Is it time to ban Christmas presents? Blog and poll discussion

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  • Flat_Eric
    Flat_Eric Posts: 4,060
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    This is a very interesting thread. I find that people don't bother with my birthday (i.e. siblings/other family) which I find hurtful but will buy a gift for me for Christmas when money is tight because there are lots of other gifts to buy and other associated Christmas expense, parties etc.
  • Living_proof
    Living_proof Posts: 1,921
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    I too have just found this thread. I instituted a no present rule a couple of years ago, and I just buy premium bonds for my grandchildren once a year and that covers Christmas and birthdays. Not because I am mean, but because they have way too much to begin with and as they live a distance away I have no idea what toys and clothes they have at any one time. My partner and I went abroad for a very low-key relaxed time last Christmas holiday and we plan to do the same again. All the commercial hype is ridiculous - we could these days eat a Christmas meal every weekend of the year - and it's not like the old days when the telly was really something to look forward to. If people are religious then I am sure they will enjoy the sacred element to the season, but the rest of us should keep our money in the bank and spare our nearest and dearest the embarrassment of receiving totally inappropriate gifts!
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  • Caddyman
    Caddyman Posts: 342
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    This thread just keeps giving, consider this my Christmas gift!

    I stopped giving presents and cards at Christmas several years ago. It became utterly pointless. As a result, I have absolutely zero stress. I don't expect any cards or presents and nor do I receive them, despite the fact I still get asked every single year if I'd like something. To be honest, I've got enough 'stuff' in my life without adding to it. If I want something, I buy it for myself. My partner and I still enjoy a cracking Christmas dinner, we still socialise, but at the end of it all, we ain't broke, we don't owe anybody anything.

    The problem with many people is, they feel utterly obligated. Children often 'expect' gifts and it's hardly surprising when from a commercial aspect, Christmas for many shops now starts seemingly unashamedly, in October. I'm not in any way religious, so there's no draw for me there either. As far as I'm concerned, Christmas could be a total non event for me and it wouldn't bother me in the slightest.

    Bah Humbug!
  • I had a chat with all my friends this year, we have agreed not to buy presents, as it was difficult knowing what to buy anyway. So that has cut our Christmas bills down dramatically. Actually is is a relief. Taken some of the pressure off.
    On the question should Christmas be cancelled. Well this is a religious festival celebrating the birth of Christ. So no we should not cancel Christmas.
  • This is my thought about Christmas, think it is nice enough to share.

    There is a list of folks, I know, all written in the book
    And every year at Christmas time, I go and take a look.
    And that is when I realize that these names are a part,
    Not of the book they are written in but of my very heart.

    For each name stands for someone who has touched my life some time,
    And in that meeting they’ve become etched forever in my mind.
    For once you have known someone, the years cannot erase,
    The memory of a pleasant word, or a friendly face.

    So never think my Christmas cards are just a mere routine,
    Of a name upon a list, to be forgotten in between.
    For when I send a Christmas card that is addressed to you.
    It is because you’re on the list that I’m indebted to.

    And whether I’ve known you many years or even just a few,
    In some ways you have had a part in shaping things I do.
    So every year when Christmas comes, I just realize anew,
    The biggest gift that God can give is knowing folks like you.

    Have a good and peaceful Christmas everyone.
  • Does Martin also suggest stopping giving presents for all religions including his own jewish faith? What reaction has he had from his own family and friends?!
  • BethP
    BethP Posts: 47
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    For all the reasons in money saving expert email, we stopped buying Christmas gifts for all except our young grandchild (6yo).

    We stopped in 2000. All family members have lots of everything plus are well-off so they have no need of additional stuff. Also my MiL takes every present back for a refund! We asked her what she wanted in 1999. Bought it. She took it back. We mentioned we hadn’t seen our gift, “Oh” she said, “I took it back to the shop as I’d rather have the money.” How rude!

    Since then we’ve bought gifts from World Vision such as chickens; health lectures; goats; a water supply and much more. They each receive a nice card thanking them and the Third World receive items to help them survive.

    MiL now receives, if anything, a bunch of flowers that she can’t take back.
  • A little mention for this thread, given the circumstances this year, I agree with the vast majority here, that our family have now agreed to a 'Christmas present amnesty' between all the adults, which is a huge relief to us all. There are several members of the family who have lost jobs, and another one who knows they are to be made redundant (nice Xmas present from that employer - NOT!).

    And thanks to a good suggestion from another MSE member (Babs I am looking at you!) the ones with younger children are getting 'token' pressies only, e.g. box of chocs, so they have something to unwrap on the day.... 

    I will be looking at the supermarkets best offers for those, but, family won't care whether its a bargain or not.... :D How MSE is that?
    "...when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains however improbable, must be the truth..."
    "Mastering a low budget lifestyle now, means you are set for life" quote by 'Miss Babs'

    Dog's 'Pot o' Gold' = £23.85
    Household maintenance = 0
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  • richardw
    richardw Posts: 19,458
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    Simple gifts really are the best, box of chocs, nuts, satsumas, bottle of wine/ elderflower.
    Posts are not advice and must not be relied upon.
  • richardw said:
    Simple gifts really are the best, box of chocs, nuts, satsumas, bottle of wine/ elderflower.

    And notably consumable too - they don't have to take up space in the house for too long, and if you really really don't like it you can gift it to a raffle to support something local.
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