Man this makes me realize how much I hate christmas time.

I love buying but seems more is always expected :rolleyes:

I love Christmas but I feel like the whole reason for the season is lost on kids these days. We are expected to buy gifts for everyone and GOOD gifts at that!

A couple years ago, we had Christmas with my parents, my brother and his fiance, and my neices. My husband and I bought the girls some books and some barbies and different outfits for their barbies. The books? Opened them, tossed them over their shoulder, and grabbed a new present. They barely looked at the barbies. At the end of it all, they had two huge tubs full of toys and books and games and clothes and didn't even have a clue about half the things they got! We (as well as my parents) said never again... it's just not even appreciated! This year we are going small - I am going to spend under $20 for each of them. I don't mind buying something for them because we are very close and my husband and I spend as much time as we can looking after the girls and taking them to events and things whenever my brother isn't able to.

It is the same on my husband's side of the family. His sisters have children, but we don't. They decided last year that instead of buying gifts for each other (the siblings), they should just spend money on the kids instead. So they bought for each others' kids, and we bought for all of the kids, and of course, we don't have kids to buy for! I know Christmas shouldn't be about receiving gifts at all, but it just seems a little unfair that we are expected to shell out the money anyway. I guess I just hate the expectation.... My parents always tell me not to buy them anything but I do because I want to. And I don't expect them to buy me anything but they always do. But if they didn't, I wouldn't be upset.

I hate that Christmas has become all about what you GET!

Sorry I went off a bit :) To the OP, I don't think I would go out and buy gifts... I feel like maybe that might start an expectation that wherever the kids are for Christmas, they should be getting gifts from everyone. And who knows what to buy kids these days anyway - what they have, what they don't have, what they want.... why not bake some Christmas cookies for them or something like that? It is cheap and everyone likes cookies! I also like the idea of an activity that stays at your place, but they get to use it while they are there!

I just want to add one more thing - when I was little, I NEVER got gifts from extended family. My parents would buy one or two gifts, my grandparents would buy my brother and I one gift each, and we'd get 4 or 5 from Santa! I never got gifts from aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. Things were much simpler back then lol! Now we are expected to send gifts to our neices and nephews for Christmas and birthdays even if we won't be seeing them!

I am 28 and already talking about the good ol' days and how much the world has changed since then LOL :rolleyes:

EXACTLY. We always spent Christmas at aunts, uncles and grandparents but we never got anything and never expected it. Then once my aunts started having grandchildren did Santa start showing up and huge presents were given (:eek:). That's a whole nother story though.

But, yes, it's definitely all about what you get. It's why I don't like to buy actual gifts and would prefer to just do something little or handmade. And even the latter isn't always the best because kids do not appreciate handmade.

Now, I'm not saying ALL kids, just the vast majority of ones I've met and worked with. And I have worked with thousands of kids...

Anyway, do what you feel you should do. But I don't think it should be big or else it will be expected.

I will agree that I hate buying gifts for people I don't know super-well, and I hate receiving gifts from those same people. Every so often I'll stay with extended family over the holidays, and it seems so pointless for everyone to spend money on things that are almost certain to be unwanted/not the recipient's taste.

At the same time, I always keep backup gifts jic I receive something unexpectedly, and you can go really cheap with kids. Some candy and a 2-pack of play-do in funky colors for each child, and done. Also, if they are all under 7, I wouldn't really worry about whether or not they liked the gift. Christmas really is for kids, and no matter what, ALL kids love the excitement of a present and getting to unwrap it. They may not be appreciative or polite about it, but you will have added to their happy memories nonetheless. :)

I feel the same way, and seeing the excitement of kids at Christmas is my favorite part of the holiday. Last year I bought the most adorable small Ty Christmas stuffed toys, assorted Santas, snowmen, reindeer, holiday cats and dogs, etc.; they were on sale at Walgreens for $3, so I got 25...for my granddaughters classmates. Those 7 year olds LOVED them, and played with them all afternoon. I got extras to have on hand in case other children come over, and they are always a hit.

I get a lot of pleasure out of giving, and being thoughtful, and it doesn't have to cost a lot for some little present.

If you can afford to then I would buy little thoughtful gifts. There have been years when I bought just about every child in my family (even cousins kids) gifts. There have been years that I haven't bought anyone anything except for my own and immediate family gifts. It just depends on how I feel that year and if my pocket book can handle the pain. lol But I get a wonderful feeling when giving. And not just for Christmas, so that is just me. Either way I think you should do what you feel like doing. Don't feel obligated. :)

Do I think you are morally obligated to purchase gifts for the five second cousins -- no I don't. However I do believe that Christmas is a magical time for young children. If it were me, I would definitely purchase a token gift for the five - something inexpensive and fun. Perhaps a 1 lb. candy cane, a beanie baby, etc.

My personal belief and one that I have always tried to teach my children that the true Spirit of Christmas is about giving to, not receiving from others.

A gift should come from the heart, and not feel like an obligation, nor be a financial strain.

I get so much pleasure out of giving, and even more so when it is not expected.

My thoughts exactly!!