling nowadays, we are comfy, as is most of the family. My mom is unemployed (almost 2 years) and they go over and beyond for my two nephews…they get really big ticket items (last year the PS3, this year a laptop), I mean come on! And Easter is just like Christmas. My parents and DH and I are on two different wave lengths money wise…my mom is unemployed and goes out and about like it's going out of style. DH and I stay home, cook our food and once in awhile go to AC. We hardly go out to eat (and when we do, it's with a coupon!). I just think it would be better all around to do this, but would be hard to implement in my family esp the kids…since they are 'trained' that Santa is coming. But I think if we told them that other kids get nothing b/c Santa doesn't come to them, and wouldn't it be a great idea to give them THEIR toys? Yea, like that would go over well lol

By: spiffikins

spiffikins — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 05:35:47 +0000

Our family has been basically gift-free for years now - once the kids started moving out and going to college, it didn't make sense for us to try to either buy gifts while we were away at school, and then have to carry them back home - or try desperately to shop quickly when we got home for vacation.
There was always something under the tree - usually friends and clients of my mother's would drop off little things. But I haven't unwrapped a present under the tree in over 15 years I would say :D

Christmas quickly became about spending time with family, baking, enjoying the Christmas tree lights and decorations, and just enjoying NOT buyings gifts for the sake of having something under the tree.

This year, I'm spending Christmas with friends instead of family - and I'm actually kind of dreading that they'll feel obligated to have something wrapped for me - so I'm having to pick up something for them.

By: Calamity Jane Doe

Calamity Jane Doe — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 03:34:42 +0000

What if you taper off? Like maybe next year you could give fewer gifts and less expensive ones, and maybe give a bit of your time (volunteer rather than donate). Then, based on how that experience went, determine a plan for future years.

By: The Merry

The Merry — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 00:33:16 +0000

I like the idea of Christmas time being more about family and friends and goodwill toward men rather than fighting people in malls for something on sale.
On the other hand, I think it would be a bit hard on the little ones.