Make a loaf of bread and pot of soup to feed someone. Bake cookies for an elderly neighbor. Drop socks, hats and mittens off at a shelter. And go to church. I'll be dining on the best Chinese food in town, with friends who are done cooking holiday meals. Lol. Then we will make cocoa and go look at Christmas lights! SUCH FUN! 🎄🎄
@@pennynickels5216 I agree! I just donated to my friend who is a school counselor in Philadelphia. She posted an Amazon link and had chosen items her students could use. The school is K-8 and as a retired teacher and a mother of a teacher, I know there is a great need. ✝️🩵
My hubby and I have not done gift exchanges with each other for many years. Except last year we bought each other some small items and special snacks that we typically won't buy ourselves. I like Lindt chocolates truffles. He got me assorted flavors along with my favorite pretzels, some special root beer, etc. We spent less than $50 each. In the past we've purchased a log splitter for our firewood. We heat exclusively with wood. Being in our mid-60's this has been a back saver. This year we bought tickets to a local theater production in our small city (35,000). And we are planning a dinner at a local restaurant that serves classy meals in an old house in the historic district. Both of these gifts give back to locally owned businesses and support the community. A win win in my book.
Nobody remembers the presents they got as a child for the most part. What we remember is baking cookies looking at lights and decorations good food the family getting together. That is what is important!!!
I gave up the "gift exchange" 15 yrs ago. I don't miss it at all. Now I have that money to donate and feel like I'm doing something to really celebrate the birth of Jesus. ❤️
We buy gifts for the little grandkids. For us, we turn on the lights ( which are left up all year, too hard to put up and take down), watch Christmas movies and enjoy the neighbors’ lights. We’ve really slowed down in the past few years and I like it.
I still make "moms jello salad"- lime jello, shredded carrots, crushed pineapple and chopped walnuts. After years of wasting it because no one else ate it, I've started making only a small one and I enjoy every bite for myself 😂
I told my family years ago that I'm not doing the holidays anymore. I told them that I would love to go see them in January and have a cup of coffee with them. The holidays stressed me out. At first they were aghast, but it sure didn't take them long to follow suit. My sister and her husband started leaving town every Christmas. I guess you could say I gave them permission. I spoke out and told them how I felt and they all warmed up to the idea. Go grab a cup of coffee with your loved ones, have a good conversation with them and ditch all the stress of the holidays. The only thing I am doing this year for Christmas is I hand out cash in a Christmas card to people who have been of service to me over the last year. I put a wreath on the front door. And I bought some chocolate truffles for my favorite neighbors. Merry Christmas everyone!
i am in the same situation now---have been trying to ''disengage" for two or three years. The matriarch of the family is now 91 and REFUSES to allow this to happen. It's very difficult. She has one child backing her up, so it's a duo who are holding out. A trip out of town sounds great. My husband and I did trips out of town the first five years we were married just to escape family holidays---we had the money then....and no kids yet. It's all about what Dawn said---''seasons''.
@@Jendromeda Well, I will admit that I did do Christmas' every year for my father after we reunited after a long separation until his passing. It made my Dad happy, but I would usually end up in the kitchen washing the dishes just to get away from my sister-in-law who irritated me no end. I'm glad I made Dad happy. Sometimes you have to make some adjustments if it appears urgent that you do so. Ninety-One is a long time to be on this Earth. But it is up to you.
I saw a delightful video from a young woman in Sweden. She spent this year finding the perfect gift for each person in her small family and each item was from a thrift store or something someone has already given up. She got a piece of art for her Dad that no big box store would ever have and a trinket box that had a meaning to the person getting it. Wonderful!
TOTALLY AGREE!!! Thanksgiving, our family, with church members, go out to feed the homeless, and Christmas, only the little ones get gifts, the adults get gift cards to use as they need.💗💗💗
I make the food we love at Christmas that we don't eat all year long and truly look forward to. We also put up our kids Christmas artwork as part of our decorations. We only buy gifts for our kids and some of them are useful gifts. I had a very long year though and I feel strongly I want to gift myself something like a beautiful dress. I normally don't do special holiday clothes but this year I feel I should.
This is the first year that using cash for buying presents.. 20 yrs of credit card christmas.. no more, now paying off the old debts.. feels so freeing this yr!!
When we were young, starting out and broke, I suggested setting a $$$ limit, put names in a bowl, whoever you pick, you buy for that person only. The inlaws had an issue with that. We racked up debt, took 11/2 years to pay off! After that, we refused to spend bunch of money on people who have too high expectations. Didn't go over well but we have bills to pay just like everyone else!
Good for you! It never pays off to keep up with everyone. Even if your relatives didn't want to participate in drawing names, they could've been gracious enough to ask you not to give them gifts. Many families just give a family gift or just to the children. I hate that it happened, but you learned an important lesson in finance.
I’m 74 and over the last 10 years I’ve moved through several “seasons”…..when the grandkids outgrew baking & decorating cookies….I entered the season of “no more cut out cookies”…..a few years later, I entered the season of no more wrapping, it was gift bags only….Christmas dinner is still nice, but scaled back….I move from life season to life season…….it’s wonderful….thanks for sharing your thoughts…..
it's hard when others won't go along with it. i am ready to bow out. celebrate with my four walls. i'm done with gift giving. i just want to see my grands at some point and give them a gift. I have extended family who do not want to adjust.
Great topic! As I am downsizing our home, we don’t need more items to add to this. Yes, they would be used for a while, but in reality, at my age of 75 years, I look at everything now as if it will be passed forward to a donation center. Stalwart
I love this video! Exactly what I've been trying to say! Sometimes, we get in a rut & do things by rote/obligation/tradition. But that's defeating the purpose of the holidays being fun & full of joy. Sometimes, we think it's a "sin" to not make everything from scratch. Or to not have leftovers for a few days. Or to not have certain traditional foods. Or to not do things the way it's always been done. This year, for example, I said I didn't want any Thanksgiving leftovers. I ate Thanksgiving food for lunch & dinner. But Friday I needed something different, so I went to a pita restaurant and had a falafel pita, and it was so good. One year, my daughter wanted to spend Thanksgiving with her daughter instead of the whole family. But she worked shift work all the time and didn't have a chance to cook a Thanksgiving meal. So, the day before Thanksgiving, I took care of that for her. I wasn't going to let her & her daughter not have a Thanksgiving meal. So I went to Publix and got what I could from the deli. I got sliced turkey - I told them to slice it thick. I got a box of stuffing mix - that is instant & easy/quick to make. I got a can or two of cranberry sauce. I got a few sides from the deli. I got rolls. I got dessert. She & her daughter had the whole Thanksgiving meal that year, but nothing was homemade. Just goes to show that Thanksgiving doesn't have to be homemade, and it can be bought/prepared the day before.
Not a thing wrong with it at all. We do what we can, and sometimes, we just need to relax and enjoy the moment. We can do everything. We can't do it all at the same time though.
