How much do you spend on Christmas?

[catnapper]

Gosh you guys all get away cheap! I'm used to around $1,000 including gifts, wrapping, decorations, food, etc. Every year we swear we'll be cheap and not give gifts, but every year its the same. I order a $260 gift for mom and dad this afternoon

[Catlady711]

I, my hubby, and my mom all do a Christmas Club account in the bank every year. We put in $5 or whatever each week and get a check around Halloween. Mom usually does about $500 per year, hubby and I do $750 a year each.

My $750 buys for hubby, mom, cats, coworkers, and a few other family & church members. We buy wrapping paper at the after Chrismas sales for 50% off or better and stockpile it along with tape, bows etc. So we spend very little anymore on those expenses. Buying a tree (haven't done that in 2 years) comes out of our 'household expense' fund which is for misc. items we want for around the house. We only do 1 small party between Christmas and New Years for immediate family only, just snacks no actual dinner, no gift exchanges.

[Scooter's Mom]

I used to spend anywhere from $1500-$2500 - but that was with me shopping about 8-10 months for the perfect gifts for everyone. It was much easier to spread out that much money if I did it gradually. That was also when I was living in Houston... and Katjaye & her daughter were my top recipients. I loved buying for them. They had such sheer joy with whatever I got them.

This year, I really can't afford to get much for anyone. My in-laws are going to be upset this year... So this year we may end up spending $200 or so for immediate family members.

[buttercup132]

I usually only spend 100 and something but this year I am spending more.

Bf I spent 100 and something on
Mom and dad 60
Sister was only 10 cause I found a great deal
Brother $20-30
Friend 30

This year I also have to buy for the people at work which is 5 people which will be like 5-10 each.

Still not much but I also left out my extended family this year.

[binka_nugget]

This year I think I'm gonna be able to get away with $550-600 for gifts. $250 of that is for my boyfriend's snowboard. The rest is going towards my mom, sister, brother, and boyfriend's family. Last year I spent close to $1000.. I went way overboard with my first credit card.

[Twisterdog]

I don't buy any decorations. I have enough already to decorate the White House Christmas tree, twice.

We usually get a turkey or ham from DH's boss, so Christmas dinner is really cheap.

Now, if it were left to me, I could do presents for the whole family for maybe $100. Seriously. I never go "Christmas shopping." I buy things to give for Christmas gifts all year long, when I find something on sale. I have bought the best presents I have ever given at yard sales or thrift stores. It seems like those are the ones people are still raving about years later.

Now, DH, however, is completely sold on the idea of taking $500 to the mall on Christmas Eve, blowing it all on expensive stuff at the last minute, and raising his blood pressure to the stroke inducing level. Ummmm ... no thanks. I don't go with him, I stay home and drink hot tea.