Comments on: The Expensive Ups and Downs of Christmas http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:09:06 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Mindy M http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/comment-page-1/#comment-439263 Mindy M Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:11:12 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/#comment-439263 I just graduated from college, and I'm still learning how to gracefully manage my budget. It has been especially hard this Christmas to walk the fine line between giving gifts I can't afford and being the Scrooge. I loved your idea about giving homemade food for gifts. I enjoy cooking, so next year I'll pull out some of my Mom's old Christmas cookie recipes and see how many gifts I can make instead of buy. Thanks for all the advice! Your posts are a great encouragement when it comes to financial wisdom and contentment! I just graduated from college, and I’m still learning how to gracefully manage my budget. It has been especially hard this Christmas to walk the fine line between giving gifts I can’t afford and being the Scrooge. I loved your idea about giving homemade food for gifts. I enjoy cooking, so next year I’ll pull out some of my Mom’s old Christmas cookie recipes and see how many gifts I can make instead of buy. Thanks for all the advice! Your posts are a great encouragement when it comes to financial wisdom and contentment!

]]> By: Bill M http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/comment-page-1/#comment-438184 Bill M Sun, 14 Dec 2008 01:46:36 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/#comment-438184 Every year during the end of October, My Wife and I sit down and plot out a budget of how we will spend money on Christmas. We write everyone's name an the amount that we will spend for that person and this has worked beautifully over the past 2 years. Budget and name every dollar you spend is the way to go because you do not do impulsive buying. Every year during the end of October, My Wife and I sit down and plot out a budget of how we will spend money on Christmas. We write everyone’s name an the amount that we will spend for that person and this has worked beautifully over the past 2 years. Budget and name every dollar you spend is the way to go because you do not do impulsive buying.

]]> By: greenfamily http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/comment-page-1/#comment-437856 greenfamily Sat, 13 Dec 2008 16:09:41 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/#comment-437856 Hey, this is a great post. I have tons of things on my calendar for the next two weeks, and having my son's b-day on Dec. 23 adds to the chaos! My strategy is to put things on the calendar in order of importance-- the things we REALLY want to do or people we really love to spend time with. That way our activities are prioritized, and if we don't make it to one of the less enjoyable events, oh well. It has made things much easier on our family. I love the idea of the Christmas account. I am one that shops through the entire year, so when I pulled out the boxes from under the bed this year I had everyone's presents already purchased. Not so for my siblings. This was the first year we've tussled over gift-giving; with nine brothers and sisters plus in-laws and six nieces/nephews, stress was abounding because everyone is so tight on cash right now. When the dust settled we decided that next year we are giving only hand-made gifts to one another, and we're all excited about this shift from spending to putting thought and time into one another's presents. Great post, Trent! Sounds like this was helpful for a lot of people. Hey, this is a great post. I have tons of things on my calendar for the next two weeks, and having my son’s b-day on Dec. 23 adds to the chaos!

My strategy is to put things on the calendar in order of importance– the things we REALLY want to do or people we really love to spend time with. That way our activities are prioritized, and if we don’t make it to one of the less enjoyable events, oh well. It has made things much easier on our family.

I love the idea of the Christmas account. I am one that shops through the entire year, so when I pulled out the boxes from under the bed this year I had everyone’s presents already purchased. Not so for my siblings. This was the first year we’ve tussled over gift-giving; with nine brothers and sisters plus in-laws and six nieces/nephews, stress was abounding because everyone is so tight on cash right now. When the dust settled we decided that next year we are giving only hand-made gifts to one another, and we’re all excited about this shift from spending to putting thought and time into one another’s presents.

Great post, Trent! Sounds like this was helpful for a lot of people.

]]> By: Stop Getting Cheated http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/comment-page-1/#comment-437840 Stop Getting Cheated Sat, 13 Dec 2008 14:53:06 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/#comment-437840 Trent, it sounds like experience has helped you create a very balanced approach to Christmas visiting. Thanks for the solid tips. Trent, it sounds like experience has helped you create a very balanced approach to Christmas visiting. Thanks for the solid tips.

]]> By: Deborah Johnson http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/comment-page-1/#comment-437818 Deborah Johnson Sat, 13 Dec 2008 14:04:00 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/#comment-437818 I started turning down some holiday requests a few years ago after I got tired of feeling stressed out all the time. Maybe it's selfish, but focusing on what I want to do, not what I feel I need to do, has made the holidays a lot more enjoyable. I look forward to them now. I started turning down some holiday requests a few years ago after I got tired of feeling stressed out all the time. Maybe it’s selfish, but focusing on what I want to do, not what I feel I need to do, has made the holidays a lot more enjoyable. I look forward to them now.