Wise words, Dawn! A large majority of the population bought into the do-it-all, buy-it-all, over-the-top holiday, but it doesn't have to be that way. We don't have kids in our lives. If we did, we'd do more and spend more. Since we don't, we've scaled back a lot in the last ten years. We prepare only our favorite foods (no need for 6 side dishes when only 2 or 3 are our faves). Hubby and I relax and enjoy our time together. We still have lots of traditions, like a Christmas movie on Christmas Eve and driving around to look at lights (sure wish I could come see Al's display!) but we don't go nuts. We're blessed enough to buy what we need when we need it and otherwise are trying to get rid of clutter, anyway. We love our simpler Christmases.
We have 5 adult married kids with 8 grandkids. My oldest daughter has the biggest house so she usually hosts Christmas. We all bring food to make it easier. Our house is big enough but now we are in our early 60s we don't have the energy to do it all.
Our daughter-in-law started hosting Thanksgiving last year. It is so nice! This year, she made everything. It was wonderful as she's an excellent cook.
The last 2 years my husband and I have just stayed home to eat a special meal for just us on Christmas. Our special trip was to the candlelight service at church on Christmas Eve.
You're so right! I love the idea of getting together and enjoying everyone's company. My husband would have a stroke if we didn't give presents. He is Mr. Christmas. I don't mind it at all, I love giving gifts, too. I just don't want to exceed our budget. Getting rest is very important to me, so I'm decorating less and not doing elaborate gift wrapping. I think we'll just have snack-type food so we can graze. I love your t-shirt. It's so cute! Love to all, Linda 💕
My daughter-in-law makes an orange jello salad with mandarin oranges and cottage cheese. It's delicious. There may be miniature marshmallows in it too.
Hi Dawn, I've never heard so much about people cutting back for the holidays as this yr. Not cooking as much, not buying so many presents, not baking as much, etc. I myself did not go "all out" for Thanksgiving. We have 2 grown children and their spouses and 2 grandsons. We took into consideration what ea one liked the most to eat and my husband and I made a menu together. We made some things and bought others pre-cooked. At 62 and 38 yrs of holidays I'm done. 😂 Same is happening for Christmas w cooking and baking. As for gifts, I only exchange w 2 friends. As for our family, I'm focusing on our grandchildren. Their parents are getting one or 2 practical items and money. My husband's bday is tomorrow. We are taking him to dinner and I bought him some clothing items. For Christmas he and I decided to spend our money on new living room furniture and an island for the kitchen. No stupid stuff 😂 Thank you for this video. It reaffirmed the fact that what we're doing is ok. Take care, 💖God bless, ✝️and Happy Holidays to all! 🎅🏻🎄🧑🏻🎄
@@theseasonedteacher3574 I like the way you processed the menu and made the decision together. It sounds as though you've started a great new tradition. ☃️🎄☃️
I have 0 family except for my 2 adult children and 1 grandchild and my husband. My inlaws are in Mexico. I'm kinda lucky,but it's lonely. I miss my grandma's big Christmas celebration. And all she wanted for Christmas was for me to cook and decorate and wrap everything at her house 😂 I miss her and how she took advantage of me 😅😂 😊
I understand that completely. We are a family of 4 who used to have a very large extended family. I grew up surrounded by cousins, aunts, and grandparents, and even more, on both sides. I used to wish for those happier times. It took a while, but I realized these are happy times too. Very different, but just as good. Make room for new memories, new traditions. It is okay to move on to a different stage of life.
My mom who is 94 years old told me yesterday that she didn't need any more Christmas cards as she was only sending cards to folks who had sent her cards last Christmas. She is one smart cookie. Our Christmas does not start until Christmas Eve however it lasts until January 6th. For us it is not just one day.
Thank you so much for posting this video. I have been feeling pressured to participate in the gift exchange at work. All my other coworkers are excited about it but i simply cant afford even small gifts for 8 coworkers. I will kindly explain to them that i wont be participating. And it feels like a big burden has been lifted! Thank you Dawn
Be proud of yourself for not being coerced into exceeding your budget. No one is as important as your family. Don't take from them to go along with the crowd.
For this year we are cutting down on the outside activities. For years we’ve gone to the tree lighting at the zoo and looked at the exhibit at the plant conservatory. We’ve decided for this year at least to not go and wait until it feels like a special activity again. We have a potluck for Christmas at an in laws and I bring the same dish every year so that’s easy. I have one cookie exchange so that’s easy. My husband’s side still gives a lot of gifts to adults and cousins and kids. We have the dollar amount for each set and I’ve let hubby know that it is Amazon gift cards all around unless I get a gift list in a reasonable amount of time. No more stressing about what to buy. My side of the family stopped giving gifts long ago. My Christmas card list is about 10 now where I send a picture in a card so that shouldn’t take too much time. I’m enjoying a Hallmark movie almost every night and just relaxing this year. I have a couple items to put outside then decorating is done. I’m 60 and Hubby is 77 so it’s about time we have relaxing holidays.
I made homemade tollhouse cookies last night, and will make snowball's next week. My Daughter makes sugar cookies with a hersey kiss in the middle. We hand them out for gifts. Happy Sunday everyone 🤗
My husband and I are disabled. A few years ago we started having chinese food for Xmas day. We buy yummy desserts. He loves panettone and I love fruitcake. We get nice chocolate too. I never really like meat-heavy meals anyway.
When I was growing up my mother’s family would get together for a picnic the first weekend in August and everyone brought food to a nice little park. Everyone put their name on a scrap of paper and put the names in something. The kids names were separate from the adults. Everyone drew a name and that was kept secret! Then on Christmas Day we exchanged gifts. There was a $5 limit for kids gifts and a gift price limit for adults. It was fun!
I gave some money to my daughter-in-law to buy clothes for my grandchildren, since I know they need new pants. On Christmas Day I'll give them a toy, but that's it. Keeping ir all within my budget. I've planned my finances through the year. For a meal, we all bring a dish for a potluck dinner.
I like that. Seasons in life. We are now in the “retired” season so Christmas is retired in some ways. Christmas Eve at one daughter’s. Christmas dinner at the others. We have planned lots of games. Way less $ spent this year. It’s crazy how freeing it is.
Repeat after me: You don't have to do any (optional) things you don't want to do. You don't have to do anything that is too stressful. Be happy! Keep things simple.
For the past several years, I just give gifts to my grandniece. Buying for all became too expensive and stressful. Since they moved away, we now do a zoom meeting. I enjoy going out to a restaurant for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. No cooking and no cleanup. Very relaxed.
hi! luv your videos. Myself and my three adult children decided last year that we were going to draw names on Thanksgiving for a stocking with a $20 limit and that’s the extent of the gifts . Christmas day we get together and have a potluck at my daughter’s. last year we had a contest amongst us making mini gingerbread houses . And I have to say I’ve never enjoyed Christmas more. There’s no stress. I don’t have to worry about anybody spending money ( including myself) that they don’t have. i wish we had started it years ago.
I agree that it is all about what brings you joy, not necessarily about what you spend money on. However, I will note that if you realize that there is something that does cost money and you love doing it, it's okay to spend money on it. Just be sure to set up a sinking fund for it, so you can spend with zero quilt. 🙌
"Unplug the Christmas Machine" by Jo Robinson A Complete Guide to putting Love and Joy into the Christmas Season *This book is an excellent resource to your topic, Dawn and can be found in most Public Libraries.
