Am I wrong to ask ext. family NOT to exchange Ch. gifts?

[trailchick]

Give them a card-
You can always give them each a card and write something
about the receiver that you feel is special about them.....
Be gracious about what they have given you but you shouldnt feel guilty - like you said they have everything so

I dont buy for Christmas, the commercialism has gotten out of hand....

Next year, you might think of making your gifts if you want to give.
There are alot of things that you could make, but even that may be
hard on the budget if you have to buy the supplies.....

Dont feel bad about not giving them anything, if that is what you do!!!!!
Send them love because it is the season for LOVE

 

[ChikeeMomma]

Agree with punk-doodle. If they still like to buy gifts that is just fine, but no one should be upset about not receiving a gift in return. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas. Enjoy it and don't let this ruin it for you!

 

[zzGypsy]

Sometimes I think folks need to spend a bit more time with the dictionary...

it's a *gift*. something you *give* to someone else.

it's not a *trade*, where you each have to give the other something of equivalent value.

they're Christmas Gifts not Christmas Trades.

 

[Mattemma]

I would just write thank you notes for the gifts. No need to give a gift just because someone else decided to give you one. I sent my friends gifts and they were feeling so guilty that they could not afford to send me anything. I kept telling them I was thrilled to even be able afford the gifts for them,and I did not do it in order to get something in return.Some years I just send a card saying I was thinking about them,and hoping they had a nice holiday. We can't always afford to buy things for others.

My only expectation was that they let me know they got the gift.Sometimes cards and boxes disappeared on their way to family/friend.

 

[Avalon1984]

Ugh, isn’t that annoying!?? We did the same with our friends, and voila, a week ago everybody sent us gifts. I told them that I am dealing with some large bills (had a young horse die, had to replace that horse, saving to build a barn, pay down debt, etc) and it is just soo annoying. What makes it even worse is that my friends are overseas, so now not just do I have to buy something, it also needs to be small and light so that I don’t have to pay $60 for a package. Whatever happened to just calling a friend and wishing them a Merry Christmas????

 

[zzGypsy]

Quote:
you could still do that...

 

[Avalon1984]

Quote:
you could still do that...

I just bought them a small gift each and stuck it into the box that goes to my parents. They can mail it to them for 1/5th of the cost it would be for me. They won't get it till mid January but oh well.

 

[TedJan92_in_Idaho]

Quote:
You got that right but in this day and age everyone wants something in return. Well most. I don't celebrate Christmas any longer. Ask most children about Christmas and its all about Santa and getting gifts. Sad as it is most adults are the same way.

 

[kuntrygirl]

Quote:
Well said. I agree with sheaviance1.

 

[teach1rusl]

Just read something similar to this in "Dear Abby." They suggested making a donation in honor of "The Smith Family" (or whatever) to your favorite charity. Put that in the card - A donation to The X Society has been made in your name...something like that. Whether it's $5 or $50 - the amount isn't talked about. It teaches the children the importance of giving/helping others.