How to Reduce Christmas Present Obligation?

Wraithlady

Think you may be right, V4M. I had a situation where I received a passive-aggressive letter from a family member saying she would no longer get me anything as I 'never said thank you'. Not entirely true, but hey. So I stopped buying her anything.

Oddly enough, after a few years our relationship improved - I think the problem was, she didn't know what to get me, didn't ask me and resented the time and effort she put into getting me the frankly bizarre presents I received so in her mind I was 'insufficiently grateful'. (I'm not judging, btw)
Once this pressure was off, the resentment must have waned.

Spendless

Woohoo sis-i-l has approached DH about 'only buying for the kids' this year. Now strictly speaking there's only 1 kid, my 15yo DD, DS is 18 and legally an adult and sis-i-l 'child' is in their late 20s. However since I've already got something personalised as prev mentioned am happy to 'suck it up' for this year and potentially the next couple.

3 presents only to buy on DH's side this year.

Still 6 on mine, but since 2 are in their 90s and a further 2 I will also stop in a few years also.

pickledonionspaceraider

We gave up xmas present obligations (other than small children in the family) years ago

Every year there are certain members of family who STILL buy us tat that mostly ends up on the car boot pile. Like a pair of christmassy socks or some other complete rammel

It makes me feel bad. We have asked them to stop umpteen times over several years. It actually really grates on me tbh

katiepants

I messaged both my MIL and SIL yesterday morning about cutting down Christmas presents this year, and as of yet not had a reply from either. Both are normally quick off the mark with messages. Hope I haven't offended them!

Stoke

LuckyPenny wrote: »

I used to buy gifts for colleagues at work but was made redundant this year. I've started at a new place, I'm already thinking about what I can buy as little gifts because I love getting gifts for people. But I'm going to resist because once you start, you just can't stop without feeling guilty/tight/embarrassed. Someone has suggested a secret santa and I may take part if she asks again.


My favourite gifts have been gifts made by my DD, last year she made me a cushion. Thoughtful gifts are the best. Quite like experience gifts too because I'm trying to declutter at the moment.


I genuinely mean it when I say to anyone, I don't expect anything in return. I don't give to receive. But understand that people feel awkward with this.



LP x

They do secret santa where I work but I've not taken part for a few years. Bit of a pointless exercise in my opinion.