The idea of gift giving is not to receive anything in
Posted By: return including a thank you. on 2007-12-28
In Reply to: Do we continue to give a gift? Help! - Trixie
Either give from the heart or don't give at all. Expect nothing in return and if you do get something, then consider it a blessing including a thank you. In God's eyes, this is what Christmas giving is truly about and isn't this all over the fact that you are child's Godparents? I think you should think about that for a minute and what responsibility that holds in this young girl's life.......... It sort of sounds like this is about you and not about what God would want.
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Gift Giving
I just got married in July 2008, bought a new home, and am now expecting my third child in April 2009 so we ourselves have had many blessings this year but our financial situation is also pretty tight. We will not be buying gifts for anyone but our children. Our family will receive homemade treats this year. We still like to do something nice for them because they have done so much for us this year and every year but we don't have a lot of money to play with.
In my case, we take care of our obligations (bills, our children, etc.) before we worry about "gifts". We feel that providing our children with things that need and the love that they deserve is more important than any material gift will ever be. Our family understands our situation and is very happy just to spend the holidays with us without the expectation of a gift because honestly the quality time with family is the biggest gift we could give each other.
In my opinion, you should just explain the situation to them and let them know that you will not be giving gifts this year. They may take it hard but they will get over it. You have to do what you have to do. Gifts aren't the real reason for the Christmas season anyhow.
Good luck to you!
See my post above about gift giving sm
Take care of yourself first! I am glad you give so much of yourself, but take it from the source, stop killing yourself, you will know what I mean some day. Take care of you and the rest will follow. I am so tired.....stop burning the candle at both ends, charity begins at home. Then when done at home, go bowling!!
Gift giving is HARD
So much pressure!!! Am I right??? I feel this every time I give a gift. This kid sounds like he is going to get a lot of gifts anyways. All I got, way back in 2002 when I graduated, was a cake and a dinner with my family. I would give the kid at the most $25. He just graduated High School, which is what kids are suppose to do. Now if it was college and he graduated then of course I would give more. He should be lucky that you care enough to think about him and give him something even though you seem to be struggeling with it, which is not your fault.
I banned any gift giving between adults
when my husband and I got married. I will get my SIL and BIL something, but only because they have 6 small children and they always NEED something. Otherwise, Christmas is for the kids, period, plain and simple. Since I made that rule (when we had 6 small ones ourselves) his sisters refuse to come for Christmas dinner which I think is silly, but whatever. Christmas should not be all about gift giving anyway.
I think I am anti-gift giving this year
Money is so tight right now I am no sure how I am going to pay my bills this December. I had some unexpected bills come up that needed to be taken care of. On top of that, I have to come up with X-mas gifts for everyone and they do not like cheap things. Their idea of cheap is hand-made and they do not like it. So that is out. I just got a part-time job but that is not going to kick in a whole lot of money until closer to the end of the year.
I would like to opt out of gift giving this year but if I suggest it I get the lecture from family members of "what do you do with your money?, what are you spending it on? " and other invasive questions. The other unforunate thing is I live in the same town with them.
The most inexpensive thing on my niece's list is a brand new cell phone or a brand new MP3 player with a video screen. She is not careful with these and she has already gone through so many. To top it all off I have 3 birthdays in December.
I really hate this time of year.
Any suggestions on how to tell them to just buy for them and not for me and let me out of this so-called family time?
Sorry to be so bitter.
..returnable if giving as a gift. Depending on how tight and low
s
need gift idea
Our sons had a special needs teacher in 6th-8th grades and she was wonderful, so when my oldest graduated to high school, I had a dozen roses sent to her with a note written by my son thanking her for giving him the confidence he needed in school, to learn how to read at a better rate, and let him know how smart he was. He went on to high school, construction technology and made the honor roll. She certainly made a difference in his life and our life as parents and she gave him the confidence to believe in himself. A talking picture frame is a wonderful idea with a message from your child to the teacher. I wish they had those years ago.
gift idea
You could do a scavenger hunt. Orientaltrading.com has some good reasonble priced gifts.
