[Barksum]

We've kept Christmas very low key in our family. We try to do a "big" present on birthdays, but that has waned in the last 3 years as they have the big things and now we just do add on's. (Polly Pocket accessories, train set accessories, trucks and stuff.) Hugely extravagant events aren't part of our mindset or budget, so we've stayed pretty minimal in most areas.

Dh was a foster child and he valued every gift he ever got, which wasn't alot most of his life. Even now, as an adult, he still tends to keep everything and not want to part with anything no matter what. He doesn't like me to change the furniture around, doesn't want a new pillow, likes the clothes he has...you get the picture. LOL He and I talk about this kind of thing more around the holidays because it tends to bring up memories.

Overall I think less IS best. It's ok - even good! - to do without some of the extras. As Mary Poppins points out, "Enough is as good as a feast." I repeat this to myself over and over whenever I go to a big clearance sale. LOL

[aspenhall]

I LOVE your xmas story

I knew someone else whose mom divorced just before the holidays and it was her FAVORITE memory that her mom Wrapped pictures of all the things she would have bought if they had the money. She said she felt just the same as if she'd ACTUALLY gotten them.