I'm dreaming of a frugal Christmas!

**Shell** · 09-09-2003, 10:02 PM

I know it is early but I always like to start shopping for Christmas early. I find it soooooo much easier to buy a little here and a little there on sale then to leave it for the last minute. I've already bought a few things for dh and will just have to buy the one larger gift.

Our family draws names so that helps keeps costs down and as for dinner we all make one dish and bring some wine.

Who else is planning their Christmas ahead of time so it doesn't hurt so much?

**homesteadmamma** · 09-09-2003, 10:20 PM

Our Christmas is very frugal. Last year, everything was made except for a couple of books I purchased for the kids. The exact same thing will happen again this year, in fact the kids asked for another pioneer Christmas.

I haven't gotten anything started yet though although I do know what I'll be making.

**mylittle4** · 09-10-2003, 12:05 AM

We set a $400.00 budget last year and we are setting a $300.00 budget for this year. Dh and I really do not buy to much for each other. I am starting now but mostly because I am making so much of it.

**mrscornbread** · 09-10-2003, 12:32 AM

I have asked dh that we not buy each other gifts, he wont do it, I know, but then I feel guilty so it never happens. This is just gonna be a much more frugal Christmas this year because there is nothing I can do about it!

I am hoping to focus on the first Christmas and celebrate that.

**captclearance** · 09-10-2003, 01:36 AM

I am scaling down a lot this year and have most of my shopping done already..... It will be frugal here !

**lucy979** · 09-10-2003, 01:56 AM

I have been thinking about it already. Not sure how much I'll spend. It just depends on what I find.

**mustang80** · 09-10-2003, 06:34 AM

We already told the kids the Disney trip is part of their gift. Christmas will be scaled back alot!

I've started, got my niece done already. I hope to have MIL and SIL done before we go to Florida.

**Michelle** · 09-10-2003, 07:03 AM

We are buying for each other, the kids, and my nephew. This is frugal for us just in that itself because our list last year was 22 people long.

I bought some gifts for the kids already and am just waiting for closer to Christmas when they will have a better idea of what to ask Santa for. Plus there are more sales when the holidays approach

**DawnM** · 09-10-2003, 10:32 AM

I plan well ahead and make a detailed budget and lists. I'm done, but it wasn't as frugal as it could have been even though our list is shorter than last year. We bought my DD a sewing machine. It was planned for. Sort of hiked up the overall total of my gifts but it's a one time special gift and something my DM did for me when I was her age. I'm really excited about giving it to her. Last year we bought my DS (20) a digital camera as his special gift (again, one-time, planned well in advance) ...not a top of the line by any means, but he was thrilled. Next year we'll be back to our regularly scheduled program of a set amount for each kid and cutting back on extended gifts.

I'm still happy with all my choices and even got around to sewing some fabric gift bags last night to be reused yearly. All I have left to do is finish the gift bags (when DD isn't around as it's hers I have left to do), baking and a small craft or two (for neighbors, friends, etc.)

**Guest1** · 09-10-2003, 10:49 AM

I just bought my halloween candy - can I get some credit for that one??

I am - however - planning for Christmas to come this year....one step at a time please - one baby step at a time....

**guest2** · 09-10-2003, 10:56 AM

We draw names on my husband's side of the family and do it as couples. I've already bought my SIL and BIL's gifts and my niece's gift. The White Elephant gifts are bought and so are the ones for my parents. I still have my family to buy for but I think we are going to do a snowboarding day with the kids as part of their gift.

**Shell** · 09-10-2003, 06:17 PM

BushBrigade gets credit for buying her candy.

**Mom23boys** · 09-10-2003, 06:31 PM

I have done my shopping for the extended family. I need to buy DH and the boy's gifts. I have bought the boys a few small items, but I always save the "one" they just have to have or else present until closer to Christmas. So I make sure to get something from their list.

**simplemom** · 09-10-2003, 06:38 PM

Originally posted by homesteadmamma
Our Christmas is very frugal. Last year, everything was made except for a couple of books I purchased for the kids. The exact same thing will happen again this year, in fact the kids asked for another pioneer Christmas.

CJ, I wish so much my kids would have these same desires for Christmas...alas...they talk to me about snow boards, new skateboards, cd player, etc..etc..etc...Can you see how they are? Of coarse we won't give in to all these desires, but I just wish I could make a Christmas more simpler and cheaper...

**heavensent_7** · 09-10-2003, 08:10 PM

Originally posted by simplemom
CJ, I wish so much my kids would have these same desires for Christmas...alas...they talk to me about snow boards, new skateboards, cd player, etc..etc..etc...Can you see how they are? Of coarse we won't give in to all these desires, but I just wish I could make a Christmas more simpler and cheaper...

I couldn't have said it better myself!!!