When I first saw your question, I immediately checked zero. Then, when I thought of it, I realized I always try to make a trip to visit a couple of monasteries. I haven't been able to make it in years, but I always plan on trying it. If I do manage to get there, I'll spend more in the $300-$500 range, for travel costs and donations. So, it's yet to be seen.
Same, Dawn. I have scaled way back (except purchasing for my grandson - that's still fun!) As Frugal Queen in France said, It's Just One Day. I'm using the same decorations that I have for the last few years, making a delicious Christmas meal, and trying to enjoy each moment rather than stressing out. Tonight we are strolling through a free light exhibit. And I'm perfectly content!
Amen great video 👍🏻🥰 I have struggled with this 🤔 and still struggle with card exchange. As far a big meals, baking I have just said I'm not doing anymore, some people don't like but I'm with peace with that🤔👍🏻 Thanks for sharing 🤗♥️ Happy Holidays 🎄🌟
❤I opted out of doing big Thanksgiving almost 10 years ago. Now younger generations turn. Xmas i buy for the great grands. This year I'm doing baskets...crochet hats and towels, canned cowboy candy and applesauce and am doing small amount of 3 ingredients cookies and candy. Retired and disabled but should be fun the great-grands will be helping.
Around fifteen years ago we notified relatives we'd no longer be giving Christmas gifts to anyone and to not sent any to us or our grown kids (none of our relatives live near us). We continued to give money to food banks, a high school fund for kids who couldn't even afford to buy a backpack, my husband's Alma Mater that provided him with a useful degree and a rural fire department. Some relatives didn't like it, but most were fine with it. Christmas then became a time of relaxation, home made food and zero spending. We've never looked back. Also; we're not religious so the only meaning of Christmas had always been stress, spending money and irritation. Happy Holidays.
Since retiring, I really pick and choose who to give presents to nowadays. I have one good friend, a couple of acquaintances at the senior center that are on my list. My kids and I don't exchange presents anymore. Time together is the gift. I am giving my 16 year old granddaughter 5 ten dollar bills in a Christmas card for her to spend with her friends now that she is old enough to drive on her own to Sonic and such. I will be sending a $50 Walmart gift card via email to another grandchild's mom for her to pick up whatever she thinks is needed. Other than that, I just try to be a blessing in other people's lives wherever I see someone needs a helping hand, a spirit lift or as the Lord's spirit directs me to give. Be extravagant with your time, and keep Christmas focused on things that enrich our lives. I pick a few seniors to give to, because they seem forgotten. I just want to say, "I see you."
I now understand why, later in life why my inlaws gave cash when in their 70s. Not complaining, mind you. We are at this stage now. My son wants kitchen items from Amazon, which I ordered last month. My daughter and grandson will get money. Her boyfriend will get restaurant gift cards as he likes breakfast out. Then, I'm just doing stocking stuffers. Yes, less food. Too exhausting to fix so much.
Me too! Pieapple, mandarin oranges in lime jello, marshmallows, canned fruit in red jello, etc. I always appreciated a good jello salad back in the day when they were so popular.
Christmas is so STRESSFUL😂💵 One good thing to do is instead of family gatherings BIG dinners...just invite everyone to a Christmas light display...somewhere in town after 6pm, where everyone has already filled tummies...only go out to eat a yummy dessert!😂 frugal and fun!!
we love ollies discount store and our Boscovs has awesome sales. I do givie Gift cards and one or two small gifts for the kids to,open I also sew and crochet things too. Love just enjoying a cup of coco and watch Christmas movie's.. lol 😆
This year rather than buying individual gifts for my nieces and their families I'm sending a "Family" gift they can all enjoy together. I'm sending an Air Popcorn Maker, a jar of popcorn, little paper popcorn bags, a selection of gourmet popcorn seasonings and the Muppet's Christmas Carol Movie. The entire gift comes to about $70 and is all being sent from Amazon so there is no postage fee. I figure I'm saving $400 between the two families. Merry Christmas!
Tyvm! For not giving any more gift ideas more saving ideas are appreciated. Definitely have cut back on Christmas every year little less. I was asking our adult children idea's for Christmas my son #3 pipes up "Mom I want Care package " I still coupon on items we all use, so he wants box of toothpaste, deodorant, bodywash and snacks. My daughter starting Nursing school ask for scrubs and school supplies, #2 son movie tickets for him and girlfriend, #1 son gift card he lives in Hawaii life is expensive. Grands are receiving their box and Im sharing Christmas ornaments we have collected over the years. My husband and I don't exchange presents instead we updated our mastet bathroom shower door and he is painting cabinets. Still saving for new roof hopefully by next Hurricane season.
I quit the gift giving several years ago. I don’t have any immediate family and always did Christmas with my aunt and cousins. There got to be too many people to buy for everyone so most of us just bought gifts for the small kids . They grew up and had kids ,so again bought for only the kids. That worked out in the past when small kids were happy with a cheap gift now a $20 kids gift is a piece of junk that they don’t need,want or appreciate. I quit the gifts because it is a waste of money for me and the people who think that they need to get me something because I got them something.
I have a dilemma, it use to be every year on Christmas Eve, my husband and myself would have dinner at his family’s house at 5 pm, and then leave about 7:30 pm to attend Christmas Eve service at church. However, the church has started having the earlier, at 5:45 PM. This has been for about three years. I have gone to the service without him because he chose to stay with his family. His family isn’t flexible about changing dinner time. For years, it’s always been about his family, and frankly, I like going to Christmas Eve service, and I guess since I am getting older, I would like to go to church, if I do, I will probably have to go alone. I don’t like the pressure. Any suggestions? Great video, Dawn. ❤
If it brings you peace then stick with going to church. Life is about priorities which are different for all of us. You sound very wise and Christ-centered ❤ 😊
That’s a hard one! What if you skip the dinner, both of you go to church & go to in laws after the service? Or maybe celebrate it on a different day so you can all be together. I know many families who celebrate the weekend before with one side of the family & other side on actual day.
I've said this previously, but for "me" (not speaking about anyone else), I feel I'm at the age now, where Christmas is special still of course, but it's just one day out of the year, so (to me) it's not worth all the hustle and bustle I used to go through when I was younger. I can still enjoy the day, but without the worry attached to it anymore. I have been recently thinking of ordering some kind of Christmas meal for us though (same for Thanksgiving meal). Not sure if I'm going to do that or not though, haven't decided yet if it's worth spending the extra money or not. You know it's kind of sad to me when we think we can't enjoy a special day without all of the hub bub that normally goes along with that, but each person has to decide that for themselves though.
I'm not cooking for Xmas. But I do like giving i probably spent about 250 I don't go overboard . I shop after Xmas sales n I save alot . I start my shopping in August I do enjoy giving.
