how are you guys affording xmas presents this year?

[ekorB]

Seriously, what BK payment are you skipping? The payment to your attorney? Your chapter 13 payment, what?

My thoughts exactly???

[exhausted]

In previous years, my husband and I bought presents for each other, all his immediate family (except the last two Christmases) and all of my immediate family on my mother's side (which is small). For my family we used to all buy each other (a total of 6 of us) about 4-5 gifts each. That got awfully expensive.

This year DH and I aren't buying anything for each other, we are drawing names for my family (total of 2 gifts), and his family is doing a Dirty Santa exchange. The DS exchange is so much fun, and you don't have to spend a lot of money. With both family situations, there is a $30 limit. As for our friends, no gifts will be exchanged. We'll just tell them not to get anything for us because we can't afford gifts this year.

We are also doing without a tree this year, but that is nothing new. I don't think we've had a tree in about 4 years. The last one we had was a small Charlie Brown tree, as opposed to the large 7-7 1/2 flocked trees we used to get. I was hoping we could at least get another Charlie Brown tree this year, but it isn't the smart thing to do. Besides, since we have 3 cats and 2 dogs, it is a lot of hassle trying to keep the cats out of the tree and the dogs from drinking the tree water. In the end, it's not really worth it.

[epiphany]

In previous years, my husband and I bought presents for each other, all his immediate family (except the last two Christmases) and all of my immediate family on my mother's side (which is small). For my family we used to all buy each other (a total of 6 of us) about 4-5 gifts each. That got awfully expensive.

This year DH and I aren't buying anything for each other, we are drawing names for my family (total of 2 gifts), and his family is doing a Dirty Santa exchange. The DS exchange is so much fun, and you don't have to spend a lot of money. With both family situations, there is a $30 limit. As for our friends, no gifts will be exchanged. We'll just tell them not to get anything for us because we can't afford gifts this year.

We are also doing without a tree this year, but that is nothing new. I don't think we've had a tree in about 4 years. The last one we had was a small Charlie Brown tree, as opposed to the large 7-7 1/2 flocked trees we used to get. I was hoping we could at least get another Charlie Brown tree this year, but it isn't the smart thing to do. Besides, since we have 3 cats and 2 dogs, it is a lot of hassle trying to keep the cats out of the tree and the dogs from drinking the tree water. In the end, it's not really worth it.

Ha, I can't even have plants anymore since they end up as Tabby food or fodder. I have one cat who is just way too attracted to all things leafy.

But, what pray tell, is the difference between a Secret Santa and a Dirty Santa? It sounds naughty.

ep

[exhausted]

Ha, I can't even have plants anymore since they end up as Tabby food or fodder. I have one cat who is just way too attracted to all things leafy.

But, what pray tell, is the difference between a Secret Santa and a Dirty Santa? It sounds naughty.

ep

Plants? What are these things you call "plants"? LOL! I've had cats since I was about 8 years old.

If I buy flowers for someone, I have to either buy them right before I head to my destination or leave them in the refrigerator. Bringing anything leafy into my house is a certain death sentence for the poor thing.

Dirty Santa is different than Secret Santa, and IMO much more fun. I think it is also known as a Yankee Swap. Here's an explanation as to how it is done. What the article doesn't tell you is that the more people who play, the more fun it is. The first year we did it at DH family's gathering there were 12 of us. Many laughs were had.... my DH, his brother, and their uncle fought over a bottle of Crown Royal. That same year, my sister-in-law and I wheeled & dealed over a toaster oven once the game had officially ended. It involved my BIL giving up the bottle of CR to my husband and her giving up the Bath & Body works set to me in exchange for my husband's (former) toaster oven.

I'm really looking forward to doing it again this year.

[epiphany]

Plants? What are these things you call "plants"? LOL! I've had cats since I was about 8 years old.

If I buy flowers for someone, I have to either buy them right before I head to my destination or leave them in the refrigerator. Bringing anything leafy into my house is a certain death sentence for the poor thing.

Dirty Santa is different than Secret Santa, and IMO much more fun. I think it is also known as a Yankee Swap. Here's an explanation as to how it is done. What the article doesn't tell you is that the more people who play, the more fun it is. The first year we did it at DH family's gathering there were 12 of us. Many laughs were had.... my DH, his brother, and their uncle fought over a bottle of Crown Royal. That same year, my sister-in-law and I wheeled & dealed over a toaster oven once the game had officially ended. It involved my BIL giving up the bottle of CR to my husband and her giving up the Bath & Body works set to me in exchange for my husband's (former) toaster oven.

I'm really looking forward to doing it again this year.

Oh, Just off the top of my head:

Plants----Any of various photosynthetic, eukaryotic, multicellular organisms of the kingdom Plantae characteristically producing embryos, containing chloroplasts, having cellulose cell walls, and lacking the power of locomotion.

