[Dawn531]

Well, we’ve been pretty tight fisted with expenditures since we anticipate a tax increase. We’re not eating out, just not buying. (key to not buying, don’t go shopping, LOL) We’re not being Scrooges for Christmas, but we’re not overspending, that’s for sure. My husband and son want new spearguns (which they probably would have bought already if it weren’t for Obama’s tax threats)...instead, we decided to put the purchases off and make it their Christmas present.

I know other folks that are living that same way...not buying what they absolutely don’t have to have, or putting off purchases in order to make them a Christmas present.

[FrankR]

"We’re not being Scrooges for Christmas, but we’re not overspending, that’s for sure."

I know what you mean.

For years we have had a tradition with our six grandchildren of "Gingerbread Night". A week or so before Christmas, they all come over for the weekend and we buy those gingerbread house kits, and put them around the table and let them go crazy building and decorating their own gingerbread houses. They absolutely have a ball doing it. Our oldest is almost a Senior, and she says she still wouldn't miss it for the world.

I just hope this year we're able to afford the kits.

[jrcats]

What I have been doing these past few years is do survey’s online for points. I’m getting 2 $50 Walmart gift cards, $25 Mastercard, $25 check & $40 in Paypal. These will pay for most of my Christmas presents plus a few extra’s. Other than that its the Eagles on Mondays for $ day. LOL