OMG! I just added up the number of people we are giving gifts to this year. 30. I think I'm in shock! I had no idea it was that many.
I've included our immediate family, extended family, teachers, a coworker and friends. The list is pretty typical of most years.
Luckily, I've been getting some very good deals this year. For example, I bought three items from Old Navy today and paid only $2.47 out my own pocket! Nice.
Right now, there really isn't a way to trim down the list, unless I knock out the teachers and friends. The biggest part of the list is extended family. I have 10 neices and nephews, age 21 to 6 mos old. I can get away with less than $10 for the youngest ones and spend around $15 for the older ones. In fact, many are getting just that: $15 cash.
How many people do you buy for at the holidays?
Gifts for 30 People!!
December 7th, 2009 at 02:43 am
December 7th, 2009 at 03:22 am 1260156158
December 7th, 2009 at 03:55 am 1260158124
We saved time this year by making donations to a charity in honor of 10 of the adults. That would not work for the children or teens so they get a gift or a GC. The petsitter & housecleaner get treats and $$, and some friends get treats or wine. We try to keep it simple.
The best gift is what my dh and I do for each other (in lieu of gifts). We call it our "Secret Santa" project and we started it a few years back. It involves taking a set amount of cash, then dividing the $$ and placing a modest amount in a Christmas card (usually it's $15-20). We keep it anonymous... no signature on the card. We just walk up to someone we feel needs it and say, Merry Christmas and hand them an envelope. We focus on anyone who looks homeless, day workers standing out in the rain, etc. It's amazing how simple this is but we know it makes someone feel special, even if it's for a day. Then we drive away immediately and never see them again. Best of all, is how it makes us feel.
December 7th, 2009 at 04:44 am 1260161094
Or, another gift I really treasured (of course, this was a student who used every ounce of my energy and brain power in managing each day ...) totally surprised me with a birthday gift of a red rose in a vase with a teddy bear holding it. His mom told me it had totally been his idea. It is sitting on my bookshelf in the living room.
December 7th, 2009 at 02:09 pm 1260194979
Frugaltexan: I'm giving to three teachers. I think I will get a Panera Bread gift card for $10 each. My sister is a teacher. I know how hard they work for the pay they get. My gift is the least I can do to show our appreciation. I can have the girls write in the card. Very good idea!
December 7th, 2009 at 03:53 pm 1260201206
But there are two nice guys I work with I'd like to buy something for. I work in a factory and have lots of nice friends. I'd like to at least get something for Marlene and Sylvia, but then I'd like to get Linda, Ida, Cindi, Lisa, Martha, Margarita, Alicia, and Claudia a little something.
And then, what am I giving God for Christmas. A gift to church? A secret Santa item to someone who doesn't know me. That too should be part of Christmas.
December 7th, 2009 at 08:31 pm 1260217871
It took me many years to get Christmas so simplified. We just exchange with less and less people every year. Though I love to get a gift "just because," I kind of hate the Christmas "have to get a gift" thing.