]]> By: Dana @ Letters to Elijah http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/comment-page-1/#comment-437318 Dana @ Letters to Elijah Sat, 13 Dec 2008 00:33:31 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/#comment-437318 You can't solve a family problem with an expensive gift! That comment could save half this country from debt this season. My mother goes over board every year for that very reason. I can't tell her no... so I buy very little for my kids because they just don't need that much stuff. Very good post! Thank You. Dana You can’t solve a family problem with an expensive gift! That comment could save half this country from debt this season.

My mother goes over board every year for that very reason. I can’t tell her no… so I buy very little for my kids because they just don’t need that much stuff.

Very good post!

Thank You.

Dana

]]> By: Jackie http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/comment-page-1/#comment-437294 Jackie Sat, 13 Dec 2008 00:05:22 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/#comment-437294 Adrienne, I'm with you-- after schlepping our twins for their first two Christmasses, we said "no more," and ever since, we've hosted a brunch at our house on Christmas Day. I give everyone cookies to take home, and my kids are better behaved and have more time to spend with their grandparents. It's easy for us though-- we're the only ones on either side providing grandkids so far! Adrienne, I’m with you– after schlepping our twins for their first two Christmasses, we said “no more,” and ever since, we’ve hosted a brunch at our house on Christmas Day. I give everyone cookies to take home, and my kids are better behaved and have more time to spend with their grandparents. It’s easy for us though– we’re the only ones on either side providing grandkids so far!

]]> By: Adrienne http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/comment-page-1/#comment-437244 Adrienne Fri, 12 Dec 2008 22:53:20 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/#comment-437244 On the topic of lugging small children around (mine are 1 and 4) this year we're not doing it. We're staying home on xmas. Usually we visit both families but after the tears and trama from last year we're spending this one at home. The family negotiations that went into this seamingly innocent choice have been epic but we've stuck to our guns. Anyone who wants to come see us can but we'll be home for Christmas.... On the topic of lugging small children around (mine are 1 and 4) this year we’re not doing it. We’re staying home on xmas. Usually we visit both families but after the tears and trama from last year we’re spending this one at home. The family negotiations that went into this seamingly innocent choice have been epic but we’ve stuck to our guns. Anyone who wants to come see us can but we’ll be home for Christmas….

]]> By: Lisa http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/comment-page-1/#comment-437224 Lisa Fri, 12 Dec 2008 22:25:02 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/#comment-437224 My hubby and I did that this year too and it is fabulous to not be dreading the January credit card bill. We didn't pay cash for gifts, we used the credit card for points. Then I did nightly transfers from the Christmas savings account to the chequing account for whatever the amount I had spent that day on Christmas things. My hubby and I did that this year too and it is fabulous to not be dreading the January credit card bill.
We didn’t pay cash for gifts, we used the credit card for points. Then I did nightly transfers from the Christmas savings account to the chequing account for whatever the amount I had spent that day on Christmas things.

]]> By: Karen Taylor http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/comment-page-1/#comment-437222 Karen Taylor Fri, 12 Dec 2008 22:15:09 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/#comment-437222 I am with Sandy, comment #9. I have a Christmas accout and it makes it so easy to pay with cash for items starting in November when the funds begun available. Sometimes I get stuff earlier in the year which also is a big help. I am with Sandy, comment #9. I have a Christmas accout and it makes it so easy to pay with cash for items starting in November when the funds begun available. Sometimes I get stuff earlier in the year which also is a big help.

]]> By: Sandy E. http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/comment-page-1/#comment-437215 Sandy E. Fri, 12 Dec 2008 21:52:16 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/#comment-437215 Christmas is expensive, so what about folks like myself who have X amount automatically taken from checking and put into a xmas savings fund all year long? Then I can pay cash for everything in December, and the best part? No credit card debt come January! None. Christmas is expensive, so what about folks like myself who have X amount automatically taken from checking and put into a xmas savings fund all year long? Then I can pay cash for everything in December, and the best part? No credit card debt come January! None.

]]> By: Michael http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/comment-page-1/#comment-437211 Michael Fri, 12 Dec 2008 21:33:00 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/#comment-437211 It's not showing in Chrome, either, so I guess it is deliberate. That's weird. Why have you already stopped advertising your book, Trent? It’s not showing in Chrome, either, so I guess it is deliberate. That’s weird. Why have you already stopped advertising your book, Trent?

