I can kinda "ditto" your remarks, Corin. It sure takes alot out of the season. You don't get what you want, and are buying gifts sometimes because you are 'expected' to or because they bought you one last year .. yada yada yada ..
I would much rather see something during the year that makes me think of someone and surprise them with it for no-apparent-reason.
It's a struggle every year to not let the gift-buying pressure ruin the season for me.
I feel bad saying all of that because I know the wife really does try hard.
Jr. is an impulse buyer, which is why I have a stuffed Snoopy that snores, a HUGH Redskins mug, a Grinch tie and a tie with the flag of Brazil. That stuff is okay...he's learning.
But sometimes the wife will get me something and I'll just look at it and want to say "have we met?"
I have 7 brothers and sisters and bunches of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. Many years ago, we decided in my family to NOT buy each other gifts. We have a family party every year a week or two before Christmas and everyone brings something to put in a gift bag for each of the kids who are 15 or younger. We try not to spend more than $1 on each child, so it only costs $20 or $25 for the gifts. The kids LOVE this, and ours even ask when they'll get their gifts from the family. Unfortunately, last year was Clare's last one to get the gift. Joseph falls off after this year, but we'll still send gifts for the little ones.
This way, their is no pressure for people to try to spend beyond their means, and they can just come to the party with some food for the meal and the gifts for the kiddies.