Great video Dawn! I always appreciate your insight and advice! On a lighter note- Have you seen the movie Christmas with the Kranks? They decide they are going to take Christmas off. It’s hilarious! You’d enjoy this movie for a good laugh!😂
we have family members with lots of money and others who have very little and one who won't share anything she has, it makes for an awkward christmas and it's been this way for decades. If I announce that I won't do gift exchange, no one listens to me and proceed to give expensive gifts to me. It's very embarassing and irritating not to be listened to. I also have a relative who expects to have her child RECEIVE gifts each year. He is now 23 and she still expects gifts for him and he never gives a thing LOL Last year we gave cookies to everyone and she made fun of them. Oy Vey I just may stay home.
Goodness! How ungrateful! That's a tricky situation. If you've told everyone that you can't afford to exchange gifts, it's on them if they decide to buy you a gift. Graciously accept and enjoy the day!
We stay home for Christmas and slowly celebrate over the course of a few days. No rush. No fuss. Dinner is ready when it is. One thing Im still doing is making candy. Its not something I grew up doing. Its something I decided to incorporate into our celebrations when Daughter was young. English Toffee is a family favorite. Peanutbrittle is also one we love. I try to use my skills vs tons of money to make things nice. I also make one new candy each year. We laugh about the time we did a taffy pull on Christmas Eve. What a mess. Cost pennies and has provided a decade of laughter. This came out fine but wasnt repeated. Another year I made hard candy with natural food coloring, forgetting that heat would destroy chlorophyll and turn my pepperment lollipops a very unfestive army green/yellow. Disgusting. Also a one off that we never did again. I enjoy picking a new one each year. Most years we get something nice! The occasional failure makes us appreciate the good ones even more. My family gets to put in meal requests for favorites from Christmas Eve to New Years day. Some take more work than others. Its nice. Im going to make one of those cream puff tree things with the caramel. Its work, but it isnt that expensive. The cream is the biggest expense. The garden is sleeping for the most part. I have time
Wow, people are really changing. I have never heard of so many people cutting back, everywhere I look. It IS important to do the thing I want to do, to commemorate the season. I'm wondering if it's mostly because we're older and worn out. :) Are 'young people' cutting back??
Hubs and I just agreed to stop the gifting entirely. For any occasion. Feels too forced and unromantic. We’re allowed to buy each other a spontaneous gift if we find something special that makes us think of the other person. But we’re not allowed to give gifts for the main holidays anymore, Christmas’s birthday valentines anniversary because then the other person will feel obliged to find something to reciprocate. Spontaneous, thoughtful, meaningful gifts only.
I am not hosting the family meal this year because I am just tired. It's been a strenuous few years. Will bake some cookies and cake and give to a few neighbours and when the family comes over. Still haven't done any decorating but I'll get around to it in the next few days
I have the toys/gifts I've collected to donate and I've decided to "sponsor" a single mom this year. I'm giving her some makeup she wants and enough cash so she can buy Santa gifts for her 3 little ones. She's expecting again in Feb too! 🎅 Sacramento, California USA 🇺🇸
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
Make a loaf of bread and pot of soup to feed someone. Bake cookies for an elderly neighbor. Drop socks, hats and mittens off at a shelter. And go to church.
I'll be dining on the best Chinese food in town, with friends who are done cooking holiday meals. Lol. Then we will make cocoa and go look at Christmas lights! SUCH FUN! 🎄🎄
That sounds wonderful!
Marvelous, it sounds perfect!
Sounds like you have a great plan!
Chinese food sounds great. We order it out and eat at home.
@@pennynickels5216 I agree! I just donated to my friend who is a school counselor in Philadelphia. She posted an Amazon link and had chosen items her students could use. The school is K-8 and as a retired teacher and a mother of a teacher, I know there is a great need. ✝️🩵
My hubby and I have not done gift exchanges with each other for many years. Except last year we bought each other some small items and special snacks that we typically won't buy ourselves. I like Lindt chocolates truffles. He got me assorted flavors along with my favorite pretzels, some special root beer, etc. We spent less than $50 each. In the past we've purchased a log splitter for our firewood. We heat exclusively with wood. Being in our mid-60's this has been a back saver. This year we bought tickets to a local theater production in our small city (35,000). And we are planning a dinner at a local restaurant that serves classy meals in an old house in the historic district. Both of these gifts give back to locally owned businesses and support the community. A win win in my book.
What a great idea, I like your approach!
Nobody remembers the presents they got as a child for the most part. What we remember is baking cookies looking at lights and decorations good food the family getting together. That is what is important!!!
I agree!
I gave up the "gift exchange" 15 yrs ago. I don't miss it at all. Now I have that money to donate and feel like I'm doing something to really celebrate the birth of Jesus. ❤️
That's the true meaning of Christmas!
Totally agree that too much focus is put on trying to create a holiday movie rather than enjoying the company of loved ones❤
Absolutely!
We buy gifts for the little grandkids. For us, we turn on the lights ( which are left up all year, too hard to put up and take down), watch Christmas movies and enjoy the neighbors’ lights. We’ve really slowed down in the past few years and I like it.
I'm so glad you've found ways to simplify!
Slowing down is beneficial in so many ways. Enjoy the holidays!
I still make "moms jello salad"- lime jello, shredded carrots, crushed pineapple and chopped walnuts. After years of wasting it because no one else ate it, I've started making only a small one and I enjoy every bite for myself 😂
That's great!
Wonderful
I told my family years ago that I'm not doing the holidays anymore. I told them that I would love to go see them in January and have a cup of coffee with them. The holidays stressed me out. At first they were aghast, but it sure didn't take them long to follow suit. My sister and her husband started leaving town every Christmas. I guess you could say I gave them permission. I spoke out and told them how I felt and they all warmed up to the idea. Go grab a cup of coffee with your loved ones, have a good conversation with them and ditch all the stress of the holidays. The only thing I am doing this year for Christmas is I hand out cash in a Christmas card to people who have been of service to me over the last year. I put a wreath on the front door. And I bought some chocolate truffles for my favorite neighbors. Merry Christmas everyone!
This sounds perfect 😊
That sounds like a great solution!
i am in the same situation now---have been trying to ''disengage" for two or three years. The matriarch of the family is now 91 and REFUSES to allow this to happen. It's very difficult. She has one child backing her up, so it's a duo who are holding out. A trip out of town sounds great. My husband and I did trips out of town the first five years we were married just to escape family holidays---we had the money then....and no kids yet. It's all about what Dawn said---''seasons''.
@@Jendromeda Well, I will admit that I did do Christmas' every year for my father after we reunited after a long separation until his passing. It made my Dad happy, but I would usually end up in the kitchen washing the dishes just to get away from my sister-in-law who irritated me no end. I'm glad I made Dad happy. Sometimes you have to make some adjustments if it appears urgent that you do so. Ninety-One is a long time to be on this Earth. But it is up to you.
I saw a delightful video from a young woman in Sweden. She spent this year finding the perfect gift for each person in her small family and each item was from a thrift store or something someone has already given up. She got a piece of art for her Dad that no big box store would ever have and a trinket box that had a meaning to the person getting it. Wonderful!
That sounds so good!
TOTALLY AGREE!!! Thanksgiving, our family, with church members, go out to feed the homeless, and Christmas, only the little ones get gifts, the adults get gift cards to use as they need.💗💗💗
It sounds like you have a really great system.
