Christmas presents and family budgets.

In reply to Duke :

We all have family and not every member of the family has our values.  In fact at nearly every family gathering the liberals and conservatives usually have a go at it.  The senior member who is 85  Year’s old usually starts it by attacking her kids who don’t vote as she does.  

I’ll let it go a round or two and then enforce the no politics rule.  By walking over to her and telling her I agree with her but ....... Then walking over to her son and quietly whispering honor they mother and father.....  

I have no help with the buying eleventy thousand presents. but we play a game during our present opening.

Anytime someone says: "Who's that from?", everyone drinks. It helps.

I definitely agree with the secret Santa idea. We've been doing that for years with my Wife's family, and now (thankfully) recently with mine.

Christmas shouldn't be about buying crap.

How about "no?"

This kind of behavior is what gets everybody into debt.

I tell everyone not to get me anything for xmas. I don't need anything. I'm good. I'm not a grinch, I'd love to spend time with them, but unless there's an 86 or GT4 in a box under the tree, I'm happy not blowing my $ to get them stuff they don't want anyway.

I know, everybody now thinks I'm a grinch. Also known as 'peer pressure to buy crap.'

In reply to Blaise : Somehow when you are a grandparent  and your grandchild’s face lights up with the toy you got them the money means little except a means to give joy

^ That's a little different. I don't have kids, or have family with kids, so adult to adult unnecessary spending is what i'm talking about.

Blaise said:

How about "no?"

This kind of behavior is what gets everybody into debt.

I tell everyone not to get me anything for xmas. I don't need anything. I'm good. I'm not a grinch, I'd love to spend time with them, but unless there's an 86 or GT4 in a box under the tree, I'm happy not blowing my $ to get them stuff they don't want anyway.

I know, everybody now thinks I'm a grinch. Also known as 'peer pressure to buy crap.'

This perfectly describes me. Even my girlfriend asked, "What do you want for Christmas?"

And there is really nothing. All my hobbies/interests aren't cheap and I don't expect or want anyone to spend money on me. Especially because most of the time it feels compulsory and obligates me to buy something as well. 

I'll happily be the grinch. Holidays should be about spending time with your friends and family and a chance to relax from the daily grind of life. Not fake a smile over some gift you didn't want or need. 

z31maniac said:

Blaise said:

How about "no?"

This kind of behavior is what gets everybody into debt.

I tell everyone not to get me anything for xmas. I don't need anything. I'm good. I'm not a grinch, I'd love to spend time with them, but unless there's an 86 or GT4 in a box under the tree, I'm happy not blowing my $ to get them stuff they don't want anyway.

I know, everybody now thinks I'm a grinch. Also known as 'peer pressure to buy crap.'

 

This perfectly describes me. Even my girlfriend asked, "What do you want for Christmas?"

And there is really nothing. All my hobbies/interests aren't cheap and I don't expect or want anyone to spend money on me. Especially because most of the time it feels compulsory and obligates me to buy something as well. 

I'll happily be the grinch. Holidays should be about spending time with your friends and family and a chance to relax from the daily grind of life. Not fake a smile over some gift you didn't want or need. 

Right up to the moment children are involved. Yes I’m better at buying things I need/want and so is she. In fact so is any adult.  

The issue is when children and grandchildren are involved.  The young have the wonderment of the unexpected.  Older, teenagers need the discipline of budget constraints.  They are very good at telling you what the Hot, must haves are beyond any restraint or limit.  The sad thing is that first day back at school when so many of their friends have that same thing it makes them feel less special. 

The true art of giving teenagers a gift is finding that thing they didn’t know but love