Is Anyone Else Going to have a No Presents Christmas?

jenjade

I love a simple christmas i have bought my dd presants but my fav part of x mas day is a walk in the woods after luch and her fav part is playing board games together!! (so why do i buy the presants?)

I bought dd lots of clothes etc that she needs anyway some books which i feel are very important and some toys because i can afford to. if i oculdn;t i wouldn;t

I am going to do a treasure hunt for the presents this year to make it more fun and take longer!

bathgatebuyer

A big hug to everyone who has lost their job of late. I was out of work a few years back for 7 months so really sympathise with anyone in that situation now.

Xmas this year is going to be reasonably reserved - got some big bills going out in January and February (car tax, service, MOT, building insurance and January also brings the quarterly 'leccy bill). I remember last year being in Big W and there was a woman in there who put £900 worth of stuff on her visa in front of me. When the cashier said, "Is that it all done then?" the woman said, "This is just for two of them". I mean - WHAT?! (Ha, I was in buying a selection box LOL!)

Xmas this year is mostly lots of little things I've collected throughout the year. I've bought some gift boxes from the pound shop and will be filling them with lots of little gifts for everyone. Will probably be spending about £60 - £70 in total on 5 or 6 people.

*zippy*

We are only buying for our DD's this year and they have been really good and not asked for much as they know money is tight.

I'm undecided on trimmings, as someone else mentioned its usually left to me to put them up as everyone refused to help last year so I may just put a small tree on the side board and see what their reaction is. I'm not buying loads of food either just a normal weekly shop with a bigger chicken as my parents are coming.

It feels like a huge weight has been lifted now we have told everyone, no wondering what to get people and panicing when people tell you they finished their shopping weeks ago, i'm really looking forward to a nice family day.

Hugs to you cw18 and those who have lost their jobs, hope you have a lovely day.

oreo7504

I'm not doing presents for the adults this year as a family we are only buying present for children & there is only one I buy for, as most of us have decided that we buy something just for the sake of buying a present. I haven't put up decorations up for about 5 years now. I always enjoy boxing day more, playing games and taking the dog for a walk. I'm working this xmas day, everyone else is moaning, but it doesn't bother me at all, it's always a fun shift when you work xmas day (I'm a nurse)

inkedelephant

I'm sorry to hear about your hubby losing his job.By the sounds of it, I think many people are feeling the crunch in a big way. I for one am hoping that because my friends will be away there will be no pressure to go out to spend and I can actually save money. My family don't do presents. I only do secret santa presents at uni. And I usually only ever get my best mate a present. That doesn't mean there won't be pressure over christmas party period. But I've already said no to one lot of friends who want to go out for a massive dinner... its a difficult time of year. You have everything - a loving family. Thats all you will need this christmas :-)

tesuhoha

The comments on this thread have made me realise that its better to be honest with other people and honest with yourself. Last Christmas I spent money against my will when we were deep in debt and I vowed never to do it again. I admire each and every one of you because you are all doing the best for your families and doing what you can afford.

Thank you very much for the offer of the tree but I don't feel inclined to decorate the house. Its not because I'm miserable. I just don't feel its appropriate this year. I've decided not to go shopping until Christmas Eve and then I shall go and buy a frozen turkey and a few Christmas treats and hope there are a some bargains around. You all have some lovely ideas and kind thoughts and I thank you and hope that your Christmas will be happy.

tesuhoha

cw18 wrote: »

Wednesday was my last day of employment too -- but I'd seen it coming since the middle of May, and had 12 weeks notice of the date so not a huge shock.

Turned out to be really lousy timing though, as I lost my DH on Tuesday of last week - so my first day of unemployment also turned out to be the day of his funeral service

This is one reason I'm not planning on doing things any differently this year compared to the last few years -- I think the kids (17, 19 and 25) would see it as a "kick in the teeth". I have asked the younger two what they want to do (the youngest still lives at home, the other will be home on leave, the eldest will come and visit for part of the day with my GDs) and they really couldn't care less -- think it's a case of not wanting to think about it really

I'm very sorry to hear this. It makes me realise how very lucky I really am. Bless you and your kids. I hope you find some peace of mind and that your lives take a turn for the better.

hula-hoops

tesuhoha wrote: »

I've decided not to go shopping until Christmas Eve and then I shall go and buy a frozen turkey and a few Christmas treats and hope there are a some bargains around. You all have some lovely ideas and kind thoughts and I thank you and hope that your Christmas will be happy.

I wouldn't buy a frozen turkey on Christmas Eve - you won't be able to eat it until about 27 December!

skint_chick

we're in a similar position this xmas - i'm off long term sick and we just can't afford luxuries. usually we make the 300mile trip to see my family but our car is unreliable and it seems to be using far too much petrol. so it's just me and OH. i got a cheap silver tinsel tree from tesco for £3 and i already have some lights from ikea yrs ago that i'm going to put up in the lounge rounds the pictures etc. we're having a chicken instead of a turkey - did you see how much they are in the supermarkets? £15 for a turkey?? And OH is giving me a pampering session - all over body scrub and body butter with stuff I already have, and a year's subscription to my fave magazine for £9.99. He took some of his old xbox games to trade in and I put the money towards a new game for him. We aren't sending xmas cards this yr - it's better for the environment too, and my family are getting me supermarket gift cards for petrol and food. Being off work has given me time to focus on what's really important in life -and it's not spending money you don't have- it's family and friends who support you in difficult times!

98sidney

I love this thread.. This is the first year where the presents I have I have either made or used my nectar points and survey points to buy them with..

I am teaching my kids now that presents mean more when they have been made as you have thought about the person..

Daughter has made everyone a calendar. And my son has made a bookmark and a coaster for my dad..

I remember my mum one year she made me a wendy house using a cardboard box as they had no money..

And the kids have made their own cards too..

Heres too knowing that christmas day has not costed us a fortune and that we wont be paying it off in 09..