For People Seeking To Cut Back Spending This Holiday Season, The Time To Plan Is Now

digtraid.com ^ | Sep 15, 2011 | Mac Ingraham

[ladyvet]

I hear ya, a lot of us are in the same boat.

[Mears]

Beautiful.

[usconservative]

We're spending $0.

My sons are 12 and 14, they know we're spending $0 and they know exactly why: Christmas isn't about presents, it's about Jesus.

In past Christmas', we've purchased no more than 3 presents for each of our sons, one present to represent each of the three wise-men. Even then, we didn't purchase exhorbitant or expensive gifts, they were mostly educational toys, save for one race track that continues to entertain us every Christmas for the last 5 years now.

[cherry]

WOW!.....that is very impressive

[bigheadfred]

Sorry. I don’t mean to hijack the thread. But this will make you laugh. It does me. When I was laying out the arc for the upper raised panel in this clients master bath the boss asked me how I was gonna cut that arc for the upper raised panel “valance”.. I said “with my Skilsaw”. Right. Whatever. His cousin brought his mom into the shop a few days later. He told his mom, “He cut THAT with his Skilsaw. I laugh.

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee19/bigheadfred_111/dancehouse009.jpg

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee19/bigheadfred_111/dancehouse008.jpg

[SuziQ]

I’m making homemade Kahlua and cranking up my kiln to make some one of a kind ceramic items.

Mmmm. Kahlua! What's your recipe?

I'm planning to make chocolate candies, soaps and spa products, jewelry, and Instant Chai Latte mix. I'll also buy loose teas, and package them in decorated leftover jars for the kids.

[SuziQ]

Gorgeous!! That’s a labor of love.

[beaversmom]

We are crapped out. I’d prefer no one buy us anything. We’ve got too many kids’ toys and too many clothes. We don’t need anything. I’ve got us budgeted to November 30 and there’s very little wiggle room plus something is bound to come up—it always does. Then there’s the zero interest mechanic’s bill that has to be paid off by January or February to avoid the interest and the Boy Scout son is going to Philmont next year and that has to be paid and his popcorn sales this year are really not happening. Our goal was $2000 in sales this year and he’s only at about $450 in door to door with 4 weeks to go.

[sarasmom]

For our annual “Family and friends” gathering, consisting of old and young adults and only two children under ten, we are having a “Naughty Santa” gift exchange.
No, nothing PG rated. More a White Elephant gift exchange. The directions are to select something you want out of your house, wrap it up beautifully, and let the hilarious exchange/trades begin!
The Christmas Party will be scheduled a week or so before Christmas day. That way, cards with cash or grocery store gift cards can be sent to those who may need a little extra help to celebrate Christmas Day, from those who now have a little extra, since we won't buy friends and family “stuff” just for the sake of exchanging “gifts”.
I will also buy a few gift cards and anonymously donate to two churches I know of, who will give them to people I don't know, in my community.
People who truly need a little bit of Christmas joy, as only the anonymous “Santa” can provide.
(paying it forward, with joy and thankfulness)

[k omalley]

For the first time ever, the adults in my family have decided not to give gifts to each other. The two small children will receive gifts but otherwise it is going to be a toned down, subdued Christmas. We will enjoy each others company and some of us will go to Mass.
We are all drowning in stuff and I am downsizing. No more stuff!

[Georgia Girl 2]

Awesome!!