I was looking through some of the older threads about Christmas and came across a post about my "barest" Christmas when I was broke and living back at home. My statement was that I learned to give more of myself that year. I think it's made Christmas better ever since. Have you ever had a Christmas like that? One that was better because you spent less for whatever reason? 

We typically have a frugal Christmas. I do think we have very special holiday moments as our focus is not on material fad items but the time we spend together. When we have bought more expensive gifts, the kids remember those as very special gifts and usually appreciate them for a very long time.

 

 

We've had several like that.  What was better was that there weren't the bills that came later on the charge cards, or running out of cash before the next payday.  Less shopping also made it less hectic.  Edey

Our families Christmas's changed so much for the better and we spend so much less after I read a book called Unplug the Christmas Machine.  It's been over 10 years since I bought the book and I don't even remember the specifics but I learned you don't have to do it all to have a wonderful Christmas.  We now keep our families gifts to a minimum although I do probably buy too much for my twin granddaughters (age 6).  But we have wonderful Christmas celebrations with the traditional food my children request every year.  I have a minimum amount of decorations and we put up the tree a couple of days before Christmas.  Then it seems new and festive when Christmas arrives.  Everyone is relaxed and has a good time.  The food may not be fancy but it brings back good memories.  I don't have to spend days shopping and wrapping gifts.  Everyone needs to have a Christmas that is "right" for them and this works for our family.  Spending a lot of money doesn't equal a good Christmas, laughing and spending time with people you love truly is priceless and you don't need a MasterCard to acheive it.

Nancy

• i like all my holidays better the less i spend on "stuff."  my family members all have all the "stuff" they need, and we're all maxxed out on doodads and dustables.  so it's homemade jam and jelly and pickles and candy, and old family photos in a frame, and passed-on jewelry (sometimes fake!), and handmade afghans and quilts.  way less shopping stress and anxiety over buying the "perfect" gift.  i'd rather have the thing that involves time and thought, not another sweater or kitchen gimmick.

Edey:

What was better was that there weren't the bills that came later on the charge cards, or running out of cash before the next payday. 

Being able to enjoy what you do have without the later stress or guilt is a good thing. Much more healthy for the mind, spirit and body that way.

 

cherylm:

doodads and dustables

I like that phrase, lol.

I suppose at times that is exactly what it is..."Merry Christmas, here is this doodad that will add to the clutter that makes you miserable and you will have to work to dust it for years!"

Makes you think, doesn't it?

 

 

There was a time, back in the early 90's when times were tough for about 3 years. We managed to make good memories in spite of the money issues. We tried to make Christmas consistent rather than trying to outdo the previous year. I think the thing that makes the difference is what's in your heart, not what's under the tree.

 Last Year the kids (all grown) were on tight budgets for their first time. I asked that we do things that are special to each other and not cost alot of money. They all got together and had a group picture taken with Santa. Ive left it up all year long, with the special frame they purchased. They had a great tie spending the day together, and they had the pleasure of seeing me (mom) and their grandma almost cry at the site of the picture. We knew it was very special due to the effect in just getting 3 people together that works different shifts. This year I asked for a picture frame (5 bucks at a store) and pictures of them with their families taken thru out the year.

 

The real meaning has to do with family and loved ones, not the cost of the gift. and Smiles are priceless..

I too read the wonderful book Unplug the Christmas Machine. It changed our lives. I got the courage to ask all the adults on both sides of the family to stop exchanging presents because of this book. No more running around trying to find "Just the right gift" for 20 adults that I only see once a year. It's made a world of difference and we have never looked back. It's the best to just get together and enjoy everybody without the stress of buying that many gifts. And the stress of receiving that many gifts that I didn't need. Christmas has been much better for us ever since. Cristy