By Melanie

November 21, 2007 8:19 AM | Link to this

We’re cutting WAY back this year. My husband has been out of a job for almost a year, and my teacher’s salary doesn’t stretch far. We’ve cut out all “non-essential” gifts and will substitute cards and trinkets, possibly an ornament, instead. We’re adhering to the 3 gifts for Jesus, 3 gifts for the kids rule. Thankfully they’re very young and won’t know the difference. We’d love to do a big, splashy Christmas, but sometimes it can’t be helped.

By LisaB

November 21, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this

Hmmm….well, when I think about it, I’ve definitely had years of going overboard and spending around $1500 dollars, however it was always cash, never credit so I’m not still paying for it. This year I’ve already warned my kids. We won’t be having a big christmas because we’ve been saving to get a business started in ‘08. They’ll each get this big wish and maybe a few other things, but that’s it. My teaching salary has never stretched far, which is why I’ve been a realtor for years, but now the time has come for me to put my savings to work and do what I’ve always wanted.

Besides, there’s always grandma and grandpa, along with a plethora of aunts to uncles to keep them happy!

By Dan

November 21, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this

I love the wanna be pundits, who drink the cool aid and wine about things they know little of, if you make an analogy comparing this xmas to last vs gas prices at least use the same time frame not 1 year for xmas spend and 20 for gas. But you are right if you are concerned about a $1/year rise in the price of filling a civic you shouldn’t be buying any gifts at all

By Anne

November 21, 2007 8:41 AM | Link to this

As my extended family grew, we decided years ago that on Thanksgiving, anyone over 18 put their name in a hat with 3 items under an agreed upon dollar amount to be drawn. That saved all of us a lot of money! Now, my friends and I do the same thing. For us, it’s truly about being together on the holidays. I hope each and everyone one of you have a safe and happy holiday season!

By lovelyliz

November 21, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this

Gas costs more to the tune of $40 more a month even though I downgraded from a 6 to a 4 cylinder car, food cost more even though I do a lot of store brands, health care costs more, etc., etc.

You bet I am cutting back on my holiday spending. It doesn’t help the situation (or perhaps it does) that I don’t use credit cards for discretionary spending and Christmas gift qualify as such. If I can’t pay cash and use my debit card, I don’t buy it.

This year my total budget will be less than what I spent on just my niece 3 years ago.

By Lotsa Cash

November 21, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this

Things couldn’t be better - I worked my a*s off this year and made gobs of money. America is great - if you want to work (and you do) you can succeed beyond your wildest dreams. If you’re a lazy slug, you lose out and have to cut back at Christmas. So much work is available out there - all you have to do is look and have a little ambition.

By Chains

November 21, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this

Screw it I’m breakin the bank…. With the Health issues facing my family. This may be the last Christmas with 3 family members . I plan to spend it all and look back at it and smile.When you think you have so little!!! Open your eye’s Life is rich in America. In God we Trust.If you have little to spend or more than you need. Think of those that can’t even think about eating let alone waking up to gifts and a glorious feast.Spend what you can. If you have nothing. you know what being grateful is all about.

By HaHaHa

November 21, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

Lotsa Cash is probably “lotsa broke”! hahahahahaha

By Lotsa Cash

November 21, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

Sorry, hahaha. Your conclusion couldn’t be further from the truth. Just thought I’d give a counterpoint to all the whiners on this blog. Stop being jealous and get out there and work.

By HaHaHa

November 21, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

We all know the ones who have to “toot their own horns”…………hahahahaha!

By Lotsa Cash

November 21, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

Hey, hahaha: Toot THIS!

By Prootwadl

November 21, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

There’s more to life than cash, Lotsa. I’d rather have less and be contented than have tons of money and no free time in which to enjoy life with friends and family. :-)

By lovelyliz

November 21, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

There are loads of ways to get cash for the holidays. Unfortunately many lead to time spent in prison for white collar and other crimes.

By Cellblock A, Bed 2

November 21, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

You’re so right, lovelyliz.

By One

November 21, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

There’s more to life than cash, Lotsa ^5 Well said!!! No “tooting” necessary!

