Big Holiday Gift For A Few Or Small Holiday Gift For All?
@danishcanadian (28953)
Canada
October 30, 2019 2:57pm CST
When I was a kid, I did my best with the little money I had, to get every member of my extended family a gift One year when I was approaching my teens, my Dad outright said to me, that I needed to focus on immediate family, and that everyone in the family didn't necessarily want a piece of chocolate, or something small. My first thought was "well, that definitely defeats the point of Christmas." My second thought was "after what he said, why would I want to focus on my immediate family? Are they expecting big on MY budget?" OK as an adult I have a bit more money, but then stuff has also gotten a bit more expensive, Mom's turning 70 in November. Big milestone birthday. She's getting a book she wants, and a box of her favourite chocolate. I kNOW she'll love it.
What is your take on big family holidays? Thoughtful small gift for as many as possible, or big "quality" gift for family? And just what the heck defines "quality" anyway? I think if it comes from the heart, it's quality.
3 people like this
4 responses
@Happy2BeMe (99399)
• Canada
30 Oct 19
I tend to spend more on my grandchildren but I buy smaller gifts for a lot of people. I don't think you should have to spend a fortune at Christmas. I wasn't brought up that way either. We appreciated everything that we go. I buy for all my family. They all get a little something and they do the same.
1 person likes this
@danishcanadian (28953)
• Canada
30 Oct 19
Yeah, that's how it was with our grandparents, and the generations. My sister and I don't get each other big gifts, and my husband and I prefer to get money we can spend on the money (we don't care how much or how little). We give what we can but tend to spoil the kids in our life.
1 person likes this
@danishcanadian (28953)
• Canada
30 Oct 19
Everyone should have an opinion. Also, in a small family, or with only one gift to buy do you keep it small, or go big?
@MALUSE (69413)
• Germany
30 Oct 19
@danishcanadian I'd opt for small presents for everybody.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
30 Oct 19
I do what I can. What I'd like to do? Get something for atleast all the kids. What I can do? Get something for my aunt and maybe one of my cousins. What I usually do? I don't usually bother because if I get for one, the rest will expect gifts.
My immediate household doesn't expect anything from me because they know a lot of money goes towards my bills. I try to spend on friends because they have spoiled me in the past, and I want to spoil them too.
@1creekgirl (40489)
• United States
31 Oct 19
We usually only buy gifts for our children and grandchildren. We've discovered over the years that experiences make better gifts than an item to be unwrapped. Sometimes it's an experience for the whole family or maybe for the daughter and her husband. Last year they gave my husband a NASCAR Riding Experience in Myrtle Beach, SC. He really enjoyed driving that race car! One year they gave me a ticket to a Zip Lining experience. Our daughter, her daughter, and I had a blast doing that. They've suggested drawing names, but we really don't want to do that. The money amount isn't important, being together with a good meal and making wonderful memories is.
