Help me deal with Christmas this year

ilovemygarden

and don't feel guilty about it either.

Just because somebody spends x amount of £s more on a present for someone else, it doesn't mean they love the recipient any more than you do.

[Deleted User]

do what we did a few years back;we just didn't buy any of the "hangers on"anything,they got the message
last year we didn't buy anyone anything and donated the money to the sally army,some didn't like it but it was our decision

jkl123

A great thing you can do is buy family presents, so anyone that is still living together you could get something for he whole family maybe a board game or make a movie night in hamper, buy cheap dvd sweets choccy all on offer, looks really nice but don't cost much for a family xx

Kim_kim

Mojisola wrote: »

And, even if you don't, stick to your decision.

If they want to keep on buying presents for each other, that's their choice. You don't have to buy for them and they don't have to give you anything.

I would agree with this, it becomes a chore, rather than a pleasure.

OP - I don't think you can or should ask people to contribute towards what you want to buy your daughter, that could sound very crass. It's different if people offer, but you can't ask that one.

lea2012

I think the best way forward would be to contact them all by whatever means you see fit, even if thats via facebook. Drop them a line and just explain that you love being part of a big family but that from now on you won't be buying everyone presents and that you don't expect any in return.

I wouldn't ask for donations towards a bigger present for your daughter as I feel that this could come across a bit hypocritical. If you get too many toys then I would say don't open them and then take some back after christmas! You may not get a full refund but you might get vouchers that you could use at another time to buy a bigger gift.

If you have a large family that has lots of children why not suggest that instead of presents you all have a day out? We have a family day out with all my aunties, uncles, cousins etc each year. It started off as 16 of us and now we are up to 25! We've usually gone on a Santa Steam Train and then out for dinner somewhere but this year the kids are a little bit older now so we are going to a local farm that has a 'reindeer experience' and a santa visit. That way you save money, still see each other but make great memories instead

Nargleblast

I don't think there is as anything to be ashamed of by being straight and saying now you are new parents you can no longer afford to buy every man and his dog presents, so, in acknowledgement to the difficult economic times we are in, you will only buy for immediate family, but are happy to contribute to a big family get-together e.g by contributing food or drink along with everyone else? Anyone who holds that against you can go feed the trains.