Christmass scrooge

dreadlocks

I'm already stressing about Christmass and what to get people. Have been put on a three day week at work and have sweet FA in terms of money. Most of my family and alot of my friends work in the public sector so I know they can well afford to be buying snazzy presents whereas I'll have to probably make something out of arts and crafts given my current savings! Presents have always been a big feature of Christmass with me and am worried I'll let people down. I know everyone will b all understanding given the recession and all but will be mortified handing over some DIY card or whatever

SLUSK

Christmas, bah humbug. I haven't given or received a Christmas gift in years. Do what I do and stop celebrating Christmas. These religious holidays don't mean very much to me.

useful_contacts

SLUSK wrote: »

Christmas, bah humbug. I haven't given or received a Christmas gift in years. Do what I do and stop celebrating Christmas. These religious holidays don't mean very much to me.

im sure given your circumstances your family and friends will understand its not easy for anyone atm times are hard.

I started picking up bits for christmas in april- bought one gift a week. And now im all set for christmas , i was laughed at when people found out- but now they are saying i was right as now they are running around trying to put things away for people and ive nothing to do.

Christmas is a really big thing for me too.

Have a word with your friends and family.
Ask them to keep it low key or cut out the gifts altogether.

I ended up in a similar situation a couple of years back.
And the lack of big presents never cost anyone a thought. It is corney. But spending time with the people you care about and a giant tin of chocolate, really is the meaning of Christmas.

Personally I would adore something hand made. Most of the stuff you get is junk within a couple of months. But something someone makes for you is a memory.

deisemum

OP you've got to stop thinking that you'll be mortified over not giving some lavish present etc. That's not what christmas is about for the majority of people.

I for one would much prefer someone that got some little thing that they know I'd like and reflects my interests (if they feel like getting me something) and not some lavish present that very little thought has been put into or something that's not my "thing". I've 8 siblings and I've lost count of the number of nieces and nephews and we cut out presents for all the children and only get something for godchildren.

Most of your family may work in the public service but even though a lot of people may be percieved as having a well paid job they may not have much spare cash anyway as they're screwed in tax, levies and god only knows how much their wages will be further cut in the next budget.

If you've got nieces and nephews and have traditionally bought them presents then spending time with them may be more fun for them and yourself than yet more presents which may take from the Santa presents and is another toy for the parents to be picking up or tripping over. As a mother believe me when I tell you that I'd far prefer if a family member babysat for a few hours giving me time out for myself and entertaining my children maybe renting out a video and sticking a pizza in the over or even taking them out during the day than yet another toy.

Maybe mention to your family and friends that it might be better to try doing kris kindle so you only have to get something for someone and you never know other family members might be only too glad that someone suggested it. Put a limit on the amount even if it's only something small.

karma403

Try not stress out, it really isn't worth it.

Make a budget of how much you think you could save for Christmas between now and the beginning of December. (eg €5/€10 a week).

Plan who you would like to buy for

Warn friends early that you are only buying small gifts this year and ask they do the same

Keep an eye out in the shops for ideas of things your friends might like and bear it mind for when you can go shopping.

I wont be spending much this Christmas. People go silly over it anyways. Last year my brother suggested we buy dad a sat nav and mum a nintendo DS for Christmas. Dad has never used the sat nav and mum used the DS for a month. My point being, buying something small, cheap but useful is much better than the look-how-much-I have-spent-on-you-present.

SheRa

OP how about a Kris Kindle system for your family and seperately for your friends. You put all the names in a hat and pick out a name and there's a set limit for a present. It works out much cheaper.

Or if that doesn't suit, please tell your family and friends that you want to tone down the pressies this year. Honest to god if I felt that someone I knew was struggling to buy me a pressie Id rather know and get no pressie and just a card. Please dont worry too much about it. Christmas can be a very worrying time for many many people. Focus on the fact that you will have your family and friends around you.