I make the food we love at Christmas that we don't eat all year long and truly look forward to. We also put up our kids Christmas artwork as part of our decorations. We only buy gifts for our kids and some of them are useful gifts. I had a very long year though and I feel strongly I want to gift myself something like a beautiful dress. I normally don't do special holiday clothes but this year I feel I should.
I like your idea of giving yourself a special gift this year!
This is the first year that using cash for buying presents.. 20 yrs of credit card christmas.. no more, now paying off the old debts.. feels so freeing this yr!!
Great!
When we were young, starting out and broke, I suggested setting a $$$ limit, put names in a bowl, whoever you pick, you buy for that person only. The inlaws had an issue with that. We racked up debt, took 11/2 years to pay off! After that, we refused to spend bunch of money on people who have too high expectations. Didn't go over well but we have bills to pay just like everyone else!
you had a christmas year that took 1.5 years to pay off?!?!?? wow!!
no kidding to put a stop to that, that's ridiculous!
Good for you! It never pays off to keep up with everyone. Even if your relatives didn't want to participate in drawing names, they could've been gracious enough to ask you not to give them gifts. Many families just give a family gift or just to the children. I hate that it happened, but you learned an important lesson in finance.
Two grandchildren, 2 gifts, and a family meal together
Nice enjoy❤
Sounds great!
I’m 74 and over the last 10 years I’ve moved through several “seasons”…..when the grandkids outgrew baking & decorating cookies….I entered the season of “no more cut out cookies”…..a few years later, I entered the season of no more wrapping, it was gift bags only….Christmas dinner is still nice, but scaled back….I move from life season to life season…….it’s wonderful….thanks for sharing your thoughts…..
it's hard when others won't go along with it. i am ready to bow out. celebrate with my four walls. i'm done with gift giving. i just want to see my grands at some point and give them a gift. I have extended family who do not want to adjust.
@@JendromedaIt's too bad you can't celebrate the way you want.
I agree! I've scaled back on everything: decorating, cooking, gifts, and wrapping. No one seems to mind.
I love this comment
Great topic!
As I am downsizing our home, we don’t need more items to add to this. Yes, they would be used for a while, but in reality, at my age of 75 years, I look at everything now as if it will be passed forward to a donation center.
Stalwart
That is so smart!
I love this video! Exactly what I've been trying to say! Sometimes, we get in a rut & do things by rote/obligation/tradition. But that's defeating the purpose of the holidays being fun & full of joy. Sometimes, we think it's a "sin" to not make everything from scratch. Or to not have leftovers for a few days. Or to not have certain traditional foods. Or to not do things the way it's always been done.
This year, for example, I said I didn't want any Thanksgiving leftovers. I ate Thanksgiving food for lunch & dinner. But Friday I needed something different, so I went to a pita restaurant and had a falafel pita, and it was so good.
One year, my daughter wanted to spend Thanksgiving with her daughter instead of the whole family. But she worked shift work all the time and didn't have a chance to cook a Thanksgiving meal. So, the day before Thanksgiving, I took care of that for her. I wasn't going to let her & her daughter not have a Thanksgiving meal. So I went to Publix and got what I could from the deli. I got sliced turkey - I told them to slice it thick. I got a box of stuffing mix - that is instant & easy/quick to make. I got a can or two of cranberry sauce. I got a few sides from the deli. I got rolls. I got dessert. She & her daughter had the whole Thanksgiving meal that year, but nothing was homemade. Just goes to show that Thanksgiving doesn't have to be homemade, and it can be bought/prepared the day before.
great point
Not a thing wrong with it at all. We do what we can, and sometimes, we just need to relax and enjoy the moment. We can do everything. We can't do it all at the same time though.
You're so thoughtful!
Wise words, Dawn! A large majority of the population bought into the do-it-all, buy-it-all, over-the-top holiday, but it doesn't have to be that way. We don't have kids in our lives. If we did, we'd do more and spend more. Since we don't, we've scaled back a lot in the last ten years. We prepare only our favorite foods (no need for 6 side dishes when only 2 or 3 are our faves). Hubby and I relax and enjoy our time together. We still have lots of traditions, like a Christmas movie on Christmas Eve and driving around to look at lights (sure wish I could come see Al's display!) but we don't go nuts. We're blessed enough to buy what we need when we need it and otherwise are trying to get rid of clutter, anyway. We love our simpler Christmases.
So smart!
Sounds wonderful
Yes indeed! I love that: "we are blessed enough to buy what we need when we need it."
I started this a long time ago and I could not agree more
Just me the cat and dog for Christmas
And the good Lord!
A peaceful Christmas ❤
The usual suspects to have a very Merry Christmas!
The dollar store has beautiful gifts for Christmas.
Finding more peace and joy. I think that is the best gift we can give ourselves and others.
We have 5 adult married kids with 8 grandkids. My oldest daughter has the biggest house so she usually hosts Christmas. We all bring food to make it easier. Our house is big enough but now we are in our early 60s we don't have the energy to do it all.
Our daughter-in-law started hosting Thanksgiving last year. It is so nice! This year, she made everything. It was wonderful as she's an excellent cook.
The last 2 years my husband and I have just stayed home to eat a special meal for just us on Christmas. Our special trip was to the candlelight service at church on Christmas Eve.
I love the candlelight service.
That sounds peaceful.
You're so right! I love the idea of getting together and enjoying everyone's company. My husband would have a stroke if we didn't give presents. He is Mr. Christmas. I don't mind it at all, I love giving gifts, too. I just don't want to exceed our budget. Getting rest is very important to me, so I'm decorating less and not doing elaborate gift wrapping. I think we'll just have snack-type food so we can graze. I love your t-shirt. It's so cute! Love to all, Linda 💕
It's a good balance for sure.
I remember growing up in the upper midwest, my mom would make a cottage cheese lime jello salad. I actually loved it.
Mmmm... sounds good!
My daughter-in-law makes an orange jello salad with mandarin oranges and cottage cheese. It's delicious. There may be miniature marshmallows in it too.
@@3TXSisters Yum!
@@StephanieJoRountree It is very good. Now I'm craving it, lol!
Hi Dawn, I've never heard so much about people cutting back for the holidays as this yr. Not cooking as much, not buying so many presents, not baking as much, etc. I myself did not go "all out" for Thanksgiving. We have 2 grown children and their spouses and 2 grandsons. We took into consideration what ea one liked the most to eat and my husband and I made a menu together. We made some things and bought others pre-cooked. At 62 and 38 yrs of holidays I'm done. 😂 Same is happening for Christmas w cooking and baking. As for gifts, I only exchange w 2 friends. As for our family, I'm focusing on our grandchildren. Their parents are getting one or 2 practical items and money. My husband's bday is tomorrow. We are taking him to dinner and I bought him some clothing items. For Christmas he and I decided to spend our money on new living room furniture and an island for the kitchen. No stupid stuff 😂 Thank you for this video. It reaffirmed the fact that what we're doing is ok. Take care, 💖God bless, ✝️and Happy Holidays to all! 🎅🏻🎄🧑🏻🎄
True
Sounds as though you'll have a wonderful, stress-free holiday!
