Is this Tacky of me>??

[kt_luvs_kitties]

Forgot to add, I usually get a "star" on a tree for a child for Christmas. This year I cant do it, BUT, I was thinking about it last week, I wanted to do something...

I have TONS of Christmas decor, mostly brand new bought on sale after Christmas for 50-75% OFF. I am going to donate it to a couple needy families without decor for their children. I hope it makes someones Holidays brighter!

Isnt much, but it is all I can do this time around!

[krazyaboutkatz]

In our family we used to pick names and then spend about $50 or so on that person but then we gradually stopped doing it. Now I buy something for my parents and I have 2 nephews and 3 nieces that I send checks to for Christmas so that their parents can decide what to buy for them. I would never be able to afford the amount of money that you've been spending every year for Christmas. I'm sure that if you explain your situation that they'll understand. Good luck.

[Taz_Zoee]

Why doesn't your family draw names and then they only buy for that person? This would exclude the children though.
I am in the same boat. And I know his family will get us TONS of stuff. They always do and we get them a gift card. One for each of them (except his nephew, we get him toys). I always feel so bad, but they know they do not have to do that. It is their choice and they do not expect the same in return. I think everyone knows how tough times are right now and they shouldn't expect too much from anyone this year, IMO.
This year I am getting gift cards for everyone. I might get specific things for the kids if I know what to get them. But they are getting older and it's getting more difficult to buy for them.

Katie, you do what you CAN do. Don't worry about what they are doing and getting for you. You can only do what is within YOUR budget. I am sure everyone would understand that. And like Cataholic said - if they don't then they don't deserve anything (that might sound harsh, but it's true).

[shepgirl]

No, I don't think it's tacky at all. You might not be the only one feeling this way but maybe no one else wants to admit it. Be the first, someone might follow suit.
Lots of people are feeling the pinch this year. If someone in our family didn't buy I would never feel slighted. Probably would put 2 and 2 together.

Christmas for me isn't about gifts, it's about our whole family being together and celebrating.

[RICHARD]

How's about making up some 'Gift Certificates'? I got this idea from a book of 'love coupons' -

Make up some coupons for a car wash, baby sitting, a dinner?

You couuld maybe cook a dinner for a family, deliver it?

That usually is something pretty special.

You could delay your Christmas gift giving too. a gift in February or March is fun.

I have a friend who does Christmas in June when all the kids are home and the weather is better.

YOu don't have to go by the calendar!

[carole]

I think you have to ask yourself what is the true meaning of xmas to you,honestly if you are struggling financially it seems crazy to go spending so much on such a large family,just because they can afford it.

I think you have to let common sense take over and be practical about it, it is about surviving ,not being able to provide a nice gift to people who probably don't even need it, by the sounds of things.

You have to put yourself and family and furbabies as your top priority, and if anyone takes offense at your idea,then they are being petty and i would not worry too much about it.

If you really feel you need to give gifts, how about making some cookies or fudge ,even that will cost you a bit, but far less than you usually spend.

My sister is well off compared to me and always spends more on my children than i can afford for hers, but she is fine with it,infact this year we are only buying xmas for the younger two, and have stopped for the older ones,because for one all the birthdays are from october on to December and it just gets way out of hand.