In what ways are you cutting back to save money during the holidays?

**ajrsmom** · #1 (**permalink**) 12-19-2008, 05:49 AM

I've heard a lot of talk this year about how many people are curbing their spending during the holidays this year.

Have you cut back? If so, in what areas did you decrease your spending and how did you do it?

Do you feel that it has put a damper on things because of it or have you found other ways to enjoy the holidays instead?

This is a multiple choice poll.

Pag36 · #2 (**permalink**) 12-19-2008, 07:40 AM

I have cut back on the cards I am sending out, also the types of gifts and to how many people. I saved some dollars thru' the year towards this time of year. Plus my Judy's b'day is this month and Adam's & my older sons next month so these two months are costly to me. BUT I enjoy giving soooo

**Crafty Amanda** · #3 (**permalink**) 12-19-2008, 08:54 AM

I had to back out of all my card exchanges, wasn't able to send gifts out to friends like I usually do, and we have dramatically dropped our budget that we spent on the kids this year too. Hopefully things will get better soon!

Pag36 · #4 (**permalink**) 12-19-2008, 09:16 AM

Amanda I do hope things are better for you and yours soon. Merry Christmas to you and yours

CHADSMOM · #5 (**permalink**) 12-19-2008, 02:35 PM

I am just doing the same as last year for the most part. I have ten Grandchildren that I buy for and 6 other small children that are my husband's family that we have always done for also. The grown "kids" of mine don't expect anything much as they are blessed to have their children get things and that makes them happy...Same here as long as I am able to get my teenager a few things that he enjoys makes me feel good!

CHADSMOM · #6 (**permalink**) 12-19-2008, 02:41 PM

I am just doing the same as last year for the most part. I have ten Grandchildren that I buy for and 6 other small children that are my husband's family that we have always done for also. The grown "kids" of mine don't expect anything much as they are blessed to have their children get things and that makes them happy...Same here as long as I am able to get my teenager a few things that he enjoys makes me feel good!

trekmom · #7 (**permalink**) 12-19-2008, 07:11 PM

I never have any plans for buying or not buying-never have any money saved-I spend what I can, making sure that I can get something for all my grandkids and for my parents-if I'm lucky I can get a little something for my dd's and my brother and sister who live in the area.
I actually sent all my cards this year-after getting my FC cards sent out...
Right now I'm going to check out what I've bought so far so I can make sure who I have missed.

kathymac · #8 (**permalink**) 12-20-2008, 06:17 AM

DH and I have agreed to buy less for each other. I've also cut back a bit on gifts for DD's. I guess the biggest change I've made this year is planning better and starting my shopping earlier. I made lists and stuck to them when I went shopping. In the past, I might have thrown in extra things that I saw while out shopping. This year I stuck to my list.

Kathy

Pag36 · #9 (**permalink**) 12-20-2008, 07:22 AM

Good for you Kathy with sticking to your list. I too am guilty of "throwing in this or that" that I think some one would really like. But really doing my best this year not to.
I have cut wayyyyy back on cards except for my FC family

**Coll** · #10 (**permalink**) 12-20-2008, 12:36 PM

What I did this year-Got the girls each one thing they really wanted. Then added some lipgloss or nail polish, crayons, markers and paper. They both know that Santa needs help this year so we didn't buy much.
I also got something for Jenn and her boyfriend. I got for Andrew a new Pittsburgh Steelers body pillow, some cologne, The Dark Knight dvd and a brain teaser puzzle. He wanted nothing. The only other gifts I bought were something for my dad, something for dh's sister and dh and I went together on gifts for each other. We bought a dvd/vcr player. Been wanting one so why not?