Is it time to ban Christmas presents? Blog and poll discussion
Comments
-
I gave up buying Xmas presents for anybody other than my nephew and niece a few years ago, and made it clear to friends and family that I didn't want to receive presents either, as that would just put me in a very embarrassing situation.
The relief of not having to trawl round the shops in December desperately thinking what to buy for people , knowing that there's a fair chance that my gift might prove to be a waste of money, is immense. It's also great not to have to pretend that the gift you received on Xmas Day was just what you always wanted!
On the other hand people think I'm a bit weird (but then they thought that anyway), and I'm sure that a few think that I'm just a miser. You have to be reasonably thick skinned to adopt the 'no presents at Xmas' philosophy.
I do exactly the same - and i can live with people thinking i'm odd. I have, however put more emphasis on birthday presents - but don't expect presents for my birthday - at 50+ having some flowers is nice but there's nothing I need and I'd prefer my children and elderly parents to keep the money for themselves0 -
you know, christmas drives me barmy, I am possibly the most disorganised person on the planet, made tentimes worse by having the memory of a gold fish and three young children. Every year sees me wandering around the shops chanting what will i buy, what will i buy with a glazed deranged look in my eyes and drool down one cheek. Every year I never feel I have bought anything decent, its always an anti climax. But i wouldnt have it any other way. For all it stress, commercialism and so on, christmas has given me some of the happiest memories I have and yes the exchanging of gifts is part of that. I dont think it should be an obligation no, but a ban is extreme.:starmod:Sealed Pot Challenge Member 1189:starmod:0
-
We have finally done something about it this year. Between me and my wife we now have 24 direct family members (not including aunt's, uncles etc) and we have another child due on 23rd December (already got 5 and we have one on the way - but don't tell anybody!). As a result the last few years we have spent over £600 each year and it was getting out of hand. We have told people we are only going to be getting the children presents this year as it is just getting ridiculous. I didn't give people the opportunity to argue about it, just told them they won't be getting anything so don't get us anything.
What most people don't realise is that it isn't just the presents. We live in Plymouth and my family all live in Oxfordshire. Nobody comes to see us, we always go to see them. It costs about £100 in travel and food etc and we are still expected to come armed with presents.
Well, not this year!0 -
I gave up the Christmas present nonsense many years ago. I had been made redundant and I made it clear to the whole family that I would not be buying any Christmas presents and that they were not to waste their money buying any for me. We have continued with that because they all agreed that it was a waste of money!
All you are doing is buying someone something that they probably neither want nor need and they do the same for you. It's stressful trying to think what to buy and it all has to be done by a certain date. If I want to buy something for a family member, I do it at any time of year when I see something that I know they will like - not expensive items usually.
Use the money to buy presents for your own children or treat yourself, if you can afford to, but don't waste it on exchanges of (in many cases) useless/unwanted gifts.0 -
Agree with Martin's comments - there's a lot of pressure and obligation at Christmas. We decided in my family a while ago that cards are potentially a waste of money and eventually get thrown away anyway, so we get a book for around the £3-4 mark (which is the cost of some cards) and sign the inside cover instead. Means the receiver actually gets a present and card all in one. We’ll be doing this at Christmas for the adults and nothing else and pooling money to get something for the kids and Christmas dinner. Not getting anything for outside the family. Seems everybody is in the same boat anyway.0
-
Very, very interesting read. I stopped work this year to go to University, and subsequently, have little money. I spoke to all my friends and told them that I could not afford to buy Christmas presents for them and their children, and all, apart from one, were really good about it. Most of my friends were actually feeling the pinch themselves, so we made an agreement not to buy presents for each other and each others children. The friend that did object, said to 'buy something small' for her daughter, however, if I had bought something small for one child, then I would have to buy something small for all the children! I explained that, and my friend replied 'Well dont expect anything yourself if you cant be bothered to buy anything for my little girl'. Whilst I never expect presents off anyone at any time, I think this just sums up how many people see Christmas, and I think its such a shame.0
-
I agree with this and believe or not I've been having similar thoughts recently.
Apart from maybe some new socks I really feel like I have everything I need. But this Christmas I expect people will still rack their brains for what to get me and I'll receive gifts that I don't really need or want. Perhaps I'll get some cologne to add to the three nearly full bottles I already have or maybe a book I won't read or other miscellaneous gifts that will be donated to a charity shop next time I have a sort out. I'd rather people just saved their money.0 -
I also suggested a no presents policy to my family last year. It actually worked out pretty well, we just brought along things that we could use on the day like cheese and wine. I've always refused to participate in secret santa at work which led to a few comments but I'd rather have that than add even more junk to my house.0
-
I have been a BAH HUMBUG for a few years now after decideing to give christmas up, and feel very relaxed about this time of year now.
Not so long ago I took a tramp in over Christmas, my family and friends were appaulled, brings to mind season off good will !!!!!!
My adult children get money and are happy about this, they can buy what they want, all i ask for is a cup off tea !
I dont even send cards and oh the joy of not filling my bin with rubbish,
The one thing i have not found at this time off year is a christmas free haven
any ideas...
On a serious note i became very depressed in this season and found the whole thing stressfull...PENNY
0 -
Humbug! Ban Christmas altogether!
No seriously, this is an excellent article, the most important bit is here and discloses how companies exploit consumers especially around Christmas. Of course this line of reasoning is their worst nightmare.We’re spending money on unneeded, unwanted and unused goods; that’s not good for our finances, and doesn’t help the environment, as it just clogs up landfills
With regards to cards, perhaps we could send Ecards. There must be a version on facebook? For physical cards, why not have a truly recycleable card where you just rub out the previous name and put in you own?0
Categories
- All Categories
- 343.1K Banking & Borrowing
- 250.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 449.7K Spending & Discounts
- 235.2K Work, Benefits & Business
- 607.9K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 173K Life & Family
- 247.8K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 15.9K Discuss & Feedback
- 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards