We got rid of our cc years ago. Sometimes but not often do I get somethings on time, like flex pay. I do not enjoy Christmas as much any more. The joy in the kids is great but someone in the family said I did not treat her children the same and she gave money, what she thought was equal. I tried to tell her I didn't buy the gifts my husband did. He gave what he wanted them to have. Not thinking of being equal in money. Everything has changed. They are in town this weekend and I do not want to see them. I am so unhappy. The last time I saw her she thanked me for no drama!

There are people who have an addiction to control and it is just as serious a problem to them and those around them as any drug, alcohol or any other addiction. Don't let theirproblem/issues kill your happiness & joy. Hurt people, hurt people - it becomes a chain. If it is possible, be the first to break the chain.

I don't give Christmas presents no close family to give to. So I donate to a children's charity the amount I would spend on cards presents and cooking. This year the local church asked for gifts for children in hospital over Christmas ages 0 to 16. I managed each age range with a quilt except 5678 they all have a wrapped gift. Rthe rest got a quilt in various sizes and designs. I didn't know I had so many quilts squirrelled away and not completely finished I'd sandwiched but not quilted and bound.
All wrapped for under 12 teenagers put all quilts in a large tartan bag and told them to take a hug. No idea how it went but hopefully they will appreciate some. I feel great and best of all I have a large space to put more quilts in.

I would stay as far away from that jerk as possible. My youngest DD was acting like a drama queen and she was told to not come to our family gathering as she made everyone uncomfortable. She would be welcome if she left her snotty ways behind. I'm her mother and told her exactly what I would tell her if she was ten. She apologized and said she wouldn't act up. Things are fine now.

We stopped exchanging gifts in my family years ago and I finally weaned my friends off exchanges. I enjoy making sweet spiced pecans for everyone. This year I made drawstring totes and put the jars of pecans in the totes. My friends are aware that cookies are welcome but no purchased gifts. :)
I send a nice check to one nephew with kids and a less than wonderful income.
Then I sit down and write a nice check to Feeding America and my favorite dog rescue www.WheatensInNeed.org
I am fortunate not to need a thing and it makes me very happy to do all of the above.

Sadly people have gotten to the point where they EXPECT a gift. I give if I can, if not I give a card. I have a DD who seems to think the cost of the gift is a 'love gauge'. I'm sorry about that, not sure how that happened except her Dad and I divorced when she was young and he was always bribing her with gifts. The Lord loves a cheerful giver and if I cannot give cheerfully, I don't give at all. The birth of Christ and His magnificent gift of salvation should be gift enough for anyone, in my opinion.

Life is too short, to let negative people impact your life. If you don't want to see them, then DON'T see them. If you must be around her (for whatever reason), just treat her as you would someone who has had a few too many drinks and 'isn't quite right in the head.' Be polite but start speaking to someone else, if she approaches you.

Sensible! No more paying off Christmas gifts for six months after, cookies are wonderful but I don't need to be eating them in January and the pleasure I get from making things for my family is all the joy I need.

After many years of hearing "I already got that" or "I'm too old for that" we decided that money fits everyone. Now we write 1 check per family, include it in a card and say that's it. We do this for our 5 kids and they all get the same amount regardless how many offspring they have.

My husband and I do not exchange gifts for any holidays, birthdays or anniversaries. We celebrate each day and do as we wish. We decided long ago that we don't need a "date" to share our love, that we do it all the time.

I have learned to stop giving to the children when they are out of high school. That way I can afford to get something for the little ones. Now days when money is so tight you have to do the best you can and running up debt just isn't wise. My biggest gripe is postage. This year they have changed mailing and you have 2 choices, next day or priority. It cost 60.00 to mail 4 pkgs. I am almost at the point of just sending gift cards and I just hate to do that as it takes away the personel part of gift giving.