I wish I could do this!

Posted By: jss on 2008-10-23
In Reply to: would it be rude? - regarding christmas

My family basically does this. Mom buys all the food and the kids cook (mostly me because I love it). We decided last year that we would not buy gifts. We only exchange "gifts" that have a meaning to them. We call it Crafty Christmas (or Crappy Christmas as the husbands joke). It can be something that is meaningful from childhood, pictures, something regifted from your house, something funny, or crafty. We actually had a fantastic time last year and everyone voted to do it againt this year. We agreed not to spend more than $10 getting the gift together, but I don't think anything cost more than a couple dollars as most of it was made from household things. Grandma still bought for grandkids under 18 and did stockings but that was it.

Now my in-laws insist on making a big thing of Christmas every year. They spend thousands. I suggested it last year as they were planning to retire and letting us know that they had to cut back - but MIL was obviously offended at my suggestion. My husband's brother and family are in no way financially able to provide any gifts this year (they are living with the in-laws) so I'm thinking of proposing the idea to him and his wife for agreement and let the others do what they want. I can't feel bad for not being able to afford gifts for everyone and wanting it to be more about family than presents. I would love to make dinner this year since we are not going to my mom's (she lives out of state) but that's another thing that my MIL doesn't want to give up and obviously didn't care for my brunch a few years ago BUT since we have the only young child in the family I insisted that we have Christmas morning at our own home and my hubs backed me up.

Complete Discussion Below:

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would it be rude? - regarding christmas
- What I would suggest - sm - millie
- love it. to be honest, I wish we were way back in - - anon
- I did this 8 years ago - Twitters
- I wish I could do this! - jss
  - I actually got this idea from a friend. She said s/i - regarding christmas
    - Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. - jss
- I have always been a little sick of having get everyone a present - cesspoolmagic0_0
- NO! Great idea and this is sm - My take on rude
- I think they might be very relieved! My family did that - last year, & are repeating it this year.
- I think it's a great idea . . . - lom
- I think it's all in the delivery -- - holiday spirit
  - I would love it if someone made Christmas dinner for me! - lean times

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