How much do you spend on Christmas presents?

I think what is coming across here is that the amount we spent isn't the point. I could spend twice as much as I do on presents, or half as much. The point is to give a gift, or an amount of money, that will mean something to the recipient. The gifts that have meant the most to me are those that have been chosen with thought and care, not necessarily the most lavish.

Just looked back and you are right, I apologise. Personally I was speaking generally about the huge amount people (myself included) spend at Christmas. I try to cut down but find it hard with a large family and don't want to appear mean. . However I have never gone into debt as I believe some do ( not referring to anyone on this site) in an effort to keep up with others.

Ok sorry if I'm wrong. Didn't notice that. As you say, move on!

She named someone.
However let it go,I have.

I assumed she was speaking generally.

I certainly did not use any form of abuse to Granny grunt
I simply pointed out that to call someone's spending obscene was not in the spirit of GN and then agreed with her that we should post what we want and think.

Once again a tgread is deteriorating into personal abuse. I hate this sbout gransnet. Leave farview & grannygrunt alone! We are all different, we have different circumstances and opinions. It's interesting to hear a range of opinions. I rather agree with grannygrunt, but hypocritically it doesnt stop me spending a ridiculous amount.
As for Farview we have nonidea of her circumstances and she has asked for help in dealing with a difficult situation (ie buying Christmas presents, not her whole lifestyle.) I also quite often ask for household equipment for a present - my life, my choice!

I buy one gift for my friend, about £30. The Bodach and I don’t exchange gifts. Grandchildren get £50 ( £300) each for their parents to do with as they see fit, and we’ve done away with adults’ gifts.
Regards,
Ma Scrooge.

( Incidentally, when we did give to adults, and at birthdays, we give the same amount to children and children in laws.)

You are quite right I do.
Long may we continue to do so.

annsixty. Not personal, just an opinion. You give yours often enough

So apart from accepting that you'll remain downtrodden for the rest of your life, what are you doing about it?
You've a big family. Are they aware of this?

Well mcem time warp or not

that's how it is...I don't like it.
but cannot change it..sick of rowing&being upset..dont have joint a/c..

Have we slipped through a time warp and landed in the 60's?
Kettle or pressure cooker as a present ? Allowance from husband?
I sincerely hope these posts are windups - if not, get a grip and get into 2017!

So what do you suggest Grannygrunt123? That we all live like paupers, regardless of our household income, because some families don't have the same spending ability?

I have been in that position, have fought to get out of it, and now live very comfortably. I will be damned if I am going to deny my family a nice Christmas or nice presents because some people disapprove of my choices and think spending anything more than absolute minimum is "obscene"

I think we are better keeping our thoughts to ourselves grannygrunt it is personal and not in the spirit of GN.

Cagsy. What an obcene amount to spend. I hate the way christmas is so commercialised. It should be a magic time for children while they actually believe in father christmas. Nowadays, ask children what they think Christmas is about, they say "presents" ask them about the meaning of easter, they say easter eggs. They haven't a clue about the true meaning of these celebrations. Now it's all about, over eating, overspending and over indulged children. For many however, it's a sad time of worry, hardship, guilt that they can't buy for their children. They can barely afford a loaf of bread never mind a turkey. No, we live in a very unjust society. Miserable? Maybe I am, I just can't help thinking of the many who find Christmas an utter nightmare and it so shouldn't be, if it's true meaning was upheld and the greed and gluttony stopped.

well, I have (nearly) given up on posting presents to Australia although I was tempted to buy something tiny today which I now have to post.

Thank you Jalima1108hood advice!

ps I didn't realise that husbands doled out allowances these days, hope you do this amicably.

farview it's no good worrying - just buy for the children, give the Australian family some money so that they can buy for the children or something nice for Christmas Day.

I am sure that everyone will understand.

It doesn’t matter what you spend . A thoughtful gift is the key.
We don’t buy for siblings now and nieces and nephews stop at 18 as do their children. Agreed to not buy friends years ago.
3 DDs, SSIL, get a good gift of choice as do DGSs. They also love the fun of a Stocking which we supply for the adults and add some to the children’s. DD and I tend to book a theatre treat for ourselves or something similar with a couple of small treats.
We all spend Christmas together and that is priceless to me.

Whereas it may be interesting to find out how much other families spend, it really means nothing. If the question was asked, how much proportion of annual income is then spent on gifts, it would come out quite differently. One persons five pound gift is so much more than another persons hundred pound one.

My total allowance (from H) is £200.Ive four children.their partners,9 grandchildren and also have to post parcel to son&family in Australia..worrying myself silly!!?

Lillyflower I certainly wouldn't spend a fortune on your sister. Just buy a token present and explain that it's all you can afford.

My husband and I spend nothing on each other (we don't need anything), but give the children and grandchildren around £2000 in total.