Btw I work in the Public Sector and I have much less money this year than last year, so dont be worrying that they'll have loads of money because they might well be struggling too and be delighted that you brought it up. If they react badly Id wonder how good a friend they actually are.

Darthhoob

you know the best present i got...was from my sister in law last year.

she bought a hamper basket, decorated it a bit with some ribbon, and filled it with little things she thought we might like (the present was for me and OH and my 7 year old).
things like pez, mugs, hot chocolate, homemade cookies and cake, lolly, facial masks, socks...and other little bits and bobs. nothing expensive but it was so lovely i actually had tears in my eyes lol! she did that for everyone in the family...and we ALL loved it...and talked about it for ages

kelle

Moonbaby wrote: »

It is corney. But spending time with the people you care about and a giant tin of chocolate, really is the meaning of Christmas.

.

&1

BTW, you can buy tins of Roses/Miniatures/Heroes in Tesco's at the moment, they're Buy One get One Free.

And Useful-contact's idea sounds good.

And something arty-crafty is not to be sniffed at either.

Lollipops23

OP there is no reason to be embarassed, a lot of people are freaking out (already). I for one am thanking my lucky stars (and nagging mother) for joining the savings scheme in work!!

Years back my artsy cousin made all his cards, everyone raved about them til march!the time and effort was amazing, much nicer than big stupid generic crap.

That hamper idea sounds fantastic, as does the kris krindle.

I like darthhoob's idea!

OP just remember to do your shopping extremely early - even now or next month - and take your time. That way the prices wont have been jacked up for christmas, and you won't end up blowing a lot of money in a panic.

Frankly the most thoughtful gifts are the best. It's not about how much money did you spend, it's about what would that person like, what are their interests, etc. That's why that hamper idea is such a good one.

Cianos

I really dislike the materialism behind the whole thing. No one should expect an expensive present from anyone, and certainly no one should judge someone else based on the monetary value of whatever they're receiving.

Make it clear that you don't have a big budget for this year and so you don't expect expensive presents because you can't afford to give them. It's as simple as that.

You could always give presents of your time as well. Mind the kids for a day? Do a bit of painting or decorating around the house etc etc?

It shouldn't all be about money. I'm not religious at all, but the grovelling for material gain that this day is based around really rubs me up the wrong way.

The_Conductor

dreadlocks- if your family are all in the public sector- they've already been hit with the income levies, the pension levy, halving of expenses, and if they were on any allowances- they've probably lost them too. They may not be on a 3 day week- but they are hurting too. I don't think anyone will be buying 'snazzy' presents this year- things are tough for everyone.

I think the idea of the hamper full of yummy and useful little things- is a lovely idea- lots of little goodies that you'd love to get (or receive) but wouldn't necessarily buy for yourself. It may not cost as much as your 'snazzy' presents- but it takes a lot more thought and effort- and while the snazzy present might be put to one side after a few hours- you will have days of enjoyment from a hamper like the one described above.

In our house when money was tight- what we often did was give each other vouchers offering- to paint a siblings house for him, to pop in and babysit on 10 night (in a little coupon type thingy), to pop over and cook dinner just for a sis and her brother-in-law to let them have a stress free romantic evening in- little things- that don't necessarily cost money- but take thought and time.

My mum was in Dublin over the summer and told me on the bus on the way down that she had a little present for me. When we met- she gave me a jar of jam an aunt had made. It was absolutely delicious.

We really have to move away from trying to put a monetary value on everything- the things that really matter in life are priceless......

Thephantomsmask

OP don't forget that you're entitled to jobseekers benefit for the two days work you are down if you haven't applied already. As for christmas any family or friends worth their salt will understand that things are tight and as others have a said a small, well thought out gift means a lot more than a lavish gift that cost the earth. Even something as simple as a "voucher" to baby sit to allow friends with a child to have a couples night out can be warmly appreciated.

kmick

Start telling people now. "I have NO money so dont going buying me any Christmas present over 5 euro. Cause that is what you are getting. You have been warned". Tell them weekly.