I made these for a friends child's birthday to give to her friends in a gift bag. Typed it up on cute colorful paper and put items in a ziplog bag.
Friendship Survival Kit
A toothpick - to help you "pick" out the good qualities in others and yourself
Lifesaver candy - to remind you of the many times others needed your help and you theirs
Hugs & Kisses - for when you need a hug
A puzzle piece - without you, your friends aren't complete
button - to remind you to sometimes "button your lip"
bandaid - for hurt feelings, yours or someone else's
cotton ball - cushioned support of fiends for the rough road ahead
Marbles - to replace the ones you've lost
Candle - for you to share your light
Tissues - to wipe the tears of joy and sadness
penny - so you'll never be broke
Mounds bar - for the "mounds" of love and support between friends
Gold thread - to remind you that friendship is the golden thread that ties together the hearts of everyone
rubberband - try to be flexible
eraser - to remind you that everyday you can start with a clean slate
Jewel - because you are as valuable as any precious stone!
Gift idea
How about a coffee-table book with scenic pictures of America? There are some wonderful books with beautiful pictures of America's National Parks like the ones by Ansel Adams.
Gift idea for 18 y.o. girl
Any ideas on what a 18-year-old girl would like for Christmas? Trying to spend approximately $20. It is for a Secret Santa gift. Thanks.
My idea of a great gift would be a really
nice pair of socks, LOL! You know, a little wool and some weight with some Spandex - mmm. Instant winter comfort.
An inexpensive gift idea - LOL! (sm)
 Subject: FW: Christmas is tight this year.
My dear friends,
Somewhat embarrassing to admit, I'm not getting an annual bonus and
Christmas is tight this year. I will be making bedroom slippers for you
all as gifts. Please let me know your sizes. You'll most likely agree
that it's a splendid idea, and should you wish to do the same, I've
included the instructions below.
How to make bedroom slippers out of maxi pads:
You need four maxi pads to make a pair.
Two of them get laid out flat, for the foot part.
The other two wrap around the toe area to form the top.
Tape or glue each side of the top pieces to the bottom of the foot part.
Decorate the tops with whatever you desire, silk flowers (this is most
aesthetically appealing), etc.
These slippers are:
* Soft and Hygienic
* Non-slip grip strips on the soles
* Built in deodorant feature keeps feet smelling fresh
* No more bending over to mop up spills
* Disposable and biodegradable
* Environmentally safe
* Three convenient sizes: (1.) Regular, (2.) Light and (3.) Get out the Sand
Bags.
I've attached a photo of the first pair I made so that you can see the
nifty slippers for yourself....
Awaiting your response. It's crucial that I get the right size for each
one of you.
What a great gift idea! sm
I have been getting massages every week for 6 years now, 4 years with the same massage therapist now. Most places understand how people feel as newbies to massages and will be very cautious with the draping and really go out of their way to make you feel comfortable. I have only ever gone to women massage therapists. Some people elect to leave bras and panties on, but I never have. I have never felt "naked" or overexposed during my massages. My massage therapist had me answer a long list of questions before she ever massaged me for the first time about my level of comfort, etc. The key is lots of communication. Heck, though, I have been going to her so long now and she knows exactly where all my sore bits are that I am not self conscious at all and just say bring on the massage!  I bet they are going to love it once they relax and get into it!
I agree with the gift card idea!
It's not worth putting a ton of thought and money into something if they're just going to end up selling it and not appreciating it. A gift card is a great way to give someone a chance to get something that they want. I got lots of gift cards this Christmas and loved every one of them!
Gift certificate for dining is a great idea!
