In It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas, Alison at This Wasn’t in the Plan talks about this coming holiday season and whether or not there will be an increase or decrease in spending for families this year.
I know my family will certainly be spending less this year, since we aren’t traveling and we have less people to give gifts to. It’s going to be a very simple holiday season around here.
How about you? Are you doing the same as usual, or planning to spend more or less?
I can’t remember what we spent last year, but I’m pretty sure it wasn’t all that much. We traveled last year though, so it was probably more costly.
This year, we’re staying home and won’t be buying gifts for a ton of people. My husband and I need to figure out how much we’ll spend on each other for gifts, and I’m guessing it’ll be $50 or less.
Gifts aren’t really our “love language” so this is totally fine by me!
[Reply]
I have been couponing like crazy in order to save up $ for this holiday season. We’ve cut eating out and other such splurges completely out in order to not have to cut back drastically on gifts for the kids. What I am doing differently this year is buying handmade items on Etsy. I like the idea of supporting other Moms. I’m blown away by the sheer variety of reasonably priced, unique items available on there.
[Reply]
My husband and I never exchange gifts.
We’re not grinches…we don’t really need anything.
For my family, I take photos of them throughout the year…and then frame the best photos for presents. It’s personal, handmade, and inexpensive. Best gifts come from the heart, and that’s what I try to do.
[Reply]
We’re not traveling this year either so it definitely means we’re spending less. I’m also making a lot more homemade gifts this year and encouraging others to do the same. I’ve always spent a lot on Christmas cards and photos, but I’m doing it cheaper this year. I found photo cards at the dollar store and am only sending them out to family/friends that don’t have email accounts.
[Reply]
we’re not exchanging gifts! husband’s grandmother was invited and she remarked that christmas is for children and since there are no kids, there should be no gift exchange . mother-in-law announced this news dubiously but since husband and I responded with enthusiasm, gifts have been cancelled! i am so excited to just spend a holiday hanging out with family, with no pressure to give presents.
[Reply]
spending less and the best part – spending CASH that was put away for Christmas!!
[Reply]
To be honest this is the first Christmas that I am 100% financially ready for. After exams I am going on vacation to Jamaica (which was paid for in September) and I will return right before Christmas eve. All of my gifts have already been purchaed (in November).
[Reply]
Spending less, doing more, traveling less, being home more.
[Reply]
I need to have a little chit chat with my hubby about this (better late than never). I am really wondering what to do in light of the bad financial year we had and moving and all. I definitely am cutting back but wondering HOW to keep the relatives from complaining about our thrifty gifts or not giving any at all. I should have thought of this earlier but I have been in denial about the cost of Christmas. I am so flexible on holidays, I would be fine with not exchanging gifts at all (just giving to the kids) but some relatives can be more difficult about these things.
[Reply]
My family (myself, hubby, and 2 kids) moved from Michigan to California in April of this year, and are not traveling back to Michigan for Christmas this year. My mom, instead, is coming to us. What this means is that we have fewer gifts to purchase for extended family, which will obviously save us some money. On top of that, we moved from a 3 bedroom home with a basement to a small 2 bedroom apartment. The kids have already been prepped and understand that Santa won’t give gifts that won’t fit in the apartment, so they are well aware that Christmas morning will be more modest this year. My husband and I also decided last year that gifts of clothing are not necessary for the kids, as all they care about is the toys anyway, so we aren’t buying them clothes for Christmas this year…we’ll buy them on an as needed basis throughout the year instead. That’s more than half of our Christmas spending that will also be eliminated!
I’m looking forward to this Christmas!
[Reply]
Thanks for the link!
I actually think when it’s all said and done, that we will be spending more on gifts this year. We have more money available for Christmas spending then we’ve ever had. However, I imagine the ratio of money spent to money earned will be lower than it’s ever been, if that makes any sense. Maybe I’m just making excuses?
[Reply]