I think the most important thing is to have open, honest communication. You may have legitimate reasons why you don't want to forgo giving gifts to everyone. But if there are people who are so financially strapped that they are behind in mortgage payments and other bills and are maxed out on credit cards as a result of the economic downturn (as is the case with some of our relatives), I don't think they should be pressured into continuing to purchase gifts for everyone.
DH and I have a very large extended family so buying presents for every person is financially challenging anyway. Years ago, one branch of his family (which had the most people), converted to a Yankee Swap, which we all now love.
However, instead of purchasing gifts, I've always enjoyed making gifts for family and friends. For example, I Iove to quilt. My mother and sister-in-law saw one of my quilts and loved the fabrics in it. I just so happened to have enough leftover fabric to make two table runners, one for each of them. My mother-in-law loves lavender so giving her a big (and pretty inexpensive) basket of lavender soap, body cream, shower wash, etc., is one of her Christmas delights.
The most important part of the holidays, for me at least, is to show people who I love how much they mean to me. Making them feel at ease with and enjoy gift giving during these tough economic times is one of the best ways to do that.
DH and I have a very large extended family so buying presents for every person is financially challenging anyway. Years ago, one branch of his family (which had the most people), converted to a Yankee Swap, which we all now love.
However, instead of purchasing gifts, I've always enjoyed making gifts for family and friends. For example, I Iove to quilt. My mother and sister-in-law saw one of my quilts and loved the fabrics in it. I just so happened to have enough leftover fabric to make two table runners, one for each of them. My mother-in-law loves lavender so giving her a big (and pretty inexpensive) basket of lavender soap, body cream, shower wash, etc., is one of her Christmas delights.
The most important part of the holidays, for me at least, is to show people who I love how much they mean to me. Making them feel at ease with and enjoy gift giving during these tough economic times is one of the best ways to do that.
