[angelkisses0102]

This is our third Christmas in 'this' economy...actually we are much better off this year than last...and we are not in a great place yet...LOL!

Our kids Christmas will be the same as always...wayyyy toooo manyyyy gifts from family, none from us, and three gifts plus their stockings from Santa. This year we are pushing more practical gifts from the four sets of generous grandparents...plus a great grandmother and then the aunts and uncles...DH's family are big gift givers. DH's father/wife and mother/friend spend several hundred dollars per child...each...so plenty of gifts right there.

I am trying to get them to buy clothes, shoes, sneakers, and giving money toward gymnastics...but they worry they won't have toys. HELLO, have you seen my house? (Actually we just cleaned out and donated a ton of stuff...again.) Have you looked at their lists and what is already checked off from others buying it? Toys are not what they need...sneakers...yes...especially for my boy 'big foot' who never wears out a pair of sneakers...he simply outgrows them! And both kids just had growth spurts...about a month too early...so they need clothes, pajamas, sweats, socks, undies...all of it. I DO truly appreciate their generosity...but honestly wish they would listen to what we are saying they need this year. Time will tell. Plus my kids do appreciate any gift...even practical ones like clothes and sneakers.

[devildogwife]

Being a military, we've always been very careful with our money. Having lots of adoption debt, we're still really careful. DH and I spent a small amount on each other, and like Karen, have asked the grandparents for more practical gifts.

[Nursie222]

I can't say that I am doing less is more thing but I am definitly being smarter with my money. I know where it is going. My sister wanted some books for christmas so I got them off ebay at a fraction of the cost and she doesn't care that they were used before. I'm using coupons and waiting for sales. I have family all over the country so a lot of stuff had to be shipped so instead of me shipping it I bought from stores that did free shipping and had them send it. We are spending 2 weeks in Orlando and Disney so I had to be smart this year. I worked a ton of overtime and that is how I funded christmas this year. Overtime is always available to nurses. Hope everyone has a safe and happy christmas.