We usually have plenty of money and don't spend much so I Don't think much about it. BUT all the same it is a big chunk at the end of the year and so this year I Decided to be very proactive.
I usually do more last-minute stuff and don't shop around too much, picking cute stuff out of catalogs because I am short on time.
This year I have been tearing out catalog pages (which give me ideas) and then I Search online and ebay for good deals. I have found most of the stuff at 1/2 price from the catalogs.
I have been shopping all month and spent $150 in october. Will probably spend $100 in november to wrap up shopping. & that leaves december for all of the potlucks and gift exchanges, parties, teachers, etc. I imagine around $100. That is my $350 christmas.
We don't really exchange with anyone but immediate family.
I only do christmas cards once in a while, this year is a no christmas-card year. My husband and I Don't exchange gifts. WE always say we'll get the kids 1 gift and go overboard, but this year we left it to 1 $30 gift each. That was our budget and it will be more like $40 or $50, but so far we are sticking to the 1-gift rule. Everything else we think we want to get we are just keeping a list for their christmas money and gift cards. The last 3 years they have been spoiled rotten by us, even though we didn't intend to in the least, then the grandparents, then we have these gift cards for toys r us when all is said and done and buy more toys. This year we decided one toy was good and we can go crazy with gift cards later.
I usually like to have my shopping done in movember, december is just too crazy. BUT this year it feels so good to have the bulk of it done already. I Think I will REALLY enjoy this christmas. We overall just don't like it to be too materialistic, but at the same time it is the only time we really buy special things for the kids. But we are lucky most of our family and friends feel the same way. Not a lot of gift exchanging which is REALLY Fine with me.
Oh I just wanted to say my dh made my budget for my niece and my sister like $10 and $15 and I Was really impessed what great gifts I found.
As much as I am frugal for myself, I am rarely so with gifts. I learned a lot this year. I thought dh was crazy - LOL - but in the end I am pleased with my gifts and that Christmas won't hurt at all this year.