NOW is the time to scale back on holidays.

**Early Bird** · 06-18-2007, 10:06 AM

If you're thinking of cutting back on your gifts this year, now is the time to suggest a simpler Christmas to family and friends.

That way, no one takes offense that you didn't like their gift ... and you're giving them plenty of notice to NOT shop for you.

I did this about 7 years ago, and the freedom is wonderful!

**geckoace** · 06-18-2007, 05:59 PM

i 100% agree, it seems cheap of you to say it like december 1st, but saying it now really takes the burden off of everyone.

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 06-19-2007, 01:37 PM

Excellent plan! Can you believe the year is half over already? Where does the time go?

**DJ1972** · 06-19-2007, 05:37 PM

We told our family about 3 years ago...no more gifts from us to other adults and we only give small gifts to the younger kids. Has saved us a huge amt of $ and stress! And the rest of the family jumped on board so everyone was less stressed!

**Edna_E** · 06-19-2007, 10:15 PM

I tried to do something like that and just got pounced on by my sisters. They all said they could give to whoever they want to and if I don't then I don't have to. Then I tried to get them to agree to smaller expenditures, and failed. Finally I just pointed out that since my income is (honestly) like a quarter of theirs, I was truly stressed to try to reciprocate at the level of their gifts - at which point 2 of them cut back on cost (but not on thoughtfulness) and one just went over the top, and sent cash and food and said that she had no desire for me to reciprocate - but that I could help her enjoy her gifts to me by just relaxing and enjoying the fact that she is able to give them with no strain. What could I say except "Gee! Thanks!"

I do affordable-on-my-income gifts for my parents, siblings, child, and underage neices and nephews. Sometimes I do surprises for the grown neices and nephews and for their kids - though they are likely to be things I find used that I think they will like, or something I made.

**SweetPea** · 06-20-2007, 08:04 AM

I did this last year w/ extended family (uncles, aunts, cousins). Everyone was very understanding and I think relieved. DH and I also cut back on gifts we gave to each other.

I have a big family get together on New Year's Day for everyone, and I'd much rather the focus be on spending time together.

**miss_thrifty** · 06-20-2007, 09:17 AM

I did this years ago. My sister wants always money for the kids anyways, so I send christmas, bdays money in cards.
My inlaws I send them scratch tickets)for the one that has everything on anniv. bdays too, mostly buy or make something for xmas)
We havent bought anyones else gifts in the family for years, they dont want to anyways trade, so thats fine with me.
Just a little gift for teachers, garbage man, and post man.

**flowergirl** · 06-20-2007, 10:29 PM

we draw names on our side and set a price limit with our adult kids and each other so this way we keep things under control it has helped alot and we plan to stick to this.

**Michelle** · 06-21-2007, 07:05 AM

I like your idea of setting the boundaries now vs. closer to Christmas.

I have a very small family now (both sides)--well small family who would exchange gifts, I mean. Several years ago when things started getting tough for us financially (right around the time of 9/11), we stopped buying for my IL's. Now we just exchange cards with my SIL & BIL. My FIL & his wife still enjoy buying for us, but we don't buy for them, and it's never been an issue.

Last year right after Christmas my mother said something to me and my brother's wife about having a hard time selecting gifts for the kids (my brother, his wife, Dave & me) and then said something about it being ME who didn't want to stop exchanging gifts when she suggested just buying for the grandkids. That couldn't be further from the truth because I have always wanted to do that. So I set the record straight, and now this year Kathryn, Lauren, and my nephew will be the only people anyone buys for

I still make frugal & thoughtful gifts for teachers and Dave's co-workers, but all in all, we have a very simple & frugal Christmas