]]> By: Randa http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/comment-page-1/#comment-437207 Randa Fri, 12 Dec 2008 21:20:00 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/#comment-437207 Okay, really off track, but ... LOVE the pic "Christmas Tree Lane"!! That's from my hometown. It's a fun drive down that lane over the holidays =) Okay, really off track, but …
LOVE the pic “Christmas Tree Lane”!! That’s from my hometown. It’s a fun drive down that lane over the holidays =)

]]> By: Lisa http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/comment-page-1/#comment-437206 Lisa Fri, 12 Dec 2008 21:18:55 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/#comment-437206 It's not showing in FF3.0.4 right now either. ...Lisa It’s not showing in FF3.0.4 right now either.

…Lisa

]]> By: beloml http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/comment-page-1/#comment-437199 beloml Fri, 12 Dec 2008 20:50:05 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/#comment-437199 This is OT, but I wanted to thank you for mentioning Fever-Tree tonic water in an earlier post. It makes such a difference! I'll never go back to Schweppes! This is OT, but I wanted to thank you for mentioning Fever-Tree tonic water in an earlier post. It makes such a difference! I’ll never go back to Schweppes!

]]> By: Michael http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/comment-page-1/#comment-437196 Michael Fri, 12 Dec 2008 20:39:30 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/#comment-437196 Your ad for your book doesn't show in IE6. Your ad for your book doesn’t show in IE6.

]]> By: liv http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/comment-page-1/#comment-437192 liv Fri, 12 Dec 2008 20:25:30 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/#comment-437192 it's pretty crazy how busy december gets with all the friends/family/work holiday parties. most people i know promote the pot luck so it's not a lot of pressure to always buy things, but you still enjoy the fun of the party :) it’s pretty crazy how busy december gets with all the friends/family/work holiday parties. most people i know promote the pot luck so it’s not a lot of pressure to always buy things, but you still enjoy the fun of the party :)

]]> By: Ryan http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/comment-page-1/#comment-437189 Ryan Fri, 12 Dec 2008 20:23:06 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/#comment-437189 "I used to let pride stand in the way of such offers and often argue that I didn’t want to be a burden, but I came to realize that such offers are made because people want to share with you and help you, and it’s completely polite to accept what’s offered." Well put. I've just recently come to start realizing that as well. I used to feel bad accepting dinner invites or a free couch to crash on, because I couldn't really reciprocate. Now that I'm finally in the position to invite someone over for the same, I sincerely hope they accept, and never think of it as a burden. “I used to let pride stand in the way of such offers and often argue that I didn’t want to be a burden, but I came to realize that such offers are made because people want to share with you and help you, and it’s completely polite to accept what’s offered.”

Well put. I’ve just recently come to start realizing that as well. I used to feel bad accepting dinner invites or a free couch to crash on, because I couldn’t really reciprocate. Now that I’m finally in the position to invite someone over for the same, I sincerely hope they accept, and never think of it as a burden.

]]> By: Aya @ Thrive http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/comment-page-1/#comment-437187 Aya @ Thrive Fri, 12 Dec 2008 20:22:05 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/#comment-437187 I wonder when "what are your plans for christmas?" started to get grunts and moans as responses despite the merriment that is implied in the holiday season. I guess it has to do with when christmas automatically meant lots of money to be spent and lots of stress to be accumulated. Nice post, I hope people take into account that they should be spending quality time with family and friends instead of just spending... I wonder when “what are your plans for christmas?” started to get grunts and moans as responses despite the merriment that is implied in the holiday season. I guess it has to do with when christmas automatically meant lots of money to be spent and lots of stress to be accumulated. Nice post, I hope people take into account that they should be spending quality time with family and friends instead of just spending…

]]> By: A Dawn Jornal http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/comment-page-1/#comment-437185 A Dawn Jornal Fri, 12 Dec 2008 20:20:03 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/12/12/the-expensive-ups-and-downs-of-christmas/#comment-437185 I noticed that usually after Christmas, like in February, March, April …, Stores come up with huge sales as no one is buying around that time anymore. It is a good idea to stock up things for next Christmas around that time. Cheers, A Dawn Journal I noticed that usually after Christmas, like in February, March, April …, Stores come up with huge sales as no one is buying around that time anymore. It is a good idea to stock up things for next Christmas around that time.
Cheers,
A Dawn Journal

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