Floating through the Isles in the stores before chistmas ,

Essentially, it's not really what Christmas is about. I think if people know that you can't afford to give gifts this Christmas then they'll understand. You can send out cards that you made yourself. Or if you have a garden you can just give away some beautiful potted plants. Though the holidays isn't just about gift giving, there are very inexpensive gifts that won't hurt your budget at all.

Christmas is never about gifts exchanges or buying of presents.. Instead, it should be a get together time between family members and a bonding time ^_^ Things are getting more complicated over a simple joyous occasion.. It's about sharing of joy, so why bother about gifts?? SInce it's celebrating with one's own family members, gifts will not be a problem as all ^_^

Sadly the true meaning of Christmas has long gone, the commercial side has taken over and it's all buy buy buy, the pressure is intense and everyone is expected to spend more than they should and get into debt, for what, for two days? You shouldn't have to spend like crazy to show someone that you love them. All the preparation, stress and money just for two days? If you wait till the sales most of the stuff you buy before Christmas is half the price if not more! At the end of the day the thought that counts and people who love you should understand and respect what you can give and not the price of what you give!

I started working on Christmas presents in Feb, and thinking about them right after Christmas. I find its less stressful if most of my presents are made BEFORE we get to Thanksgiving....

LOL! I thought it was Santa who pops all those gifts into the stockings. ;) Leave it to Santa! Alright..I will get serious...yup, I agree. I don't celebrate Christmas and never purchase gifts. But for those who have to purchase, it is like spending a small fortune. Unfortunately, my friend, Christmas is a commercial feast. Remove the buying and spending part of Christmas, and you don't have much left. Cheers and happy Mylotting

I also feel this way. It's now the day after Christmas as I nswer this but I still have exchanging to do and I just don't have the money or gifts this year. I feel horrible because I didn't get my best friends kids anything. I was going to give them some old toys that my daughter doesn't play with anymore but she won't allow it...they are hers, period. I don't want to upset her but I also don't want to upset my best friend. They are coming today and I don't even have a couple bucks to run to the dollar store for anything. This is NOT what Christmas is about. Next year everyone gets 1 gift, including my own kids. I'm going to start teaching them what we are really celebrating from now on. I hope you had a nice Christmas anyway. I did until today, but I'm hoping it will work out okay.