@@3TXSisters Hopefully for a change. 🥰🎄
@@theseasonedteacher3574 I like the way you processed the menu and made the decision together. It sounds as though you've started a great new tradition. ☃️🎄☃️
@ Thank you and Merry Christmas 🥰🎄
I gave up gift giving and getting years ago.
I have 0 family except for my 2 adult children and 1 grandchild and my husband.
My inlaws are in Mexico.
I'm kinda lucky,but it's lonely.
I miss my grandma's big Christmas celebration.
And all she wanted for Christmas was for me to cook and decorate and wrap everything at her house 😂
I miss her and how she took advantage of me 😅😂 😊
I understand that completely. We are a family of 4 who used to have a very large extended family. I grew up surrounded by cousins, aunts, and grandparents, and even more, on both sides.
I used to wish for those happier times. It took a while, but I realized these are happy times too. Very different, but just as good.
Make room for new memories, new traditions. It is okay to move on to a different stage of life.
@@christines2787 Well said!
My mom who is 94 years old told me yesterday that she didn't need any more Christmas cards as she was only sending cards to folks who had sent her cards last Christmas. She is one smart cookie. Our Christmas does not start until Christmas Eve however it lasts until January 6th. For us it is not just one day.
That's great!
No cards, no presents. Small meal with immediate family. Enjoyable church activities.
Great!
Sounds like a great plan!
Money Mom, you are just adorable in your Rudolph shirt. ❤️
😊 thank you
Thank you so much for posting this video. I have been feeling pressured to participate in the gift exchange at work. All my other coworkers are excited about it but i simply cant afford even small gifts for 8 coworkers. I will kindly explain to them that i wont be participating. And it feels like a big burden has been lifted! Thank you Dawn
That took a lot of courage! Good for you.
Good, for you. Maybe you set a trend. No need to buy for workmates.
Be proud of yourself for not being coerced into exceeding your budget. No one is as important as your family. Don't take from them to go along with the crowd.
It’s so good to hear you’ve found a way to take the pressure off!
For this year we are cutting down on the outside activities. For years we’ve gone to the tree lighting at the zoo and looked at the exhibit at the plant conservatory. We’ve decided for this year at least to not go and wait until it feels like a special activity again. We have a potluck for Christmas at an in laws and I bring the same dish every year so that’s easy. I have one cookie exchange so that’s easy. My husband’s side still gives a lot of gifts to adults and cousins and kids. We have the dollar amount for each set and I’ve let hubby know that it is Amazon gift cards all around unless I get a gift list in a reasonable amount of time. No more stressing about what to buy. My side of the family stopped giving gifts long ago.
My Christmas card list is about 10 now where I send a picture in a card so that shouldn’t take too much time. I’m enjoying a Hallmark movie almost every night and just relaxing this year. I have a couple items to put outside then decorating is done. I’m 60 and Hubby is 77 so it’s about time we have relaxing holidays.
Sounds good, enjoy ❤
I agree!
I made homemade tollhouse cookies last night, and will make snowball's next week. My Daughter makes sugar cookies with a hersey kiss in the middle. We hand them out for gifts. Happy Sunday everyone 🤗
Oh my goodness , cookies are my favorite . 🍪
yum
I grew up near where the actual toll house was. Its one of the best chocolate chip cookie recipes there is!
I love Tollhouse cookies... And the sugar cookies with the Hershey's kiss in the middle. 💋
Good choices❤
@ceciliaperales8466 Mine, too! ❤
My husband and I are disabled. A few years ago we started having chinese food for Xmas day. We buy yummy desserts. He loves panettone and I love fruitcake. We get nice chocolate too. I never really like meat-heavy meals anyway.
I'm planning on tackling panettone this year.
Panettone makes great French toast! 😀
I'd much rather have the side dishes!
When I was growing up my mother’s family would get together for a picnic the first weekend in August and everyone brought food to a nice little park. Everyone put their name on a scrap of paper and put the names in something. The kids names were separate from the adults. Everyone drew a name and that was kept secret! Then on Christmas Day we exchanged gifts. There was a $5 limit for kids gifts and a gift price limit for adults. It was fun!
How smart!
I gave some money to my daughter-in-law to buy clothes for my grandchildren, since I know they need new pants. On Christmas Day I'll give them a toy, but that's it. Keeping ir all within my budget. I've planned my finances through the year. For a meal, we all bring a dish for a potluck dinner.
It’s good to know you’re going to enjoy time with your family and still keep your finances in order.
I'm sure it helps a lot to buy clothes for your grands!
Our family decided no presents this year. We are going to just have a great meal. No pressure. It actually feels very good!
How wonderful!
That’s a great idea!
I like that. Seasons in life. We are now in the “retired” season so Christmas is retired in some ways. Christmas Eve at one daughter’s. Christmas dinner at the others. We have planned lots of games. Way less $ spent this year. It’s crazy how freeing it is.
Repeat after me: You don't have to do any (optional) things you don't want to do. You don't have to do anything that is too stressful.
Be happy! Keep things simple.
Yes!
For the past several years, I just give gifts to my grandniece. Buying for all became too expensive and stressful. Since they moved away, we now do a zoom meeting. I enjoy going out to a restaurant for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. No cooking and no cleanup. Very relaxed.
That sounds like a great plan!
hi! luv your videos. Myself and my three adult children decided last year that we were going to draw names on Thanksgiving for a stocking with a $20 limit and that’s the extent of the gifts . Christmas day we get together and have a potluck at my daughter’s. last year we had a contest amongst us making mini gingerbread houses . And I have to say I’ve never enjoyed Christmas more. There’s no stress. I don’t have to worry about anybody spending money ( including myself) that they don’t have. i wish we had started it years ago.
Sounds heavenly!
I agree that it is all about what brings you joy, not necessarily about what you spend money on. However, I will note that if you realize that there is something that does cost money and you love doing it, it's okay to spend money on it. Just be sure to set up a sinking fund for it, so you can spend with zero quilt. 🙌
You're right!
@ thank you 🥰
Great advice Dawn, taking care of yourself is so important. Put your own mask on first
"Unplug the Christmas Machine" by Jo Robinson A Complete Guide to putting Love and Joy into the Christmas Season *This book is an excellent resource to your topic, Dawn and can be found in most Public Libraries.
@@AvalonMisty it’s an oldie and a goodie!
Thank you!
When I first saw your question, I immediately checked zero. Then, when I thought of it, I realized I always try to make a trip to visit a couple of monasteries. I haven't been able to make it in years, but I always plan on trying it. If I do manage to get there, I'll spend more in the $300-$500 range, for travel costs and donations. So, it's yet to be seen.
That sounds wonderful!
Same, Dawn. I have scaled way back (except purchasing for my grandson - that's still fun!) As Frugal Queen in France said, It's Just One Day. I'm using the same decorations that I have for the last few years, making a delicious Christmas meal, and trying to enjoy each moment rather than stressing out. Tonight we are strolling through a free light exhibit. And I'm perfectly content!
That's a great plan!
