Quote:
Originally Posted by NDArmyGrrl
Don't give in to the pressure to spend just to match them, try to find the right gift for them that is in your budget, and both of you will be happy. Shop year round and may find things that they LOVE and because they love it you will not feel like a cheapskate. Why do they spend so much? Are they wishing they could be more like you and spend less?
|
For years I've told myself this over and over again- that we need to spend what we feel comfortable spending and not a penny more. Heck, I preach it to others (or so it seems). I don't know why they spend so much- because they can? DH and I are not doing too bad with our life, but everyone around us is doing much better.
You (inadvertently?) make the point about why we shouldn't spend so much anyway- you say find something that they will love. The problem is we are not a close family, so I generally don't know what they will love (and frankly, none of them need anything), short of expensive video games and jewelry.
I would be happier not doing gifts with the adults at all, but that has always been a no-go when suggested. I'm feeling stressed enough about finances this year that I'm guessing we'll spend a lesser, usual amount, and after the gift exchange will feel lousy- like once again we didn't do enough! Ah well, sorry to rant.