We've got a large animal vet who comes to us and I give a gift certificate for dinner out for at least 2 people or I give one of those pre-loaded cards for Dunkin' Donuts as he and his tech can be on the road for hours at a time and never get back to the office until the end of the day. They seem to really like those!
ask and you shall receive
I have not seen this movie. and no I have no desire to. It is just not a movie that a christian mother would allow her children to see. Done. Now I am getting to work.
what if you don't receive your pay?
Hi there, I am just getting done a job I have had since 2001, and I have a gut feeling that I will not be receiving my last two checks. Not to do with my work at all, but the boss is pissed off and happens to be my daughter as well, so if this turns out to be the case, what recourse do we have to collect what is owed us? I thought maybe someone else out there had run into this, probably not with the "family issue" added, but similar. Thanks for any thought you might have on this kind of issue. I really need those checks to pay my bills!
Just because you receive an invitation
does not mean you have to go to the event. All you had to do was decline.
We were fortunate enough to receive one for coal...sm
Considering the high cost of heating oil, natural gas, and kerosene, we're very grateful...Thanks, Santa.  Cat
At least 2 of the kids are dev disabled and receive SSI. nm
.
Wow. I didn't realize the response I was going to receive. Let me all tell you a little sm
something about me (for a change).
I am a very intimate, romantic, sexual (close your eyes if this is offensive), kind of gal. Seriously. My mother always told me I was a "hopeless romantic!" One of my favorite movies is Pretty Woman, for crying out loud. For years, I would shop in the lingerie dept. at various dept. stores, even buying things from Victoria's Secret, mind you. But if there is one thing my husband has done to me over the years is help me to completely lose interest in intimacy and now, sex. He doesn't listen to me, doesn't compliment me, doesn't touch me at all during the day. It's saddened me so much over the past few years. If we meet up after work he'll just go on about his business, not reaching to give me a kiss, ask me about my day, nothing.
The fact that he approached me the other night was actually surprising. Yes, he's trying. But what is a woman to do when after so many years of neglect? Jump at him? Tackle him? I can't. I simply can't. I'm suffering from low self worth as it is due to his lack of communicating any kind of affection or concern to me. I don't know how to gain it back. I don't know how to get back that spark. It's not there. It saddens me so much, but it's true.
So, give me a little more credit.
I agree, they should receive more respect from students
and parents alike. I just don't believe they are underpaid for the actual hours they put in.
I did not receive any child support, so we agreed to
split all bills evenly as we have joint custody. That is what our papers say, that we split all major expenses, i.e., clothes, school supplies, education fees, etc.
How important is it to you to receive a sympathy card
How important is it for you to receive a sympathy card? I know this has been quite a long time now (3 years), but still bothers me. My mom died 3 years ago and I received only 3 cards. One from my DH's aunt & uncle and my best friend sent me 2 cards. Nobody else sent me a card. My MIL, BIL (3 of them - all married), SIL, co-workers (8 of them), people in my quilting guild that I've been quilting with for years and years. None of them. I went back for the funeral and listed to my sister and aunt tell each other about how many cards they got and how much they were loved by their friends (they made it into a joke as to who was more loved by who got more cards :-) My sister got about 18 or 20 cards and my aunt got about 30. They said they were sure when I got back I'd have many cards waiting for me (I flew back 2 days after hearing of my moms death). My sister even offered me some of her cards. I came home and had just the 3 cards. My best friend also send me some "cheering up gifts". But still nothing from anyone. I never said anything to DH but it bothered and still does bother me that people thought so little of me than to send me a card letting me know they were thinking about me. The worst thing was that I always sent them birthday, anniversary, and sympathy cards to them. I even would send them sympathy cards when their pets died.
Well I'm over it, but every once in awhile I think about it and it just saddens me. So now I don't send any of them any cards for anything. Just wondered if it bothers other people like it did me.
In Georgia, we receive permission slips also.
I don't think they should have to check every child's record before administering any MEDICAL testing, but I definitely think permission slips are in order.
Both! JK, actually considering giving up
coffee and wondering if Morning Thunder has caffeine or not. I love my coffee, though. Don't know if I can do it.