By Cellblock A, Bed 2

November 21, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

I hear that - jail food results in too much “tooting” around here and ya can’t get away from it what with the bars and locked doors and all. Maybe that rich guy can bail me out for the holidays!

By ron

November 21, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

This year,due to high prices for everything we are seriously considering a cancellation of christmas gifts.We have the discretionary funds to buy gifts,but have decided that it may be assinten to spend them with the uncertainties that are looming.I can tell you this;we will at least cut back so drastically that you’ll think we quit.

By KLK

November 21, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

We will spend less & spend different for several reasons. My family will receive cash this year and a keepsake gift. Rather than going to mall and dealing with annoying store clerks trying to shove merchandise in your face, I will give what helps my family most, cash. They can pay a bill, buy something they like, or hold onto the money for something later. We will reflect on the lights, music and spirit of the season even more this year. I will do something nice for someone each day, like letting someone into traffic, a simple hello/smile, holding a door, ya know, the nice things we all appreciate. The cheesy greed that people get into is a bigger turnoff each year as I get older (46). The holiday passes fast, so savor each moment. Each dollar saved is an extra dollar to carry into the new year and spend when the weather is dreary and helps get us thru the hump until spring arrives!

By Maysie

November 21, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

We are definitely cutting back this year, but we started doing that when Bush got into office cuz that’s when our finances started to look bleaker.

Also another good thing about relocating to a new area is you get to revamp your gift giving list without guilt cuz you don’t see those people all the time anymore.

By One

November 21, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

but we started doing that when Bush got into office cuz that’s when our finances started to look bleaker. And the rest of the nation has looked bleaker ever since!!!!!

By Missing the Point

November 21, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

Maysie - you just couldn’t resist sticking in that Bush comment, could you? If you’ve been blaming your situation for the past 7 years on the president you’re pathetic. Just pathetic.

By CTU Director

November 21, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

Is this a cash-crunch Christmas?

YES!!

Bah Humbug!!

By dino

November 21, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

i have never went out of my way to spend money on people who only become nice once a year. my motto : over 15 no gift, only a phone call saying merry christmas. the only gift i buy is for my dog. will not increase the national debt for one day.

By Maysie

November 21, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

Guess I’m pathetic then … because my finances were a whole lot better under the Clinton administration, & gift giving wasn’t an issue or sacrifice.

Oh well, Happy Thanksgiving!

By ken

November 21, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

we have 5 kids and 5 grandkids we are cutting back also. this year maybe 500.00 per grand child and maybe a gift card for the others

By WTF

November 21, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

I’ll bet Bush isn’t having to cut back on anything he wants…………while we ignorant Americans (some) sit around and SUPPORT HIS THUGGISH, GREEDY, LYING AZZ!!!!!!!!! Yes, he’s the reason for a lot of the decaying and disparity in our country today!!!!!!!

By Ms. Writer

November 21, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

Ken and Lotsa Cash, what do you guys do…I have got to get a better job…

By FCM

November 21, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

where do they get the figurs from? I think my parents spent $100 per child ($500 total) on all of the kids/grandkids….last year

Santa is bringing something big and then I will get clothes in the after sales from me for the kiddos…They will give each other a toy and get a book from me…that’s it. They will have things from their other relatives too of course…….what is with the must have everything? half is broken by easter!

By Nikita

November 21, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

Also a counterpoint…I’m not much worried about xmas spending because I haven’t done much of it in previous years. Because it’s not particularly meaningful. This became especially clear to me last year when I spent several days post-holiday taking stuff back that I simply didn’t need — and I was giving stuff to people that they didn’t need at the same time!

This year I’m the sole breadwinner at my house because we chose to invest in my husband’s education (and he’s in the immediate pre-graduation no-work crunch). So even if I wanted to splurge I couldn’t feel responsible in doing it. I am using, in several cases, the gift cards from last year’s returns. I am spending about the same or a little less than last year.

And in most cases I’m not getting things at all. My brother’s family is getting a gift cert to his favorite restaurant, my mom wants me to knit her a scarf, and my husband and I won’t get much for each other — preferring to go on a research trip together in January instead. Everybody else is getting a card or email or a magazine subscription.

‘Cause it really should be about the thought, and the relationship, and the togetherness — I prefer to spend money as meaningfully as I can and not fill people’s houses with things they neither want nor need.

