Would you consider a 'no-presents pact' this year?

london21

Depends on circumstances.
I prefer quality time and experiences with family and friends.
No pressure as far as wont be in debt just for Christmas presents. 

Pollycat

I've never bought gifts for lots of people.
Just Mum, Dad, sister and 2 kids and a friend. Plus OH.
Both parents are dead, the kids are adults and I give them money, sister too.
I don't spend a lot on my friend, just stuff that I know she'll appreciate that I buy throughout the year.
Me and OH have stuff whenever we want it so Xmas is no big thing between us.

When I worked, I stopped contributing to Secret Santa after I specifically said 'no makeup please' and was given a cheap tray of garish colours (which went to the charity shop after Xmas).

pickledonionspaceraider

Yes, people try and show love with money.  Got it so so wrong. No idea why adults buy Christmas presents for each other, tbh

izawa

No presents, just go out to a nice place like Pizza Express to eat.

Spendless

Nope, I have FINALLY this year got my present list down to who I think should be on it. parents, Grandparents, husband, our daughter, son and son's fiancee. 10 people and half of them pensioners. Though the older ones, especially the 90+ year olds can be more difficult to buy for, it doesn't mean they won't find a gift thoughtful or useful. I often found that they were in 'need' of something they hadn't thought of for themselves, far more than my kids 'needed' anything when they were younger. So have never realy understood this 'only buy for the children'. Both mine as students need items more now to help them out, than when they lived f-time at home with every requirement automatically provided. 

Kim_kim

I think presents should be for children at Christmas.  It’s ridiculous the work, stress, effort & money into adults trading gifts of a similar value!  Just swap the cash, it would be easier.  

That said I have bought for my adult daughter.  I have also bought a secret Santa for a work colleague.  And I bought 4 boxes of M&S biscuits for my team.  However due to Covid cancelling our planned meet up next week I’ve only delivered one - one who lives near my daughter.  

I have bought lots of nice things for my two lovely grandchildren.  

Spendless

How does a younger generation get taught that it is a nice, thoughtful thing to do to give someone a gift to an older family member if gifts go to children only? I'm quite proud that my daughter has managed her money well enough (frequently a difficult task for her to do) to buy  a little something for her parents, grandparents, great grandparents and brother. At 18 she's the youngest on both sides of the family so has no 'children' anywhere to buy for. She could have kept every penny to spend on herself instead but didn't. 

strawb_shortcake

Spendless said:

How does a younger generation get taught that it is a nice, thoughtful thing to do to give someone a gift to an older family member if gifts go to children only? I'm quite proud that my daughter has managed her money well enough (frequently a difficult task for her to do) to buy  a little something for her parents, grandparents, great grandparents and brother. At 18 she's the youngest on both sides of the family so has no 'children' anywhere to buy for. She could have kept every penny to spend on herself instead but didn't. 

I agree, my Daughter is in her first part time job, and she's put money aside to treat her family and friends to some thoughtful presents. 
We do have some  young children in the family to buy for. I did suggest that she didn't buy for these as they are already incredibly spoilt by gifts and don't understand Christmas yet.

Mojisola

Spendless said:

How does a younger generation get taught that it is a nice, thoughtful thing to do to give someone a gift to an older family member if gifts go to children only?

There are present-buying opportunities at other times of the year - birthdays, weddings, holidays, just to say thank you for help given.

MalMonroe

No. 

My daughter and I buy for each other and will continue to do so. A couple of close friends also insist on giving me something and my daughter's pals the same. So we do return them and we know their tastes so we can usually find something everyone will enjoy. 

My brother and sister in law ignore Christmas and although they do send cards, they are always the teeniest, tiniest ones you can imagine. They haven't given us anything for years and we don't get them anything because they don't even acknowledge that Christmas is an event to be celebrated. In fact my brother said to me once, "we don't bother with Christmas as everyone has died now". Hurtful, as we had all just had a lovely meal out together and my daughter and I actually aren't dead.

The spirit of gift giving to me is just 'it's the thought that counts'. It doesn't have to be big, expensive or lavish. Just the fact that someone thought about me, and I thought about someone. 

Yes, Christmas is very much about children. But that excuse wears a bit thin after a while. Adults are worth consideration, too. 

And let us not forget that some adults, when they were children, didn't have very happy childhoods or Christmases. 

So let's all raise a glass to ourselves and each other at Christmas, stop being miserable, give to others and have a happy season!

I also send out cards AND give to charity, it doesn't have to be either or. I'm not wealthy but I do think that during the dark wintry days in this country it's nice to have a break, give a gift and have a 'Christmassy' meal or two.

I've lived abroad for a few years and hot sunny Christmases just don't do anything for me. It's just like any other day. And I'd hate for it to be like that here. Bah humbug. Not.