Will You Cut Back on 2011 XMas Spending?
 

Just imagine, we're only a little over three months away from Christmas shopping season. :)

How is your family coping with the current economic crisis? Have you cut back on Christmas spending over the past few years?

Re: Will You Cut Back on 2011 XMas Spending?
 

Last year we had to cut back on Christmas spending.
I'm not sure what we'll do this year.

We live on a pension check from where I worked for 32 years plus my wife and I both collect Social Security. We live on what is about 2/3 of our 1997 income and it gets tighter and tighter as the income stays the same and the expenses/costs keep rising.

Re: Will You Cut Back on 2011 XMas Spending?
 

I am pretty sure this Christmas will be the same as the last.

Re: Will You Cut Back on 2011 XMas Spending?
 

How many people do you buy Christmas gifts for?

Re: Will You Cut Back on 2011 XMas Spending?
 

years ago we decided to de-commercialize Christmas, we make it about having a nice dinner together, exchanging small, inexpensive, but thoughtfull gifts, attending a Christmas play or musical, and just being together as a family.

there is no pressure, no hustle/bustle, just pure unadulterated enjoyment and peace.

Re: Will You Cut Back on 2011 XMas Spending?
 

We spend very little. We try to have a family dinner and the kids play games. I try to buy a nice ham once a year and it is at Cristmas time. Quite expensive for our income but my kids look forward to it. They love the American way of fixing ham. That is a real highlight for our family. Some years if we have the means we cook for those that have nothing and invited them to have dinner with us.

Re: Will You Cut Back on 2011 XMas Spending?
 

I like it! :)

Re: Will You Cut Back on 2011 XMas Spending?
 

Sounds great!

Re: Will You Cut Back on 2011 XMas Spending?
 

I like this idea too! :thumbsup

Re: Will You Cut Back on 2011 XMas Spending?
 

We started cutting back a few years ago as well. I think the principal of simplicity has been lost for quite some time now but is making a quick come back as a result of the economy...