By Missing the Point

November 21, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this

You pathetic losers can’t even comment on a Thanksgiving post without injecting politics into every comment. Don’t even bother responding to me - I’m outta here for now and won’t ruin my holiday reading any more of your stupid rants. Luckily, the past 7 years have been very good to me (and some others according to a few of the commenters above) and I can take a few days off, enjoy all that God has allowed me to have, and place some of my well-earned money back into circulation so that some of you other hard working people may be able to benefit from it. For you stay-at-home-losers who do nothing but throw pity parties about yourselves, have a Happy Thanksgiving, anyway.

By KittyClaus

November 21, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

After spending tons of money on ungrateful people we are doing the same thing we did last year and that is not buying any gifts and put the money on the bills we have incurred over the years trying to by happiness. In the end the only thing that really matters is that we are happy.

So there you ahve it…

By Meg

November 21, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this

We got a deal on a used Wii from a family member, so we’re putting the toys we had already bought throughout the year in the attic for next year and just buying a few games. Two Christmases taken care of before Thanksgiving! What a blessing!

By HaHaHa

November 21, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

Don’t even bother responding to me - I’m outta here for now and won’t ruin my holiday reading any more of your stupid rants. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

You know the saying..if you can’t stand the heat, get outta the kitchen!!!!!!

By Mandy

November 21, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

Wow, some bitter people out today…….bless your hearts.

I have a small family and we go all out at Christmas. Opening presents takes close to three hours, as we each take turns opening and oohhing and awwwing and telling stories behind each gift. We often have to take a break about half way through to stretch our legs, get fresh coffee, etc…

I love to get out at the Malls, the stores, etc. I love watching all the kids in line to see Santa. I love the holiday decorations. I love finding that “perfect” gift for each person in my family. I love the entire family getting together at my Mom’s Christmas Eve, having a wonderful dinner, putting a puzzle together, letting the kids open one present, and then playing Monopoly.

We all spend the night at mom’s and get up Christmas morning and open presents. Then we all go into the kitchen and help out with brunch. After we clean, we all pack up our stuff, go see a movie, then we each head to our own homes.

I wish happiness for everyone this Holiday Season!!!!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!

By Mary

November 21, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Merry Christma! Mandy,sounds like you and your family will have a wonderful Christmas! We are choosing not to incur any debt, so we will spend a few hundred dollars on our family. Lord willing.

By Lyn

November 21, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

My husband has been out of a job since this Summer and we are a two income household. He recently started a new job but through a temporary agency. I have explained to my kids that they will get all of the gifts that we usually shower them with each Christmas. I am believing and trusting in God that things will get better. Even once our financial status is back on the up, I plan on making some serious budget changes and will now focus on how to save money and investing.

By Lyn

November 21, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

My post above has some errors. My kids will not have the Christmas they are usually accustomed to.

My husband has been out of a job since this Summer and we are a two income household. He recently started a new job but through a temporary agency. I have explained to my kids that they will not get all of the gifts that we usually shower them with each Christmas. I am believing and trusting in God that things will get better. Even once our financial status is back on the up, I plan on making some serious budget changes and will now focus on how to save money and invest more. No more senseless spending and wasting money. Difficult times as these really help you to clear your mind and to realize the importance of saving for a rainy day.

By GRAMMA

November 21, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

BEGINNING THE CHRISTMAS AFTER 9/11 OUR FAMILY MADE THE DECISION TO GIVE A DONATION TO A GOOD CAUSE OR ADOPT A FAMILY WHATEVER WE FELT THE NEED WAS. THAT YEAR WE GAVE TO THE NY. FIREMAN. WE NOW EXCHANGE A $20. GIFT CARD TO THE ADULTS AND REMEMBR THE KIDS WITH A GIFT. IT HAS MADE IT MUCH EASIER SHOPPING. WE PLAY A GAME AS WE EXCHANGE THE GIFT CARDS LIKE MUSICAL CHAIRS AND IT GETS US LAUGHING AND HAVING A FUN FAMILY TIME. WE FEEL GOOD ABOUT KEEPING THE SPIRIT IN REACHING OUT TO OTHERS. NO ONE MISSES OUT AND WE ALL ENJOY THE HOLIDAY WITH LESS STRESS.

