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

MSE_Martin

What's interesting is to read the difference in the feedback on this from the times online version and here... see http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/the_way_we_live/article6911334.ece

Forkliftfred

Myself and my OH decided in February to book a lovely holiday for Xmas for ourselves. Yes OURSELVES! How decadently selfish. We leave on 18th December and so I am counting down the minutes until Xmas for the first time in years. I usually dread it but this year I really cannot wait. Its not so much the money we spend that is the problem, its thinking of something new to give that the person hasn't already god. I find it very stressful.

As we will be on the beach for xmas day I told our families not to buy presents, some of them went mad and even suggested celebrating on boxing day when we are back in country and giving presents then but I stood firm. At the end of the day TOUGH. We are pleasing ourselves for once and it couldn't feel better. We will start january debt free and not spend the rest of the year paying xmas off for once, in fact, as soon as they appear online i'm going to book another holiday for xmas 2010!:j

ThinkingOfLinking

MSE_Martin wrote: »

What's interesting is to read the difference in the feedback on this from the times online version and here... see http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/the_way_we_live/article6911334.ece

No offence intended to you or to any other posters, but I guess it's because people who post on these forums tend to be here because they like you, eg saw you on GMTV, heard you plug the site and then joined. They'd be less inclined to be negative. Yes, I remember one negative (IMO) post on this thread, and we do get them still, but not to the extent you would on a more "neutral" site such as The Times, if you se what I mean. Although I do genuinely happen to agree with you, and also decided not to go to my works do as paying £50 for food I don't even want, with people I don't really like, isn't my idea of a good investment of my time or money.;)

WhyIsSavingSoHard

Mum and I had a discussion about Christmas presents yesterday and we've agreed that it's great to buy for the children in our immediate family (I have 2 nephews and 1 niece aged 1, 12 and 15). We have said that if we're out during the year and see and can afford something we know another family member will love, then we'll buy it for them as a 'just because'. I think it's silly getting and giving money especially if money's tight. If you don't know something the person will love and want, then just don't buy anything. Stop the commercialism of all these events ~ Christmas, Valentines Day, Easter, Mother's and Father's Days, Grandparents Day etc. It's all got so silly and out of hand.

One year, I almost begged my sister not to buy for me, but she did and at the same time struggled to find money to feed her family. It has to stop and as consumers, we're in the right place to stop it. I'm spending Christmas at home quietly on my own this year with food and drink that I love. Certainly won't be the 'Christmas feast' many will sit down to. One year my youngest sister and I had chilli for our Christmas dinner followed by some fancy ice-cream. Was fantastic, didn't cost a lot or have us in the kitchen half the day!

strangecloud

I like to celebrate Christmas by spending time with friends and family, but if people feel they can't match the pleasure of my company with the quality of their own, then they are welcome to buy me presents to compensate for their own deficiency.

ps I think money can buy happiness; you just have to spend it right!

deep_pockets

just ban christmas full stop, i hate it, the pressure to give in to mass commercialism starts now just after August bank holiday..........its ruined it for me now

elaine2303

lisadupreez wrote: »

Great post.

We do RECYCLING xmas present giving in our family. Basically, you are not allowed to buy a present for anyone. It must be something that you have already and think the other person would like, or something that someone gave you last year.

In our house (my, DH, DD) we have a small box each and when we think of something we would like for our own birthday/xmas/mothers day/general niceness, we put a written note in the box. Rule is you are not allowed to open your own box. The other person opens your box and takes an idea out if they want to give you a gift. That way you get something you want - and maybe you forgot that you put it in there so a really nice surprise.

I think this is fabulous. :T

Any takers for an alternate christmas? The winter one for peace and goodwill without the stress and commercialism :mad: and a summer one with barbies, picnics and small gifts if you must because the big one is giving your time to the family on great summer day. :j Perfik! :beer:

pricklyone

My stepson is giving us a really great present, couldn't wish for anything better ...... a big jar of home-made pickled onions!! I was brought up on the principle that something you made yourself was of far greater value than what you went out and bought. It shows that the giver valued you enough to spend precious time doing this for you.

Christmas fills me with dread now, becuse it is SO commercial and far removed from what it should be like. Thanks, Martin, for putting your head above the parapet and showing it up for what it has become now. I hope you've encouraged a lot of others to do the same, and have a much happier Christmas!

catnoogacat

I think it's a great idea. No one seems to remember any more what's Xmas all about! The children these days get more toys in one Xmas than me and my siblings put together had in our whole lives, it's ridiculous! I myself can barely afford any luxuries and Xmas really takes a toll on my finances. Besides I get so many useless presents, I'd really love to get money or vouchers instead. Or even no presents, so I wouldn't have a house full of crap which I must have on display in case someone pops over, while I have to keep the heating to a minimum because I can't afford the bill otherwise. :mad:
I did suggest no gifts/vouchers/one present limit only to be called a grinch, party pooper, ungrateful so-and-so, pagan etc. I used to love Xmas when it was just close family and a few life-long friends, where we stuck to the one USEFUL present rule, it was about spend time with each other and having a great day. Now I hate Xmas with extended family where's all about who cooks the poshest food and the sheer number of presents...

DaveBarnes

We're making biscuits for family and friends and just buying toys for the kids!