This might be a good year to skip gifts for Christmas.

[cinematicdiversions]

I notice a lot of people buy gifts out of habit. This might be a good year to break the habit, especially for non-spousal adults in your family.

Buckle up, as they used to say, it is going to be a wild ride.

[3Hotdogs]

1. Years ago, we went to Secret Santa grab bag for relatives.

Then to kids only.

Guess what?


Everybody was happy with the decisions.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

35. Same with my family.

We switched to only gifting the children, plus one inexpensive gift to play "white elephant" among the adults.

Then it was changed again, to only buying gifts for your own young children.

Everyone was tired of receiving gifts they already owned, returning items to stores, etc.

[milestogo]

2. "especially for non-spousal adults"

huh?

[obamanut2012]

5. Wondering the same

I guess my fiancee and I are supposed to not buy one another any Xmas gifts. I wonder if that extends to birthday presents, too?

[cinematicdiversions]

11. Well non partners would be more inclusive.

as someone notes below, a fiancee should certainly be included.

I find as much as couples say to each other no gifts, at least one of them will break that rule. So proceed at your own risk there. But adult siblings they are on their own.

[Rorey]

3. Thank you for posting this

We stopped gifts for adults in the family years ago, and I think everyone was relieved about it. If we get together this year, and I'm not taking that for granted, we'll do the Saran Ball Game again. Great fun, and it doesn't break anyone's bank.

[Scrivener7]

15. What is the Saran Ball Game?

[Rorey]

21. How it's done

You don't need to watch the whole thing to get the idea.

The way we make it is one person starts it with the "big prize" in the middle, and then adds various things, layering them all in. Then it gets passed to someone else who keeps it for a few days, doing the same thing. We start it weeks before Christmas. Our ball ends up being huge! When it's my turn to build on the ball, I put in modest gift cards, money, candy, and cool little items. You can really use your imagination.

Nobody knows what anyone puts in, so if someone really can't afford to do much, or anything at all, that's just fine. Passing it around makes it so one person doesn't incur the entire cost.

On Christmas Day, after the meal, we all sit around in a huge circle and play the game.

We haven't done it with oven mitts.

[Scrivener7]

32. I LOOOOOOOVVVVVEEEEE THIS!!!!

[Rorey]

37. It's great fun.

Somehow I never took away any of the loot. Anything I unwrapped somehow ended up in a grandchild's pile, which was just fine with me.

[bluestarone]

49. Great idea!

Will use THIS!

[LittleGirl]

4. You exchange gifts with your family?

Really? Who can afford that?

[marble falls]

6. It used to be insane. Now it's somple and with few gifts. Much better.

[Sherman A1]

7. Less stuff for all of us

Is probably a good idea. I’ll be doilies gift cards for the younger folks in the family. The adults with whom I exchange gifts will be e gift cards for local businesses. I except to mail one holiday package and it will go out before thanksgiving.

[C_U_L8R]

8. Better yet, make something.

Be your own supply chain.

[Rorey]

9. I think a lot of people, including children, learned a valuable lesson last year

The traditional things didn't happen in my family. We didn't get together. We didn't give gifts. I know some of the kids were sad about it. Personally, I was fine. I had some video chats with my kids, and I watched movies. I was thankful to get to do those things.

Nobody was in the hospital. We're all still here. I think a lot of people learned important lessons about what matters. That's a gift in itself.

[Demsrule86]

29. We made sure the kids had Christmas...Kids don't need to learn lessons like that at a young

age IMO...and there was little need. You could order gifts and food. We used zoom and our phones to make Christmas special...it was different as we had to be careful. I had Covid during Christmas.

[Rorey]

36. Sorry, I worded it poorly - very little sleep due to booster side effects

The kids in the family all had plenty of gifts in their own homes, and some of us grandmas got to watch via video chat.

What I meant was that last Christmas was different from what they're used to having. No huge family gettogether with their grandmas and great grandmas. We're a very close family, including the in-laws. The cousins didn't get to have their usual massive play date.

Sorry I misrepresented the way it was. From me, they got money, which doesn't really impress a young child.

[Demsrule86]

56. I had Covid last Christmas...and I expect my son won't come this year as his baby is too young to

be vaccinated. My daughter's boyfriend has a Covid although he was vaccinated so it is mild...but the baby...well we can't take the chance. I will buy gifts and mail them to Indiana. The other kids will be here for Christmas. I want to make it very special.

[Demsrule86]

58. No need to be sorry...

It is just I feel pretty strongly about this. I have seen kids really hurt by this teach them life's lessons when they are too young. My daughter's former boyfriend was taken to the dollar store for his gifts and some years got nothing. There were other cruel things his parents did...and they ruined this kid. The Dad talks about how kids have to learn about the real world etc etc...but in my opinion, what they did was akin to child abuse.

