When my kids were little we splurged more on Christmas gifts to fill their dreams and create some magic. And of course, giving bicycles and rocking horses was more expensive anyway! But as time has passed, we have gotten more practical and spent less. Or so I assume.
The smart advice is to make a gift budget and stick to it. I like to think I've done so for years, but not written formally, e.g. in my head. Today is the last day I need to buy gifts and this year curiousity got the better of me so I decided to add up the total costs of gifts.
Included: What I spent on husband, kids, my parents, his parents. And the few incidentals: a couple of the kids' friends, my office gift exchange, a coach, and a bus driver.
Not Included: What my husband spent on me, his office mates, what my kids will spend on their dad
NOTE: I didn't send any gifts this year to my adult siblings and their kids. Everyone is too grown up now. I've already made some small cash donations and gifts to charity also not shown.
11.00 Books
45.00 Pet Mouse
15.00 Lamp
25.00 Wood kits
11.00 Dry erase board
15.00 Umbrella
130.00 Panniers
45.00 Gourmet Foods
15.00 Purse
10.00 Subway Gift Card
7.00 Friend #1
12.00 Friend #2
6.00 Scarf/Gloves
20.00 Scarf
40.00 Boxed Wine Set
14.00 Gloves
100.00 video games
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547.00 TOTAL
So for a family of four, how does that sound? Probably lower than the US average? Generous compared to so many that are without this year? News yesterday reported half of the US population is 2.0 times poverty level or lower right now
Thanks for reading. No matter what you are able to do this year, help others. That will enrich your holiday I guarantee. And I promise to do the same.
I'm done and now to help others
December 16th, 2011 at 05:13 pm
December 16th, 2011 at 05:27 pm 1324056426
December 16th, 2011 at 06:01 pm 1324058469
Me too (& not just during the holidays!). But, I think that is very well said.
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This year in particular I am noticing an inverse relationship between money had and money spent for Holidays. I suppose that makes sense - that those who focus on the materiality are also broke? Anyway, you are well below average in spending, yes. We usually spend around $500-ish during the holidays, and that strikes *me* as a lot of money (or, as generous).