Giving
Two years working as a missionary overseas has taught me that material things are really not important. Do not hold onto things with such a tight fist. I guess after see children begging in the street for food daily kind of changes your perspective. Oh and then the women who washed her clothes on a rock made me vow to never complain about washing clothes in a machine.
Forgive your husband. His giving nature is more important that a rolling pin. A fire, like those in Califronia, or other natural disaster can cause you to lose all of these things. Things really do not matter anyway do they?
Have a nice Thanksgiving, and be thankful you can afford food to use a rolling a pin on. So many people in the world cannot.
giving up the
The older I got the more I got these symptoms from too many dairy products. Once I cut back the bloating went away. I think the sitting just makes it more noticeable because you cannot get away from the smell! (hope that is not too graphic:)
holiday giving
What you are doing is a wonderful thing and I understand your hurt feelings. Perhaps next year you could channel your energy into giving where it would DEFINITELY be appreciated. Regardless of whether or not you support the war in Iraq, there are many of our troops there who would love to receive a card or care package for the holidays. There are plenty of needy children here in our country who could use a card or gift for the holidays. Why not give where it is wanted and needed? Your church can give you the name of a needy family for you to help at the holidays. You have many options to chose from. Pick something that will make it feel good on both the recipient and the givers side??
Have you tried giving some fluids?
I have a shih tzu with diabetes. When is sick he will get close or under my knees. Listen to him he's trying to say I'm sick. Try feeding him some rice with a little chicken in it, something bland or even canned pumpkin, not the pie filling. Good source of fiber in both diarrhea and constipation for dogs and humans. When mine was sick the other day I got a syringe and would give him grape flavored ProPel water by gatorade, about 1 oz at a time every hour or so and then sooner as long as he kept it down. Just enough to keep from getting to dehydrated. Dogs can go down really fast when dehydrated yet some vets say they can go awhile without food/water. Not if already dehydrated though. I would recommend going on petpeoplesplace.com forum you can get some good advice with people with same breed or problems. They also make something called Rescue Remedy for anxious/nervous dogs you might check into.
I am glad everyone is giving their sm
opinion. I value that. I told in the past to work with us. If it is a specific thing, like a late movie, concert etc we can be very flexible, but to just hang out at someone's house or ride around town it is not necessry to be out past 1 a.m. Her 21 year-old sister agrees with me which is surprising. Her friends don't have curfews, but they also did not get into college either. I told her she can bring anyone home. She told me these are not the kind of people you bring home. Last night I caved in and told her 2 a.m. She did come at that time but I kept waking up untl then. I got up at 7 a.m and it is now 9 a.m and she is still sleeping. I have to admit at19 I did not have a curfew but I was always home by 1 am because I know my parents expected us to be respectful. THANKS AGAIN.
I never knew they had that! Thanks for giving
me JUST ONE MORE snack to try!!! LOL. 
What about just giving from the heart?
Why put such a price tag on something so trivial? Jesus is the reason for the season!
Received none, but instead of giving one (sm)
which I planned on doing, after seeing something on the news about them, I just decided to give cold, hard cash (no complaints, btw). Anyhow, the news story said that stores profit greatly from them since people lose or forget about them, or buy more than the value of the gift card. So, I decided to just buy 50 one-dollar bills for my son's GF for a better effect LOL.
And that is precisely why they are giving it to
They are trying to stimulate the economy. They WANT people to spend it. They don't want you to put in in the bank. That's why they are not giving it to people who have money.
Re handing out money to people who don't file... that is incorrect. They do file. They just fall below the income amount to pay taxes.
I would prefer to be in a tax bracket that gives me less of this handout than one that gives me more.
Anyone giving up anything for Lent??
I'm going to be brave and say no to candy for the next 40 days!
Giving birth at 70?
A 70-year-old woman from India claims she has become the world's oldest new mother.
Rajo Devi and her husband Bala Ram had wanted a child in all their 50 years together.