[Rorey]

62. This reminds me

When my kids were young, two brothers who lived across the street, and were friends with my kids, used to almost always show up at supper time. We were struggling, but of course we let our kids invite them to eat with us. One day my husband asked them why they always showed up at meal time. They told him that they were "grounded" from eating with their mom and younger sisters. After the mom and sisters finished eating, they were allowed to eat what was left, which was usually not much. Then they got to do the dishes and clean the kitchen. I have no idea why they were being punished. Probably for existing.

For Christmas they got very little from their mom. She would shower whatever boyfriend she happened to have at the time with gifts, and their sisters got gifts, but they got practically nothing.

The boys grew up and had families of their own. They were always very sweet. Then one day I found out that the older one had committed suicide. It was pretty heartbreaking to hear. I wonder if his mother even cared.

[NurseJackie]

10. I know a few people who always boast "I've finished my Christmas-shopping!"

I know a few people who always boast "I've finished my Christmas-shopping!" --- Usually it's right before, or just after Thanksgiving... I hate them. (And when I say "hate" what I really mean is... I'm envious.)

I wish I was that organized.

I still have a couple of boxes of brand new Christmas cards (from Costco) that I bought three years ago... intending to send a card to friends and family. Maybe one day I'll get around to sending them. --- I hope there's no copyright date printed on the back anywhere.

Buckle up, as they used to say, it is going to be a wild ride.

98% of my xmas shopping will be online... and I might find an item or two at Target or Costco.

I can't recall the last time I actually GIFTWRAPPED any present (ie: traditionally... with colorful paper that's folded and cellophane taped) ... Typically, I'll just let Amazon do the wrapping. Their draw-string fabric gift bags are perfect! And I save them all to re-use!

[Tom Rinaldo]

12. Shop wisely, shop early, but if most people stopped shopping it will be a big economic hit

on the economy which is overly dependent on consumer spending during "the Christmas season". And THAT would lead to a political hit for Democrats who will get blamed for a poor economy on our watch.

[Rorey]

38. That's a good point. NT

[cinematicdiversions]

47. I am not sure we should buy things just because our guy is in office.

Most aAMericans simply have too much stuff as it is. It simply is a case we don't need to buy anything else for a while.

[Tom Rinaldo]

48. Agreed. That's why I said "shop wisely."

No unnecessary purchases, but it isn't necessary to stop making purchases because of supply chain issues either. That's why I said "shop early."

[Efilroft Sul]

13. I still can't get my kids the Xbox they were supposed to find under the tree last Christmas.

Last edited Tue Sep 28, 2021, 11:38 AM - Edit history (1)

And given the complete breakdown in the supply chain, it looks like Santa Claus ain't coming to town again this year.

[cinematicdiversions]

14. I have been trying for the past year as well.

I really wish Microsoft or the retailers would simply have a waitlist instead of selling units to resellers that double the price.

[Scrivener7]

16. I ordered a new sofa in June. They told me I MIGHT have it by December.

[Luciferous]

19. I bought a couch last winter and it took about 4 months to get it

[Demsrule86]

27. It is hit or miss...I ordered a new sofa from Ashley after the House sold in Austintown...

and it took about a month...love it.

[Scrivener7]

33. This is disconcerting. I dropped what for me is a lot of money on the store, bc you have to

pay half up front. And now I just wait.

[MissB]

46. I've seen some 7-9 week lead times recently on furniture like sofas.

I'm used to 12 week lead times for some of the furniture we've bought over the years - locally made craftsman stuff by a specific place.

But it's just odd to see such long lead times for large chains.

[SYFROYH]

57. I'm grateful that my kid and his friends moved to gaming computers.

It's simpler that way.

Plus, for a while, we had to have both because some friends were XBox and some were PS4.

He assembled it himself which was exciting for me to see as a father. Of course, he fubarred the motherboard and I had to buy another one, but it was a $400 learning experience.

[Efilroft Sul]

61. Glad to hear your son and friends have a workaround to the consoles.

We live in a saltbox of a house, and the Xbox is the only good option for us, space-wise.

[central scrutinizer]

17. Our family stopped years ago

We pledge money (suggested amount: $25) and each person nominates a nonprofit. If there is no consensus, we draw a name out of a hat, bundle the money and make the donation. No gifts to each other except hand made things like knitted items, canned or dried stuff from the garden.

[Rorey]

39. I love that idea NT

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

51. Love that.

My family stopped exchanging presents years ago. I have a grown son I send something to. I will probably spend Thanksgiving with my sister, who has three grandchildren, and while there I'll most likely purchase gifts for them. But the total obligation is quite small.

I do like the money to a non profit. That's admirable.

[Luciferous]

18. We don't buy adults presents, and my kiddo is in high school and was the baby of the

whole family, so Christmas has been a pretty low-key affair in our family for a while now. This year there is a new grandbaby so I'm sure she'll be getting spoiled though 🙂

[Amishman]

20. Don't buy something shipped in from a Chinese factory, buy small and local

We have a family member who makes great candles, soaps, and bath scrubs; we're going to buy a bunch from her for gift ideas.

Support local small businesses and crafters.