Amen great video 👍🏻🥰 I have struggled with this 🤔 and still struggle with card exchange. As far a big meals, baking I have just said I'm not doing anymore, some people don't like but I'm with peace with that🤔👍🏻 Thanks for sharing 🤗♥️ Happy Holidays 🎄🌟
It’s definitely a challenge to navigate!
It has to be something you enjoy, too!
❤I opted out of doing big Thanksgiving almost 10 years ago. Now younger generations turn. Xmas i buy for the great grands. This year I'm doing baskets...crochet hats and towels, canned cowboy candy and applesauce and am doing small amount of 3 ingredients cookies and candy. Retired and disabled but should be fun the great-grands will be helping.
It sounds like you have a great plan for the holidays!
I our family if the younger generations does holidays, they don’t invite the older generation.
That's wonderful!
@@ritadyer9295How awful!
Cute shirt!
I love the advise it makes so much sense to me and it really brings you back to what is important in your life. Thank you. Merry Christmas!!
Thanks much
You're right!
Around fifteen years ago we notified relatives we'd no longer be giving Christmas gifts to anyone and to not sent any to us or our grown kids (none of our relatives live near us). We continued to give money to food banks, a high school fund for kids who couldn't even afford to buy a backpack, my husband's Alma Mater that provided him with a useful degree and a rural fire department. Some relatives didn't like it, but most were fine with it. Christmas then became a time of relaxation, home made food and zero spending. We've never looked back. Also; we're not religious so the only meaning of Christmas had always been stress, spending money and irritation. Happy Holidays.
It’s good to hear you’ve found a way to take the pressure off!
I avoid the big exchanges now. I try to honor the people who help me all year.
Good thought!
Love this
Since retiring, I really pick and choose who to give presents to nowadays. I have one good friend, a couple of acquaintances at the senior center that are on my list. My kids and I don't exchange presents anymore. Time together is the gift. I am giving my 16 year old granddaughter 5 ten dollar bills in a Christmas card for her to spend with her friends now that she is old enough to drive on her own to Sonic and such. I will be sending a $50 Walmart gift card via email to another grandchild's mom for her to pick up whatever she thinks is needed. Other than that, I just try to be a blessing in other people's lives wherever I see someone needs a helping hand, a spirit lift or as the Lord's spirit directs me to give. Be extravagant with your time, and keep Christmas focused on things that enrich our lives. I pick a few seniors to give to, because they seem forgotten. I just want to say, "I see you."
I love your focus on being a blessing!
I'm grateful for the current postal strike here in Canada. It has given me the perfect excuse to finally stop sending Christmas cards!
😄😄😄
Totally agreed, I had that time , now in don’t want to do it again, you are a smart woman!
I am taking a year off from decorating. I am enjoying seeing others’ Christmas and holiday decor.
I bet it feels good to take a break.
Its me and my 27 year old daughter for Christmas peace joy and rest
Enjoy your time together!
I am sorry that happened 😔
I now understand why, later in life why my inlaws gave cash when in their 70s. Not complaining, mind you. We are at this stage now. My son wants kitchen items from Amazon, which I ordered last month. My daughter and grandson will get money. Her boyfriend will get restaurant gift cards as he likes breakfast out. Then, I'm just doing stocking stuffers. Yes, less food. Too exhausting to fix so much.
I like the idea of gift cards! Maybe I'll do that next year.
I agree, the older we get, the less we need stuff.
I think we get to a point in our lives that we're ready for simplicity.
I like your thinking on the holidays!!
I'm glad you do!
I love jello salad😂. I’m from New Jersey!
Me too! Pieapple, mandarin oranges in lime jello, marshmallows, canned fruit in red jello, etc. I always appreciated a good jello salad back in the day when they were so popular.
I love jello salad, I may bring it back at the meal we'll share with my son's family,
I go for a Christmas meal with my sister.I buy her meal and she buys mine. Simples 😂❤
lol! It’s like even my 13 year old said. “I give you $10 and you give me $10”. Makes more sense to just keep your own money. From the mouth of babes.
@@ritadyer9295Absolutely!
You've got a good one there 😂❤@@ritadyer9295
Christmas is so STRESSFUL😂💵
One good thing to do is instead of family gatherings BIG dinners...just invite everyone to a Christmas light display...somewhere in town after 6pm, where everyone has already filled tummies...only go out to eat a yummy dessert!😂 frugal and fun!!
we love ollies discount store and our Boscovs has awesome sales. I do givie Gift cards and one or two small gifts for the kids to,open I also sew and crochet things too. Love just enjoying a cup of coco and watch Christmas movie's.. lol 😆
Ollie's books are priced right!!! I buy them for my grandchildren.
Cozy and comfy!
Sounds like a great plan!
I love this encouraging video
Thank you
Really like your new shirt I can't find anything like that in my town
I think it's cute.
This year rather than buying individual gifts for my nieces and their families I'm sending a "Family" gift they can all enjoy together. I'm sending an Air Popcorn Maker, a jar of popcorn, little paper popcorn bags, a selection of gourmet popcorn seasonings and the Muppet's Christmas Carol Movie. The entire gift comes to about $70 and is all being sent from Amazon so there is no postage fee. I figure I'm saving $400 between the two families. Merry Christmas!
That is a great idea!
You're really looking slimmer congratulations.
Thank you! I have been working on that!
Best advice for everyone!! Thanks, Mom!
I agree!
You’re welcome!
I have cut way back but I still do buy gifts for my grandkids. I cut way back on my thanksgiving meal.
It's always good to scale back on things that feel excessive.
My grandkids are young, but they help me with everything, including decorating for Christmas. It might not look professionally done , but I love it !!
I bet it's beautiful. Happy Holidays to you and your family 🎄
@SmilingBeaver-ou7nc thank you so much ! You too have a wonderful Christmas. I have always believed that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
That's the best! ❤
@@3TXSisters the little one said does that look good grandma, and I said that looks beautiful. Lol , it was upside down.
@ceciliaperales8466 How adorable! She'll remember decorating with Grandma!
Tyvm! For not giving any more gift ideas more saving ideas are appreciated. Definitely have cut back on Christmas every year little less. I was asking our adult children idea's for Christmas my son #3 pipes up "Mom I want Care package " I still coupon on items we all use, so he wants box of toothpaste, deodorant, bodywash and snacks. My daughter starting Nursing school ask for scrubs and school supplies, #2 son movie tickets for him and girlfriend, #1 son gift card he lives in Hawaii life is expensive. Grands are receiving their box and Im sharing Christmas ornaments we have collected over the years. My husband and I don't exchange presents instead we updated our mastet bathroom shower door and he is painting cabinets. Still saving for new roof hopefully by next Hurricane season.
You're very smart!
That is a great idea about the care package!
I quit the gift giving several years ago. I don’t have any immediate family and always did Christmas with my aunt and cousins. There got to be too many people to buy for everyone so most of us just bought gifts for the small kids . They grew up and had kids ,so again bought for only the kids. That worked out in the past when small kids were happy with a cheap gift now a $20 kids gift is a piece of junk that they don’t need,want or appreciate. I quit the gifts because it is a waste of money for me and the people who think that they need to get me something because I got them something.
This is exactly what i am thinking
Perfect advice!
