Scrooge........................

[CrookedArrow]

The subject of Christmas and more so shopping seem to come up every year with me and friends.

I don't shop. For as long as we/I have been married my wife and kids do all the shopping. My wife purchases what she wants for Christmas as well as our daughters etc.

I don't wrap. My wife wraps all the presents, yes even hers. I absolutely despise stores of any kind. If I have to go I know exactly what I am purchasing and I am out.

Many moons ago I tried buying Christmas presents. It seems I could never get it right. Now they purchase what they want and there are no hiccups. For me I usually have one or two items and they are done. In the past they have given me a gift card which I use online (no stores).

Christmas is overhyped in my opinion. Too much into material things, lights etc. The meaning always seems to be overshadowed by materialistic items. That's me and I guess I will never change.

[Bisch]

Christmas really has nothing to do with shopping or presents!


But you sir, do seem to be a certified Scrooge!!!

Bisch

[scott1022]

I stopped buying Christmas presents for everyone except for my kids a couple of years ago. I've had many discussions with people about this. Normally they think that I'm a scrooge. I even had one person ask me "don't you like seeing the joy on peoples' faces when you give them a gift?" That right there is the key, I no longer see joy on faces. I just see expectations... give me more.

[jerp]

Bah humbug!!
[ATTACH]831563[/ATTACH]

[CrookedArrow]

I stopped buying Christmas presents for everyone except for my kids a couple of years ago. I've had many discussions with people about this. Normally they think that I'm a scrooge. I even had one person ask me "don't you like seeing the joy on peoples' faces when you give them a gift?" That right there is the key, I no longer see joy on faces. I just see expectations... give me more.

Spot on

[BrandonA]

I buy Riley a couple of little gifts. If she needs shoes or clothes I throw those in as sacrificial gifts ( even though they really aren't since she would get them regardless). Instead of making it about getting presents she and I go on a Christmas get away , just us two. Her gift to me and my gift to her is the memories we make each year.

[DapperDan]

I buy Riley a couple of little gifts. If she needs shoes or clothes I throw those in as sacrificial gifts ( even though they really aren't since she would get them regardless). Instead of making it about getting presents she and I go on a Christmas get away , just us two. Her gift to me and my gift to her is the memories we make each year.

Awesome!


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[Hamshire]

Sadly, all it's turned into (and has for some time now) is anxiety, pressure, and obligation to buy *things*.

[systemnt]

Nothing I love more than watching my kids open Christmas gifts.
Nothing I hate more than having to purchase gifts for wife and parents.
I can spend all day online (I do not do stores..) and buy my kids stuff with no effort and know im getting the right stuff...
I can spend an eternity online and never find anything our parents want or need...or something I think my wife would find nice.
When I want something, I buy it.
I expect and tell her to do the same.
Parents get gift cards to home depot and/or McDonalds.
(And I have received those both back as re-gifts from my Dad on more than one occasion..)

[boh347]

Christmas really has nothing to do with shopping or presents!


But you sir, do seem to be a certified Scrooge!!!

Bisch

You have no idea, he's a Scrooge all year.

[Kodiakk]

Sadly, all it's turned into (and has for some time now) is anxiety, pressure, and obligation to buy *things*.

Yep.

[jerp]

Crass materialism is a part of Christmas because it is part of the human condition. As meaningful and sacred as the season is to me, I enjoy the secular side of Christmas as well. I like the decorations, the parties, the gift giving and most of all the chance for the family to gather.

[Tx_Wader]

I enjoy the secular side of Christmas as well. I like the decorations, the parties, the gift giving and most of all the chance for the family to gather.

Me too jerp, me too.

[Chew]

A healthy combo of "real" Christmas and secular festivus seems to be just about right for me. A time for reflection, family, counting blessings, giving thanks, worship....combined with some pretty cool gifts.

[lodgepole]

Sign me up for the club too. I have no idea what to buy the wife, or mother. In-laws forget it. I can get the kids things but I only get things they need, not so much what they want.

I really miss the true meaning of Christmas.


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