How many of you are NOT buying much if any this Christmas?

[woodsprite]

42. I love the holidays and was kinda disappointed when hubby's family went to

name drawing. Although it really is much less expensive, I enjoyed shopping for just the right thing for everyone. I started early and put a budget on each person of $25 ($50 for the munchkins because we'd buy them an outfit plus a toy). I still do this with my brother and SIL, since all that's left of my side of the family is just the two of us.

When asked what I want for xmas, I've always, ALWAYS given them a ton of ideas (all different price ranges) and said surprise me! IMO knowing exactly what you're going to receive makes the whole xmas experience less fun and special.

Between my hubby and I (different work groups), we have about 35 people we 'gift' at work. We make a nice donation to a local homeless shelter or dining room in their names, print out cards. We bake and box a dozen or so cookies or spiced pretzels for each person. At times I've made ornaments for each one. It takes us a good long weekend to get everything ready for work, then we don Santa hats and drop everyone's gifts off at their desks the day before xmas break.

We do Xmas with our church friends too. We start by providing dinner for all the choir members that have to stay at church for all the services. Dinner (a crockpot of homemade soup or chili, bread, fruit/salad) between the 3 services, and exchange presents (something usable plus rumballs!) with our closest friends after all the services are done.