In the past it's always been around $1000+ because I always go overboard and buy tons of gifts for everyone.

But this year I really wanted to be thrifty (yes, that makes me feel better than saying cheap)
With the prices of gas, food, hospital bills, dentists bills and all the other necessities plus my work being extremely slow I don't want to dig myself into any deeper hole than I already am.

I bought gifts that I would like to receive, not just any ol' thing that's "cheap".

As for food I don't really spend any more on that than I do any other time.