Comments on: I Don’t Want Anything for Christmas

By: Budgeting in the Fun Stuff

Budgeting in the Fun Stuff — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 21:20:04 +0000

I got my husband some board games he wanted (coolstuffinc.com) and I have no idea what he got me, but I see my name on a tag…

Other than that, I had fun perusing Amazon.com for all our family’s gifts. I ended up getting some great books for my teenage sister, some great college movies (Mel Brooks and Monty Python) for my other sister, and even found some Star Trek for Mom and Texans grilling gear for Dad. My grandparents and I decided not to get gifts for each other (my grandma said “we’re 85 and don’t need any more crap” and I said “That sounds right – I don’t want any more crap either”, hahaha), but we’ll eat out together every few Sundays throughout the year and take turns paying like we usually do…

Hubby’s family ended up with some artwork I think they will love and a photo printer for his grandpa that doesn’t even need a computer (which is good since he doesn’t have one, lol) and can plug directly into his digital camera. I figure he’ll have fun with that – he loves his new camera.

Overall, we’ve spent $400-$500 this year but I think everyone will LOVE their gifts including us, lol. Totally worth it simply since all the gifts actually may be appreciated (and we could afford it…not worth it if it leads to debt obviously). Last year we spent way less and had a couple of date nights instead, which was also awesome. We just actually had wish lists this time around. :-)

I HIGHLY suggest online shopping if you do need gifts. It is WAY less stressful. I would even suggest splurging on a $70 Amazon Prime Membership if you have a lot of gifts to buy throughout the year since the 2 day shipping is awesome if you were going to buy at least 5 things a year. I ordered my last gift yesterday (a $4 DVD, Major League 3, to finish off our collection, lol) and it’s scheduled to be delivered by Wednesday. :-)

By: Mrs Money

Mrs Money — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 15:17:35 +0000

jen- That’s so good to know! I’d love to cut our cable. I should give them a call and find out how much it would be just for our home phone and internet. It’s so hard to give up the cable though!

By: Mrs Money

Mrs Money — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 15:16:12 +0000

Jacob- I think a small heartfelt gift is a great idea. And the cards are wonderful too!

By: Mrs Money

Mrs Money — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 15:15:14 +0000

Jenny- How neat! I love that. I think we will do Netflix through the Wii. I want to get it now so I can watch Home Alone before Christmas!

By: Mrs Money

Mrs Money — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 15:14:10 +0000

Gina- Thank you! I need to embrace the holiday season instead of dreading it.

By: Mrs Money

Mrs Money — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 15:10:43 +0000

Sharon- I love all your ideas. I think crocheted items are fabulous too!

By: Mrs Money

Mrs Money — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 15:09:05 +0000

Catherine- I like your plan for Christmas too. I feel like I stress so much about what to give people that I don’t get to savor all the fun movies and things.

Merry Christmas!
xoxo

By: Mrs Money

Mrs Money — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 15:08:04 +0000

Kacie- That would be a problem if you weren’t both like that. I’ve been feeling Scroogey too. Both of my parents have been in and out of the hospital so that’s been hard too.

I agree- I hate how Christmas is now all about commercialism and no Jesus. That really makes me mad.

By: jen

jen — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 20:46:50 +0000

I know exactly what you mean about the gifts! About Netflix…we have had it about 3 weeks and LOVE it. We have even discontinued our satellite (saving $65 per month) and are really happy with the switch. Merry Christmas!

By: Jacob @ My Personal Finance Journey

Jacob @ My Personal Finance Journey — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 20:27:02 +0000

I agree with you that in this day and age, people almost feel “obligated” to get each other gifts. I usually try to stick to one small gift for each of my nuclear family and then send out a card to “secondary” relatives and friends. Seems to keep the spending down to a good level.