She claims to have given birth to a baby girl at the end of November after having IVF treatment. Her husband is 72.
OK, I'm giving it a try again, except for the shoes.
I cleaned my sink last night and will keep that clean. Got up this a.m. and got dressed and ready for the day, which does indeed make a difference in my attitude. The only thing I won't do is wear my shoes in the house. This is something I've never done. It's not a cultural thing, it's must a me-thing. I'm always in socks in the house and keep my Crocs by the door for quick trips outside to mailbox or garden. The only time I wear shoes is when I'm out and about. This is something I've done all my life, and it just feels very weird for me to have shoes on in the house.
BAD idea! Terribly BAD idea!
This could not be worse of any idea. People need to worry about their own bodies, not what other women do! This is supposed to be the land of the free, but people are trying to turn it into the "the land of the free as long as you agree with me." It's a medical procedure and no one else's business period! For some women, it's a hard enough decision to make without having other people tell them how they should do it!
If you do not believe in abortion...great, don't have one, but mind your own business and leave other people alone that need/want to have one! Again, it's none of your business what someone else does.
I don't have any children and don't want any. While I always use birth control, that's not 100%, and if it failed, I certainly would get an abortion without hesitation. I much rather have women get abortions than bring a child into the world that they don't want and mistreat or that they can't pay for and stick ME with paying for it! There are enough leaches out there having kid after kid they can't pay for, and we tax payers are footing the bill. Enough is enough already!
How about all you people that but your nose into other people's business and don't want these women to have abortions pay my share of taxes too since you don't mind paying for all of these unwanted children!
I would think 15 is good if you're giving her something else with it.
However, $90 for cut and color is inexpensive? I live in a pretty expensive area and basic color generally runs around $35 to $40 and cuts are not always $50+. I'd say she is expensive but if she is good probably worth it.
Respect or giving up your free will.
If she wants to go to church, and have that church a major part of her life, why should she give that up. He shouldn't have to go if he doesn't want to either. Sometimes divorce isn't a sad/bad thing.
what are you giving your child's teacher
I was thinking some sort of gift card...I'm sure she is overloaded with trinkets and Christmas ornaments, etc. Any creative suggestions? 
MERRY CHRISTMAS...
Fox still has not announced if they are giving any money....sm
to the cause. Notice that they keep wanting people to donate, mentioned corporate sponsors but not once have mentioned any contributions they will make. They also have no mention of this on their website.
Good for you for giving it your best shot.
 You obviously found something that attracted you to the man since you are with him. Any and all relationships require work. We are each different individuals, and in order to live together, need to find the balance that makes each happy.
Stealing then giving to charity?
Used the stolen money to make donations to churches?!? Who does she think she is - Robin Hood? Or was she thinking on judgement day she could say "Yeah, I did some stealing, but I gave some of it to God, so its all good"?!
Is giving grandparents a scrapbook
I think it would be, but decided to get opinions. Thank you in advance.
I'm giving mine COAL. LOL. nm
nm
Well, I'm guilty of giving neighbors' dog
he does come over our fence, literally climbs over, and comes into our yard and then our house. He goes straight to the kitchen, waits for a treat and then goes out the front door and to his yard. He gets ignored a lot so I feel sorry for him. He's so cute.
I'm giving up negative comments
I'm going to let only positive comments pass my lips, otherwise I will stay quiet. Believe me, the Lord knows what a sacrifice this will be for me.
If you had read further, instead of giving ok to steal,
then you would find out other things missing. I do not understand why you would basically condone stealing because it was "meaningless things?" I work for what I have. I am certainly in no ways ashamed and neither should I be. Stealing is just that, stealing and I think it is part of thou shalt not .......
Too small for me... love my SUV and not giving it up...
and will be getting another one. Prius and the like okay for in town driving but I live rurally, shop once a week, load up the SUV and it's done. My gas mileage is 20 -24 mpg and I can afford the gas.
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