[Demsrule86]

26. The small and local goods are likely made in China as well.

We need to start making our own stuff...China is costing our auto companies billions because we can't make chips here...it is a security issue.

[samnsara]

31. My gift giving has been whittled down quite a bit but everyone gets the same:

Last edited Tue Sep 28, 2021, 10:27 AM - Edit history (1)

......a Can of Cougar Gold cheese ( made right here at Washington State University),
......a box of Applets and Cot-lets ( also made right here in Washington State)
....... just added: 4 Cosmic Crisp Apples ( again, developed here where the cheese is grown)
.......a bottle of 2 Buck Chuck ( bought here in the state

and this year I will include candles my dtr makes


everyone gets the same and everyone loves to eat and drink

[MissB]

45. that all sounds lovely.

My niece bought us a big can of the cougar gold cheese last year. I had no idea that it was supposed to be refrigerated!! It sat in the pantry for months.

[MineralMan]

22. It might, but that would be an individual decision, I'd think.

I'm content to let everyone decide such things on their own.

[samnsara]

23. gifts cards will never be in short supply

[cinematicdiversions]

55. Cash is a very helpful gift. NT

[brooklynite]

24. Or, just buy gifts earlier...

[Demsrule86]

25. No, I am going to have Christmas period. I am buying gifts for my family and having a

family dinner.

[maryellen99]

28. Same here...nt

[joetheman]

30. Actually, my family has no choice. Mortgage, food, school, medicine...Xmas gifts are not even on

the list.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

34. I have several young great nieces and nephews, and get something for them

The only adult I buy for is my son. He's a happy coffee drinker, so I now just get him some coffee. I can get some special New Mexico flavors which he really likes and I don't think can get on the East Coast.

[Rorey]

40. My son's girlfriend brought me coffee beans from a shop in Seattle

They visited last month, and we had never even met in person. It was if she knew my soul. I already liked her, but she definitely gained some points.

[jmowreader]

41. I'm going to do homemade goody trays

The “tray” that will be used is a ceramic tile with rubber feet glued to the bottom.

True story: my mom had the lowest-grade laminate countertops in her kitchen, and was always worried about scorching them. (I have her house now and trust me, those damned countertops are gone, gone, gone.) She bought one of those countertop ovens that looks like a big crock pot with an aluminum pot instead of a ceramic one and was worried about scorching the counter, so I went to Home Depot, bought an 18” porcelain tile, a pack of rubber feet and a small tube of silicone caulk and glued the feet to the tile. This happened the day before Thanksgiving and the entire day before, plus until noon of Thanksgiving, she was like “where am I going to store this? I have nowhere to put this.”

And then she accidentally put a pan on the thing. Suddenly she realized what I had done was installed the world’s biggest trivet in her kitchen. She used it every day of her life.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

43. What a nice story.

[BannonsLiver]

42. A Christmas doom thread before Oct 1!

[cinematicdiversions]

53. With supply chain issues even the Christmas doom threats have to be early this year

Nt

[MissB]

44. I've been trying to hit up Etsy

but my last made-in-the US Etsy item is still in Fed Ex purgatory, and it was an item for myself that I considered getting for a niece for Christmas if I like it.

But... now I'm back to the standard consumables that we've gone to generally as a family.

I'll buy the great niece and great nephews some locally made something from the Saturday Market closer to Christmas. Everyone else gets a bottle of wine, some home canned pickles and jam, and my fabulous toffee. It's simple and largely local stuff.

My adult sons are in their early 20s, but they don't need anything in particular. I'll figure something out over our Thanksgiving visit and look locally for it. They'll be home for Christmas. DH and I usually drop down to Powells Books and buy them each a book. It is a tradition. But definitely smaller this year in general, and nothing off Amazon or the like if I can absolutely avoid it, simply because shipping is so utterly fucked up.

It is kinda funny to exchange bottles of wine with my siblings, but frankly I see it as a chance to get out of our rut of four or five wines.

[LiberatedUSA]

50. Just tell the kids Santa didn't make it. N/t

[Dorian Gray]

54. My daughter will love that!

Ten year olds are very understanding about this type of thing.

[Tink41]

59. I actually did some retail therapy today

First time since early 2019. First time as in browsing, looking at things as opposed to a mission. Shelves seemed bare as opposed to 2019. These stores have really "slimmed" down, selection wise. Target. Went to grab some new Halloween decorations as this will be the first year decorating again after several year empty nest break. They didn't have much. Went home empty handed.
I didn't purchase gifts last year, and don't see it this year either. Is it so bad to have supply chain issues this Holiday Season? Might be better off doing activities w the family as opposed to an onslaught of gifts soon forgotten.

[cinematicdiversions]

63. I hit an art auction over the weekend and I did a lot more damage than I meant to.

I was surprised by the sheer number of people spending money though. Tons of 30 something couples dropping 5 figures on a picture.

[11 Bravo]

60. Cindy Lou Who gives that a hard no.