LegacyUser

I think the best Christmas present you could give is to stop making digs at people who have a full time job, and instead be happy for them.
I'm one of those well paid public sector employees who doesn't have a job because of cut backs (the job I was doing last year is gone). Maybe I should start complaining about private sector workers who're on three day weeks/the pigs back? It wouldn't be much of a Christmas for anyone around me however if I started making digs at my friends and family for simply having a job.

shellyboo

unreg06 wrote: »

I think the best Christmas present you could give is to stop making digs at people who have a full time job, and instead be happy for them.
I'm one of those well paid public sector employees who doesn't have a job because of cut backs (the job I was doing last year is gone). Maybe I should start complaining about private sector workers who're on three day weeks/the pigs back? It wouldn't be much of a Christmas for anyone around me however if I started making digs at my friends and family for simply having a job.

I don't see one dig, anywhere, about anybody who has a job

OP, what everyone else is saying is right - let people know you won't be buying big presents this year and ask them not to spend much on you either. They'll most likely be relieved! Everyone's finding it tight at the moment.

sunnyside

I think it's sad that people are so worried about Christmas presents. I love expensive things and have bought and received plenty of same over the years. I appreciate the gifts but they really aren't important. If I knew somebody was short of cash the last thing I'd want is somebody buying things for me that I don't even need.

Lately I've been giving people vouchers for Dunnes and Tesco as gifts and I will do the same for a lot of my Christmas presents. Yes it's boring but people are always happy with them.

Less money for Christmas presents will be a common theme this year, definitely not just you OP. Essentials=santa presents for the children and food for the house. Everyone still has a great day and the ESB won't go unpaid in January. Relax people.

LegacyUser

shellyboo wrote: »

I don't see one dig, anywhere, about anybody who has a job

I do. It was totally unnecessary to point out that his/her friends and family work in the public sector.

I suppose my annoyance at this simple thing represents how tiring it is to hear and read about so called rich/overpaid public sector employees from people who invariably work in the private sector and never have worked in the public sector.

I think it's about time I switched off the news and stopped reading the paper!

kittenkiller

During college I'd make jewelery for my friends at Christmas, and it went down really well.

Try it!
People will more than understand given your circumstances.

wexford202

I think Kris Kindle is one of the best ways of avoiding the financial pressures and burden of the whole thing.

Even though your relatives may have decent jobs etc there is absolutely nothing to say that any of them are secure at the moment especially with budgets and the likes between now and Christmas.

If you suggest it your family will probably be delighted as there is no sense in everyone handing every crappy presents for the sake of it.

Christmas is meant to be a fun time of the year for you and your family and nobody wants to see anysone stressed about moeny etc at this time. Life can be hard enough without that.

LegacyUser

Everyone will find it tight for money this Christmas, yes, even us Public Sector employes, who have have had their wages cut left, right and centre and worse to come in the December budget.

Anyways back to Christmas presents, start buying bits and pieces from now on so you won't have to spend a load of money all in one go. Or else start putting money away each week to buy presents nearer Christmas. Now is the time to shop around though.

Maybe with the lack of money/presents etc around it might bring families closer together, spend more time talking to each other etc and they might even forget about work/NAMA/recession and enjoy each others company and be glad that they have each other and their health. There is always someone else worse off.
This is not a dig at anyone.

neuro-praxis

To cut Christmas costs, I make home-made mince pies, pickles and fudge as gifts. I collect the jars all year for the pickles. They are cheap, quick to prepare (one day will be plenty) and taste wonderful. I give these to colleagues, neighbours and friends, nicely wrapped. Everyone loves them, and people sometimes ask me for the pickles during the year too.

We also do a Christkindle in my family and my husband's. That means we only have to buy one gift each, on each side. For the nieces and nephews, we set a limit of €10 per child and buy each child a book suitable to their age.

It seriously cuts down on costs.