Christmas Gifts -- Joy/Blessing or worst part of the year

Do you like giving Christmas gifts? Do you spend hours pondering what to get, and then have those lightbulb moments. Is shopping part of your christmas ritual? Maybe you make gifts, and think of the people who you are making for

do you dread christmas gifts -- maybe it's the spend and the expectations that go along when those with lots of cash, and others who don't. Maybe it's that you have seen gifts that you sought out just be tossed aside.


What are you looking forward to in the gift giving area...or maybe in the NOT giving gift area.

I have spoiled my granddaughter's this year. I know it -- but I had fun, and we could do it. They will have new clothes & shoes which they will wear, and i will give the gift certificates in case Mom/Dad want to exchange.

I am most excited though by seeing what I hope will be a good gift that will last them a while. A friend helped me buy art supplies of a quality above the kids, and the family is getting an art box, and lots of neat material. I have a sense it will be well loved. I'm thinking of joining forces with my friend to have an art camp here for her granddaughters and mine as well in the summer. Again, we'll see.

so things that they will enjoy right away, but, also items that will last for the year.

ps. I love buying gifts.
I love seeking out creative secret santa gifts -- sometimes they get stolen, sometimes, they aren't exceptional, but i love trying it. i love the giggles of people determining which one to steal, and the laughter at uncle R always bringing a flashlight.

I love making gifts. I haven't felt up to it this year, so not sure what I will do for my great nieces and nephews, but, it doesn't weigh heavy on me. it's just part of the fun of things to do in december.

My family kind of got out of the gift thing in the late nineties, early noughties. Maybe when we have grands but with my son's family being Muslim, Christmas will be a bit different in many ways so not sure. Mrs. M and I kind of regard our annual winter trip as a gift to ourselves/each other but not even sure that's happening. We haven't planned anything and I am not really in the mood to travel so soon after Greece. We'll see. There is an option we are considering.

JayneWonders said:

ps. I love buying gifts.

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Whereas I am one of those stereotypical men who hates to shop, even for things he needs or is interested in. Browsing bookstores is probably the lone exception.

I like giving gifts that are just the right ones for the person gifted- and I hate having to find gifts for people I honestly don’t care much about or I don’t know well enough to find the right thing- or who have very different taste than I do- which also means I am getting gifts that go on the next yard sale. I feel like the world is in a big enough mess that I would like to donate the money spent to more important causes- and also avoid getting all the stuff I need to get rid off again.
I haven’t found a way to discuss that with the people that are “ obligated gift recipients”. My son and family got money towards a new stove as the mice have chewed through their old one. I will be happy if I get a pic of the grandchild.
We will be getting together for take out and a game of cards on December 24 th.