Thanks for watching!
I have a dilemma, it use to be every year on Christmas Eve, my husband and myself would have dinner at his family’s house at 5 pm, and then leave about 7:30 pm to attend Christmas Eve service at church. However, the church has started having the earlier, at 5:45 PM. This has been for about three years. I have gone to the service without him because he chose to stay with his family. His family isn’t flexible about changing dinner time. For years, it’s always been about his family, and frankly, I like going to Christmas Eve service, and I guess since I am getting older, I would like to go to church, if I do, I will probably have to go alone. I don’t like the pressure. Any suggestions? Great video, Dawn. ❤
If it brings you peace then stick with going to church. Life is about priorities which are different for all of us. You sound very wise and Christ-centered ❤ 😊
I understand the pressure you feel
That’s a hard one! What if you skip the dinner, both of you go to church & go to in laws after the service? Or maybe celebrate it on a different day so you can all be together. I know many families who celebrate the weekend before with one side of the family & other side on actual day.
@@CentsibleLivingWithMoneyMomThan you.
@@karendjohn8803That’s a thought. Thank you.
I've said this previously, but for "me" (not speaking about anyone else), I feel I'm at the age now, where Christmas is special still of course, but it's just one day out of the year, so (to me) it's not worth all the hustle and bustle I used to go through when I was younger. I can still enjoy the day, but without the worry attached to it anymore. I have been recently thinking of ordering some kind of Christmas meal for us though (same for Thanksgiving meal). Not sure if I'm going to do that or not though, haven't decided yet if it's worth spending the extra money or not. You know it's kind of sad to me when we think we can't enjoy a special day without all of the hub bub that normally goes along with that, but each person has to decide that for themselves though.
It is so freeing to simplify the holidays.
@@CentsibleLivingWithMoneyMom 👍
I'm not cooking for Xmas. But I do like giving i probably spent about 250 I don't go overboard . I shop after Xmas sales n I save alot . I start my shopping in August I do enjoy giving.
Good for you!
I like that you start shopping in August!
I love your shirt Dawn!
Thank you
I save, I don't buy Xmas pressies. Not done for years. I'm 63. Spend it on holidays. Xx
Good for you!
I like your idea. Your hair looks nice.
Thank you!
Thats it Dawn peace health God family positivity and joy
Amen!
Great video Dawn! I always appreciate your insight and advice! On a lighter note- Have you seen the movie Christmas with the Kranks? They decide they are going to take Christmas off. It’s hilarious! You’d enjoy this movie for a good laugh!😂
Yes I have
Last christmas my son in law daughter grandaughter came over for christmas i made a great fied rice no one touched it they ordered food how rude
That was rude, but it's on them. Enjoy your time together. You may ask what they'd like to have for dinner and ask them to bring a dish.
we have family members with lots of money and others who have very little and one who won't share anything she has, it makes for an awkward christmas and it's been this way for decades. If I announce that I won't do gift exchange, no one listens to me and proceed to give expensive gifts to me. It's very embarassing and irritating not to be listened to. I also have a relative who expects to have her child RECEIVE gifts each year. He is now 23 and she still expects gifts for him and he never gives a thing LOL Last year we gave cookies to everyone and she made fun of them. Oy Vey I just may stay home.
Yes!!!
Goodness! How ungrateful! That's a tricky situation. If you've told everyone that you can't afford to exchange gifts, it's on them if they decide to buy you a gift. Graciously accept and enjoy the day!
I am so sorry you are going through that!
I agree
We stay home for Christmas and slowly celebrate over the course of a few days. No rush. No fuss. Dinner is ready when it is.
One thing Im still doing is making candy. Its not something I grew up doing. Its something I decided to incorporate into our celebrations when Daughter was young. English Toffee is a family favorite. Peanutbrittle is also one we love. I try to use my skills vs tons of money to make things nice.
I also make one new candy each year. We laugh about the time we did a taffy pull on Christmas Eve. What a mess. Cost pennies and has provided a decade of laughter. This came out fine but wasnt repeated.
Another year I made hard candy with natural food coloring, forgetting that heat would destroy chlorophyll and turn my pepperment lollipops a very unfestive army green/yellow. Disgusting. Also a one off that we never did again. I enjoy picking a new one each year. Most years we get something nice! The occasional failure makes us appreciate the good ones even more.
My family gets to put in meal requests for favorites from Christmas Eve to New Years day. Some take more work than others. Its nice.
Im going to make one of those cream puff tree things with the caramel. Its work, but it isnt that expensive. The cream is the biggest expense. The garden is sleeping for the most part. I have time
How wonderful! That's a special tradition your family will cherish.
@3TXSisters - That's the hope!
Wow, people are really changing. I have never heard of so many people cutting back, everywhere I look. It IS important to do the thing I want to do, to commemorate the season. I'm wondering if it's mostly because we're older and worn out. :) Are 'young people' cutting back??
I don't know if young people are cutting back. I hope they are. It's no fun to go into January with a lot of credit card bills!
It's interesting how we change as we age.
We exchange only with immediate family but have cut back the amount we spend. Instead we take the money we would have spent and donate to a charity.
The true spirit of Christmas!
I'm doing dinner for my son and two sisters. $15 limit on gifts. Should be very low stress.
Wonderful!
Hubs and I just agreed to stop the gifting entirely. For any occasion. Feels too forced and unromantic. We’re allowed to buy each other a spontaneous gift if we find something special that makes us think of the other person. But we’re not allowed to give gifts for the main holidays anymore, Christmas’s birthday valentines anniversary because then the other person will feel obliged to find something to reciprocate. Spontaneous, thoughtful, meaningful gifts only.
That's wonderful!
I am not hosting the family meal this year because I am just tired. It's been a strenuous few years.
Will bake some cookies and cake and give to a few neighbours and when the family comes over.
Still haven't done any decorating but I'll get around to it in the next few days
@@NataliePopovic I feel the same!
Look after yourself, nobody would want you to struggle.What you are doing is enough. I'm sure you'll get your decorations up, there's time yet. ❤
I haven't decorated either. I'm doing less and less each year.
That's a great plan!
I made homemade fudge + took to a Christmas potluck. No one hardly ate + I make really good microwave fudge. So not making this year.
Don't blame you ❤
I'd be glad to take home my fudge!
Dawn i am 56 single adult children and grandchildren i just do me the main reason for this season is Jesus
My son is hosting a cookie decorating event on Christmas. His minister & wife & 5 kids..+ anyone else who wants to stop over...
😊😊😊
Sounds like fun!
Fun
I have two grandchildren I buy gifts for other than that we just have a dinner and chat.
Wonderful! Sounds relaxing.
Dawn, what is Minnesota Jello salad?
It is jello. Whipped topping. Etc
So trye
I have the toys/gifts I've collected to donate and I've decided to "sponsor" a single mom this year. I'm giving her some makeup she wants and enough cash so she can buy Santa gifts for her 3 little ones. She's expecting again in Feb too! 🎅 Sacramento, California USA 🇺🇸
Oh, dear! You're very generous. Do only what you feel comfortable giving. Some people are a bottomless pit when you try to help.
That's so kind of you!