How much are we spending this Christmas comapred to last year

[SOAPPRO]

I have reduced my spending by about $300.00 to under $700.00 for everyone.

[Ima saver]

We use to spend about $1500 a year, but we have cut back to about half of that. I just give the grandchildren money and let them buy what they want.

[rduell]

We are spending about the same as last year. We cut the amount spent last year and it worked fine so I'm keeping it the same for now.

[JanH]

We usually end up about 1500, but that includes food, wrapping, shipping, etc. This year, we're trying to lower that. I've put it away in the Christmas Club over the year, so it's there, but I'm trying to see how well I can do lowering costs and making more gifts. I guess the 1500 is more for the whole season (with company and all) than just gifts. But I'm still going to work on lowering that. It would be neat if we all came back and recorded what we actually spent.

[dossin1]

I am really going to try to keep it around $200 this year for my kids. They are both video game nuts, and the cost of those things is criminal! Last year, I estimate I spent around $450, because I kind of went overboard and got my dd one of those portable dvd players and a digital camera too ! ( I know, I know.... what was I thinking!) We don't have a big family, so there are not a lot of people to buy for, just the kids and a few friend's kids. I usually get gift cards for them.

[fairy74]

Last year we spent about $600, which I thought was way too high...We buy for about 8 people and do cards/photos to about 40 more. This year with careful planning (yard sales, clearance, year round shopping) we will come in at around $350! Yeah!

[ren]

Almost five times as much as last year! Dadburn, rackin' frackin' greedy airlines.

For things that will be actually wrapped, probably about the same. Not done shopping yet, but we have an agreed upon limit for roommates and office secret Santa.

[PRICEPLUS]

We'll be spending about the same. We made big cuts years ago and so it is bad but not dreadful!

[jodi]

We are aiming for a little less. I have arranged with several relatives not to exchange gifts (we bought for each other's kids) because 1. it's too much money and hassle, and 2. my kids have too much already!
Last year we were probably $900-1000 (two kids, four parents, 7 siblings and spouses total, 4 nieces and nephews, one cousin, and each other)
This year we are shooting for $800-850 (two kids, three parents, 7 siblings/spouses, 2 nieces/nephews, and each other).
I no longer exchange with friends as we traded gift cards each year. Now we pick a night to go out to dinner and a movie together.

[MonkeyMama]

I have no idea what we usually spend and this year we are aiming $400 - $500. We probably spent around $2k last year, because we bought ourselves a new laptop. Maybe $1k on an average year. Dh just reminded me we bought my dad a pretty extravagant gift last year as well so maybe we usually run more than $1k. Amazing. I generally feel like we don't do that much at christmas - just imemdiate family - but I think we have splurged a bit much on them in the past.

This year we have really pinched the pennies though. I budgeted $400 but we may splurge on a friend in need and give her $100 cash this year. Why I guess $400 - $500. most the shopping is done and budget is going good.

[Armywife]

Last year we spent a sizable amount and used the cashback and point incentives to start buying gifts for this year's Christmas. I've got all the adults on the list so far and the kids are getting gift cards to Toys R Us. I've yet to shop for my own kids though ::cringe::

[lrjohnson]

Less this year. I am spending less on gifts due to my Challenge. Gifts are always my biggest expense; I don't like Christmas decorations or special Christmas food.

[Aleta]

We are budgetin for about $600. Why do we need to spend more. It's about giving a thoughtful gift not what the commercials tell us.

By the way, my husband and I will be expecing our first grandchild in January and I'm sure a lot will change after that.

[scfr]

More this year. We have one more wee one in the extended family so that means one more contribution to a college fund. We'll be going from about $250 to about $300.

[cicy33]

we are staying fairly average. around $2000 for about 18 people total. 10 of those are kids

[kashi]

Last year I spent about $575. This year I hope to shave $50 off of that. We'll see!

[tinapbeana]

so far DH & i are on track for under a grand including food and travel for (lemme think a sec) 22 people if we count both our co-workers. since we spend the most on each other, i guess i should say under $600 for 20 people, that sounds a lot better!

[simpleselu]

I am spending a lot less. I spent around $500 last year for everything holiday related and this year I have it down to under $100.

[BCHGRL]

I don't know how much we spent last year, but I know that I spent $250 on my mom alone. I asked her if we could limit the amount we spend this year. I would feel guilty if she continues to spend $500 on me.

[RunnerGirl78]

I agree with BCHGRL...it's the amount that OTHERS spend on you that often makes you feel compelled to spend the same (or more!) on them! My parents always spoil my husband and I, and we're never able to reciprocate at that level.

Overall, we'll spend about the same this year...two sets of grandparents, two sets of parents, and two siblings = $500.