Is this Tacky of me>??

[kitten645]

While I wouldn't classify it as tacky, I wouldn't impose a limit. I have a huge family as well and we are all in different economic situations. I'd just let every one know the "Andy situation" and leave it at that. I know I have family that take great joy in sharing their abundance. I'm a poor single working girl so everyone pretty much knows that it's all about the kids for me. I get my three nieces/nephew gifts. I do get some freebies at work and find some deals that I buy through out the year when something reminds me of someone when I see it.
My little sister (not so little..she's 31!) has been asking me questions about sewing. I made her a little sewing kit. I've offered to make her custom home decor if she foots for the materials.
I don't think it should be a $$ based gift. It's cliche but it's the thought that counts!
Claudia

PS: Goodness knows unless you are living under a rock..EVERYONE is scaling back. You can't go a day without it being screamed at you a million times!

[kt_luvs_kitties]

Thank you all for your opinions and advice.

I have a Christmas eve get together at my house every year, I make 2 Huge pots of chili (mild and EXTRA hot) and cookies, olive tray, etc... I would still like to do that.

I think I can cut down on numbers by doing couples presents.

I think I am just going to tell everyone tomorrow about the situation, and hope they "get" it. They know how I am, and I am always the person they call when they find a "stray"... They should understand.


I would love to make goodies for them, BUT I dont think they would appreciate Kitty Hair Brownies

Kim - hate to say it, but that IS tacky


AND Cassiesmom, thank you so much for the offer, but I think I can handle the rest of the bill ok.
I really appreciate the offer though

[Reachoutrescue]

I don't think it is tacky at all. This year, with all our vet bills, me not working since my accident at work, and having Austin's birthday on the 17th, I just can't do it either. I have decided to just buy for the children in our families. There are a total of 15 kids...that is a lot right there, plus my two...then the Santa gifts for my two. Then I want to buy for Dave....so I understand.

That is really nice of you to donate holiday decor to families....every little bit helps. Don't worry so much....you only can do what you can.

[sumbirdy]

I don't think it's tacky.

This year I can only buy for the children. When anyone else asks what I want, I say I don't want anything (which is the truth, I can't think of a single thing I'd like to have, exept maybe some socks and undies)

This year I just want some peace and happiness.

With the economy the way it is, it should be expected that people will have to cut back this year.

[Catty1]

You can also tell them to please not expect a gift from you this year...you would love to, but can't. Leave the "giving" up to them.

A lot of people are being hard hit by financial times these days, and your talking to them about this might be a huge relief for them! Maybe they need to scale back too, but are scared and embarrassed to do so.

The coupons ides is a great one - you could do really nice ones on your computer.

HUGS!

[jenluckenbach]

I scaled back gift giving YEARS ago!! But there are always those people who give to me anyway. While yes, I feel sad that I could not reciprocate, I understand that it is just who they are an it is THEIR choice.

My sister and oldest neice bake....and thank goodness for them or I would have no home baked things to eat.

My oldest brother hosts Christmas even dinner, but still insist on buying everyone something. (thankfully, it is never lavish) But still, I always feel so small showing up with nothing. So last year I searched the dollar stores and came up with a group of 3 things for each person. With careful selection, the gift did not look tacky. and I felt better being able to have something to give.

The only people I actual buy for are my 2 youngest neices (6 and 4 years old) and my dad, and I never put a limit (high or low) on what I spend, I just do what I can and each time is different.


For the 6 yo, I shop at thrift stores and can buy an entire shopping bag worth of clothes for the price of one "store-bought" outfit and her mom could not be happier. And for the 4 yo, well, she gets SOOOOOOOO much stuff, she never realizes that she only got one thing from me, and besides, my gift to her is my time. (she calls me her best friend)

I guess the bottom line is: Feel free to let people know you NEED to limit giving and then try not to feel guilty about it.

[Medusa]

When I was married, I had to start shopping for Xmas gifts early. My husband's family was large, mine wasn't, but I also had to shop for his employees (aside from their financial bonuses) and business associates plus our friends. So I became stressed out early. Don't let all this gift giving stress you out because you can't give the way you used to. That's such a killjoy.

I'd go w/the gift exchange idea. Draw names out of a bowl; it makes it so much easier on everyone, you won't know who drew your name so that makes it more exciting. When I was growing up, the family grew so much that there was no way we could keep up w/all the grandkids, nieces and nephews, so the gift exchange was the way to go. Plus we put a limit on how much to spend for the gift. If there are individuals that you feel you absolutely must give a gift to, then offer a service to them, such as pet sitting or cooking a meal for them, etc.

Above all, don't let guilt enter the picture. You have nothing to feel guilty about. That would definitely put a damper on things and is not in keeping w/the holiday spirit.