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How I’m saving money this Christmas

How I'm saving money this Christmas

It sucked growing up and not getting birthday or Christmas presents.

But now that I’m an adult, I’m really glad my family plays it that way.

Now that I don’t work public holidays, and will therefore be seeing them on Christmas day, I’ll bring something along – but it won’t be anything major. Baking. Books, maybe – we’ll see what freebies come my way at work within the next month (!!!).

For T’s side, I’m planning to redeem a bunch of online survey points for various vouchers. I know a lot of people are vehemently opposed to vouchers, or worse, cash, but I’m a big fan of letting people spend as they wish, and I don’t think they will mind.

As for T himself? I’m still not sure. He hates that I never want anything (seriously, the best gift anyone could ever give me is cash, which I would save), but honestly, he doesn’t make a whole lot anyway. My Scrooginess does not extend to him, so I hope he won’t want anything too extravagant or outrageous. I’m pretty sure I bought him a new release Xbox game last Christmas. My Scrooginess, however, does extend to a preference that we go shopping for our presents on Boxing Day when the sales are on, if we’re doing gifts.

Have you started your Christmas shopping? Do you save or splurge when it comes to presents?

11 thoughts on “How I’m saving money this Christmas

  • Reply femmefrugality November 13, 2012 at 16:39

    Vouchers, cash, gift cards….those are the best! I don’t care if it’s a social faux pas in some circles. Was it just a decision your family made to not give gifts? I know there’s a few religions I’ve run into here in the states that don’t exchange gifts. It would be kind of nice to just enjoy family time without the added financial stress.

    • Reply eemusings November 13, 2012 at 16:44

      My family are just frugal immigrants, I guess.

  • Reply Leslie Beslie (@lintacious) November 13, 2012 at 17:45

    I feel like I haven’t done gifts in years! I certainly don’t do obligation gifts anymore. If I see someone I know a friend will like, I will buy it. If not, then we just get together, have dinner whatever. I can’t remember the last time I bought someone a gift because “I had to”.

  • Reply Katie C. November 13, 2012 at 18:14

    If we have a great idea, we’ll buy gifts for my parents. Otherwise, we donate to one of their favorite charities. David usually buys something small/silly for his bro. Other than that, we’ll have our nephew and each other to buy for this year.

    I’m like you though – it’s hard for me to come up with a list of things I want. Once you become an adult and have a fulltime job, you can buy the things you want when you want them. It’s no longer necessary to wait for Christmas or your birthday. If I’m going to get anything, I’d rather it be a gift card for an experience – a massage, a concert, etc.

  • Reply plantingourpennies November 14, 2012 at 01:53

    We’ve brainstormed a little, but not too much shopping for Christmas yet. Birthdays are taking up all the “presents money” at the moment, so we tend to postpone thinking about Christmas presents until December.

  • Reply Cassie November 14, 2012 at 02:50

    Our family is definitely on the splurge side, but we’ve started to set limits. I started planning my Christmas shopping little over a month ago. I haven’t really purchased anything yet, but I do have money set aside on each pay period between now and then for gifts.

  • Reply Manda November 14, 2012 at 02:52

    I’ve got my Christmas presents all figured out for my loved ones! I’m making my mom’s present, my brother’s will come in the form of a nice dinner (he’s a broke college kid so good food will be very appreciated by him), and my boyfriend’s I just picked up at a craft fair this weekend. I try to make my presents where I can, which is surprisingly easy considering I’m crafty (knitting and cross-stitching being my favorites).

  • Reply The Asian Pear November 16, 2012 at 12:51

    I’m horrible with Christmas it seems…. I’m almost janus-faced about it. One year, I’ll splurge and everyone gets gifts. Next year, due to poor planning/budgeting or emergency events, I have to cancel Christmas altogether and say NO GIFTS! This is one of those latter years… We’re just having dinner together.

  • Reply Plunged in Debt (@PlungedinDebt) November 17, 2012 at 14:11

    I drive my husband crazy because I too never want anything and when I do it’s super practical like a broom! I love to give gifts though and am, what I would consider, a great gift-giver. I’d much rather give than receive!

  • Reply Chelsea December 28, 2012 at 13:57

    Im always looking for ways to save as well. using swagbucks enabled me to get a few starbucks cards that i used for teachers and what not. In the past i have regifted gift cards too, eeks terrible I know, but hey I wasn’t going to use them and the people I gave them to would…….

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