How much will you spend this Christmas?

**homesteadmamma** · 11-18-2003, 11:39 AM

The average amount Canadians will be spending is $1500.00.

That includes gifts, food and decorations. I can't believe that amount - incredible!!

How much will you spend this Christmas?

**lucy979** · 11-18-2003, 11:48 AM

Definately under $200. I only have three people to buy for and feed so we are very low key here.

**guest2** · 11-18-2003, 11:53 AM

Under $500, but I have been getting things all year long. I did buy some rather expensive jewelry for my SIL who has recovered from cancer and for her husband. I tend to go a bit overboard where my niece is concerned and it adds up before I know it.

**debbiepete** · 11-18-2003, 11:59 AM

We spend around $2,000.00 each year. But proud to say no credit cards are used

**sunshine** · 11-18-2003, 12:19 PM

We don't buy much for our kids or other family members the rest of the year, so we splurge at Christmas. We do plan, budget and shop year round, so it's not as bad as it could be- but we spend between $1000- $1500 each year.

**Dixie** · 11-18-2003, 12:35 PM

We usually spend around $1500. This year will be different. I hope to keep it at $800.

**Sara Noel** · 11-18-2003, 12:58 PM

We definitely spend under $200.

**aylasmommy** · 11-18-2003, 01:39 PM

I voted under 500$

Besides the gifts/food/decorations though, that amount would include christmas cards/postage for the cards and mailing gifts/family pics, holiday entertainment (eating out/renting video's/etc.) and other incidentals...

**guest2** · 11-18-2003, 02:52 PM

I included the same thing Heather does in her Christmas budget amount!!! Cool!

**simplemom** · 11-18-2003, 03:47 PM

We used to spend under 200 $ until a few years ago...but the boys now want more expensive things. Last year we bought a snowboard for Francois...although we bought the best price we found, we had to buy his helmet, gloves, etc, ski pass...this year Mathieu and Daniel would like to start snowboarding, so that will be their Christmas gift (and birthday gift for this year)...

But we have told them, this won't be a regular thing, to get expensive gifts...we usually can't afford all that. We also get together with family members to buy these bigger gifts...

It was so easy and cheaper when they were small....

**Julie** · 11-18-2003, 03:49 PM

Definitely voted for spending under $200. 1998 was the last year I used any credit cards. Last year my sister came up with a good idea for gift-giving among the adults in the family:

** An item you make (food / craft / clothing)
** An item you have but do not use
** An item bought at a second-hand / thrift store
** A gift of time to work on special projects (for example, if plumbing is your hobby and your MIL needs some work done, well, there you are!)

However, for my nieces & nephews, I usually buy something to read and something to wear.

My SIL and Mother have birthdays at Christmas (SIL is 12/29 and Mother is 12/24), so I usually buy a small token.

There was a very low level of stress for me over the holidays last year, and I did not run around doing the shopping like a maniac.

Julie

**captclearance** · 11-18-2003, 03:58 PM

I voted "Under $500.00"
that is onlt cuz I will spend more than $200.00 by the time I mail gifts and cards..... We did pretty good this year .......

**baronmom** · 11-18-2003, 05:32 PM

I usually spend about $200 for each of my boys, and usually not more than $20 per person for other gifts that I have to buy for family members. I have been trying to cut down, but ds1 always wants clothes and the stuff I get for him is usually from Abercrombie and Fitch (this is the only time that I get this stuff new and not from thrift stores.) So until I buy 3 or 4 things, I have his money spent. Not too mention, his birthday is the 23rd so I have to get a few extra for his birthday.

**mtjsmom** · 11-18-2003, 08:16 PM

wow..I usually spend about 2,000. I have been know to spend more though. I told the kids not to expect it this year though. With the baby coming in the spring I have alot i need to get after christmas. I also have alot of people to buy for so hopefully I can get it all done for 1500.00...

**Mom23boys** · 11-18-2003, 08:25 PM

We usually spend at least 250.00 on each of the boys easily. BUT this year I told them not to expect as much as they usually get. I don't plan on running out and buying the latest fad of the year. I don't feel bad about it either. I plan on sticking to a budget and that is all I plan on spending. I voted under $500. That includes postage, gift wrap, and all gifts for my family and the extended family on my side and DH's.