Dictionary Definition-

Cat Toys

Hope that helps.

Hey, I was right about Dirty Santa! It is naughty and it sounds like fun!

I'd probably draw number one though and end up with a broken bottle of Crown Royal that two relatives had been fighting over and be left to clean up the shards by myself. That tends to be my luck with these types of things but I may have to suggest this (far in advance and with caveats) for next year!

ep

[hopeforus]

When we moved here 2yrs ago we decided not to bother with a tree. Just didn't feel like it. But we felt bad because it's not like the kids were even toddlers and one was a newborn so hubby went out on Christmas Eve and got a hugely discounted prelit tree. We used to go only with real because hubby couldn't imagine anything else. Thank God he got ok with it. LOL But I am not looking forward to my 2yr old and that tree this year. Last year he was 1 and was bad enough... but I know this year will be worse lol This is why we wait and put it up like the week before though. Less times we have to pick it back up and fix it ;)

[fltoo]

hi. i was just wondering how everyone id doing with xmas shopping? so far it hasnt been that bad for me. in the past i would wait until dec 23rd and then go and charge it all and think...oh ill pay this back later! now i have started a few weeks ago and ive found some great sales already. my BF likes alot of brandname clothes, and every year we always get each other alot of things, well i was able to find some excellent deals at macys on some of his fave brands, and then i got some of his stuff on overstock.com for half the price it usually is! everytime i get paid i been picking him up 1 thing and i already have him done. its all the stuff hes going to like but i got it for so much cheaper, but thats my secret! maybe if i would have been doing this all along i wouldnt have to be filing BK, so im really starting to learn alot about managing money and living without credit cards, and its actually not as bad as i thought it would be.
then i figured what the hell....i called my BK atty and asked if i can skip my december payment on my BK and he was fine with it! so xmas is not going to be bad afterall. you guys should check out that overstock.com, they have some awesome deals and shipping is free....any other things you guys are doing so you can bargain shop for xmas this year?

Aah ha! So, the "secret" to money management is skipping a BK payment and buying Ralph Lauren polo shirts on sale.

[StartingOver08]

We have an pre-lit artificial tree from several years ago that actually looks very nice when it is decorated. We get together, bake cookies with our two girls and their boyfriends and make a nice dinner. In the past we did gifts, but not to the extent when our kids were little The past couple of Christmases we have not been extravagent at all, but more family oriented as the girls are older now (20 and 29 yrs). This year we will continue the cookies and dinner - but most likely pass on all gifts except for one to each daughter. Still trying to figure out what we can do for about $25 ea because that is all we have with the CH 7 going on right now!!

All in all, we actually enjoy the music, the cooking and the tree decorating (can we say family time?) ..the best.

[syn]

Buying very little this year and I know I'm not receiving much.

[estreeter34]

We are not buying much this year. Just a few things for the kids, however, we were very lucky as our bank gives us points for using our debit card and we had a bunch as we use it for everything anymore. So we were able to order several gift cards which have been coming in the mail. It is very cool as we didn't have to spend anything on these and we have everyone we buy for something already! Just a few more stocking gift for the kids and we are done. Probably nothing between the wife and I. If we have a litlle cash after the holiday we may get some things we really need, such as new towels.

[exhausted]

Oh, Just off the top of my head:

Plants----Any of various photosynthetic, eukaryotic, multicellular organisms of the kingdom Plantae characteristically producing embryos, containing chloroplasts, having cellulose cell walls, and lacking the power of locomotion.

Dictionary Definition-

Cat Toys

Thanks for the clarification. ;)

[DeeKC]

Pretty easy to just blame the economy this year. I am telling relatives that we are no longer using our credit cards so please don't buy us a present as we won't be able to reciprocate. I am making a few home-made gifts for close family members and the rest will be getting some yummy christmas candy.

[ekorB]

I'm going to make a DVD slide show of all the pictures I have stored on my PC. Easy to make, easy to ship. The hardest part is sorting through the thousands of pics I have.

[Chrisi18]

Ohhh ekor I love that idea! My mom would love that!

[Tbornetun]

Last year I was so pissed off at "Christmas", if you can even call it that anymore.

I didn't buy anyone any gifts. I had plenty of money to do so but chose not to.

I made fudge, carmel popcorn, etc.
Crocheted scarves for my sisters.
Made a bunch of crafty ornaments with the kids.

Then I made up gift boxes for each family. I wrote everyone a nice letter which explains that I am sick of the greed fest the Christmas has become and this year our family decided to give gifts that come from our heart. The entire family took a really good look at what has become of Christmas and actually thanked me for the reality check moreso than the "gifts" which they really enjoyed.

In fact, because of my rebellion last year, this year we are not exchanging gifts at all. We are each going to get the kids one gift from each family, then spend Christmas doing what we used to do a long time ago, celebrating the birth of Christ.