By Stephanie

November 21, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

I am sewing most of my gifts this year. It’s fun. I love to see the reaction when someone opens one of my gifts. If they hate it, I’m not out much. Usually, they are thrilled someone took time to make something special just for them. My husband is thrilled we’re not spending a boat load of money on gifts.

By Trina

November 21, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this

This year my side of the family is not exchanging gifts. We just wanted to do without the hassle. We’re still getting together for games and finger foods on Christmas eve. It will be different. I like to try and find the perfect gift for each person. I like giving. On my husbands side we’ve drawn names.

GRAMMA give more details of that musical chairs game. I’m interested in trying that. How do you play?

By Trina

November 21, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this

I know how to play regular musical chairs. I thought you played a game with the gift cards too. Is that what your talking about?

By liliana

November 21, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this

It will definately be a smaller Christmas for us this year. The kids have been told (they’re grown) tho and my husband and I will concentrate on the grandkids (3 and 8). Fortunately we’ve always paid for Christmas w/cash no credit. We started saving my expense checks in October and whatever we have by the first week of December is what we’ll spend. No gifts for friends this year. Hopefully they’ll understand and if not oh well.

By Chuck

November 22, 2007 8:04 AM | Link to this

Due to the recession in the housing market, especially new builds, my wife and I have lost close to two months of work since last Thanksgiving. Yes we are strapped for extra cash since the bills still come due wheather or not we are working a full schedule. Working part time is not an option because family time is much more important than money. And for a final point Christmas is not about the gifts anyway it is the celabration of God’s gift to mankind, not a commercial extravaganza to see how much we can spend.

By Tara

November 22, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this

I just heard on the radio that heating prices will be up 83% this year over last year….So if you’re not cutting back, maybe you should reconsider.

By thera

November 22, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

Last year I spent Christmas with the person I love. We didn’t exchange gifts or go to any parties. We watched films and when we got hungry we ate. There was no feast. It was a great Christmas. This year I might not be with him. It won’t be such a great Christmas no matter how much money I spend or how many presents I get.

By MrLiberty

November 22, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

Thanks to the Federal Reserve and the wastefull spending of our Congress and President, the economy is collapsing around our ears. Everyone should treat this as an economically tight Christmas and sock a bunch away for the rainy day that is to come.

One important thing that I will be spending money on this holiday season is a $100 contribution to the campaign of Congressman Ron Paul on Decembe5 16th - the anniversary of the Boston Tea Party. Everyone should go to RonPaul2008 and Teaparty2007 to find out more about this unbelievable candidate and how he wants to restore liberty and freedom to this country. It could be the greatest gift you could give yourself, and definitrlythe best gift you could give to future generations.

By wayne

November 23, 2007 8:05 AM | Link to this

Will be spending less, actually: $0. Why? Not broke, got $$$, but Me & family are sick of the crass infomercials of ‘Buy this garbage this year, on sale now, etc, etc’. I have less respect for the value of crap that is advertised & that I can buy any other day of they year. Plus, for something I or a family member wants, I’ll shop it to death, or wait until they are practically giving it away. Otherwise, not worth the $$$.

By Michael

November 23, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

I absolutely despise how the holiday season is so commercialized and everyone is fed this spend spend spend message, whether they have money to spend or not. It’s also sad to see how people think they need to buy so many things in order to be happy. We have very comfortable finances, but my family will do what it always does; spend modestly on a nicely thought out gift to each other. More importantly we will spend time together and enjoy the true spirit of the holiday. We also make sure to donate both money and gifts to those less fortunate than us. Imagine if everyone did that!

By John

November 23, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

Aren’t you people concerned about your childrens self esteem and how they’ll feel if they don’t get better gifts than all the other kids?

By B2LG

November 23, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

Me, I’m opting out of the Spend and Shop til I’m broke……..Credit or Cash. My Grand Children will get a few things but not like in the past. With Prem Gas at 3.5 times the amount it cost me to fill up five years ago with the SAME car, I’m cutting back every place I can. Christmas will be just as merry without all the fuss and empty bank accounts. The family still remains the same……….uhmmmmm! Happy Holiday’s.