Christmas for DINKs.

[Russ]

DINK - Dual Income No Kids.

What do those of you without kids do for Christmas? Sometime the wife and I don't even bother setting up a tree and the gift giving, if anything is very informal and is getting sorta boring.

So lets hear some ideas.

[Greebo]

This year will probably be quite frugal, as we are in hardcore get out of debt mode.

[Moor]

Russ, something my bil made for my sister.

He went to the bank, stores, and such and collected a quater for every year that they have been married. (1981-2005)
He drilled holes in a piece of oak to hold the quarters. He then burnt their names and wedding date, 25 years, and I love you into the wood.
He then made a frame for it and gave that to her for their anniversary on their
25th anniversary.

One year, he made her a swing and placed it in the yard and then covered it, so that it had shade. He planted some of her favorite flowers, perininals, for her.

One year, he made her a bench to go by the back door. That way they can sit and take off their shoes with out getting the carpet muddy.

You could also give her a coupon book that you make. You could put coupns in there for things like a half hour massage, a hand drawn bubble bath with candles, breakfast in bed, a girl's night out, a date of her choice, and so forth.

[McD]

Before Zac and I had kids, we still set up a tree. I love the holidays. Even if you don't want to do a big tree, you could do a small little one. You guys could watch all sorts of Christmas movies (Frosty, Peanuts, the old old ones, Miracle on 34th St, etc.) You could always do a Midnight mass or something. Even if you aren't religious, they are beautiful.

[McD]

I like Moor's idea. You two could tango horizontally all night long.

[Russ]

let me take some things OFF the list...

Jewelry, says she has enough.
Clothes--- uh, why buy something she will take back?
New fishing pole - I don't need one right now.
Vacuum cleaner - I think we all know why. I don't want a black eye.

[cab54]

As a RIAK (retiree with income, adult kids) I envy you.

After years of having all of the Holiday get-togethers (BIG families, lots'o' cooking) at our house, and the whole tree and lights and gifts, and etc. etc.......... I would SOOOO love to stay up here at our cabin, and let our boys fly out to visit (if they want), and just do a quiet, reflective Christmas.

We have such BIG families, I am just so tired of trying to keep everything and everyone straight. I know, crummy holiday spirit, huh?

[McD]

Would she like a spa day package? Where she could go and get pampered and preened and made to feel like the queen that she is?

[Russ]

maybe not the spa but she does like getting a manicure and pedicure. thanks for the idea.

[itsahumanzoo]

Before we had Mason, we just set up a small fake tree for Christmas. (Think, coffee table tree.) Someone had actually given it to us, we couldn't afford much. As for gifts, I usually got him a T-shirt and a book. Once again, we didn't have much money.

Even now we don't buy a big Christmas tree, but I do decorate. I'm thinking about not exchanging gifts this year, but I think that might hurt his feelings, so we'll see.

Anyway, I think the mani pedi idea is a great gift! I really need one of those, so I would for sure love it! I also love the home made coupon books. I used to do them for my mom for mother's day and she really liked them, of course it was mostly chore type things or babysitting, not romantic things.

[nancycg56]

How about a quickee vacation over the holiday? Personally, that's what I suggest every year but get shot down every year.

[Russ]

Well Nancy's post has brought me back to reality. We are not DINKS.

We have kids, they are the four legged, long tailed variety.

[leezza]

Russ,

My DH decorates the tree all by himself for me : ) he does a different type theme each year, (one year all silver & white, ect....) this is a wonderful treat for me.

If we don't travel to be with family......we will have a PJ party on Christmas : ) hang out in our warm jammies and watch movies, play board games, and eat all of our favorite treats : )

We try to do something nice for someone else who needs it.....

Some stuff you can do together:

Hot Cocoa
Hot Muled Wine
Fire place

there are lots of stuff you can do that don't cost much but can be very special.

leezza

[The Muse]

I'm stuck hosting every year. If I had it my way, DH and I would spend it alone at a resort. Doesn't matter to me whether it's Caribbean or local, but I'd love to escape the stress just one time. That would be the best gift ever!

[Ceashels]

Greebo and I may or may not put up a tree depending on space and animal "curiosity" that may hinder our decorating efforts. We spend Christmas Eve at the church for handbell performances and come home to either crash or watch Alistair Sims version of A Christmas Carol. As it is in the wee hrs of the morning we don't always make it through. Christmas day is relaxed then we hook up with my Mom and brother for dinner. A few days later we either pack up the animals and head to visit his folks or they visit here with us.

This year it will be a frugal Yule. I hope to keep it relaxing and homespun with simple decorations and good food with a few flagons of wassail to keep me entertaining... hehehe