Anyone else not really into Christmas presents? (Read 591 times)

I've given birth too often to stop with the present giving but we did stop giving cards a few years ago and instead we donate the money to a children's charity. I would never expect a gift though and I think it's great when people decide to de-commercialize the whole Christmas thing.

I hate Christmas shopping. It's such a production and I have no creativity when it comes to gift giving. If they don't tell me specifically what they want, you are liable to get nothing or a gift card to some dumb place they never shop. This actually applies to any gift giving occasion. I'm terrible with coming up with gift ideas.

I love giving gifts. I really enjoy finding that special gift for someone. I know it sounds hokey, but giving makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Merry Christmas

This year we actually let the kids in on our vote to decide if we would stay home or venture out to my aunt's house (as we do every year on Christmas morning). Usually the day is non-stop rushing around with two and a half hours of driving included. The kids ALL said they wanted to stay home. So, we politely told my 15 other family members that we were not doing the gift exchange this year and that we'd be staying home. My side of the family never agreed on the polyanna thing and buying gifts for all of my aunts and uncles and cousins and etc. really adds up. We have four children, we spend too much money as it is. So instead we made plans to see different family members on different nights of the holiday season. Dinner with some, game night with others etc. It's so much nicer this year, so far. This will be the first time that I've ever made Christmas dinner! AND... I won't have to hurry all 6 of us with waking up and doing the present thing and then rushing out the door, leaving behind the aftermath of the great unwrapping. As much as I enjoy buying that "perfect" gift for others, I have so far enjoyed what other plans we've made instead.

Mississippi, that sounds like a great way to spend the holiday. I remember having to do the mad rush around when I was a kid and even when you're young, you notice the stress and get stressed yourself. I'm sure you and your kids will enjoy this holiday so much more.

Our family agreed to not give gifts this year and I agree, it is a relief. I prefer to give gifts to people that I appreciate but don't have the opportunity to tell very often. I got my next door neighbors each a wreath and I will drop off a case of beer at my mechanic's shop and a bottle of wine for my massage therapist. It's way more fun to give to people that impact my life but aren't expecting anything.

I was in Dublins main shopping street today to get the last of my list ticked off. I stopped and looked around at all the confused and rushed people. I couldnt help but feel that they all felt compelled to do this, like they were robots, programmed to buy buy buy. The concept of Christmas is good, but its gone too commercial.