Hey guys! We don't go all out on Christmas gifts -- as in waste a bunch of money just because that's what the rest of the world does. Christmas, to us, is not all about the gifts, so we don't go crazy. We do Santa for the kids (again not all out crazy), gifts for the parents, grandparents, teachers/bus driver, and for the hubby and myself. I don't want my kids to have an expectation for an overindulgence in gifts. Usually, for the adults it is a useful item or something that is special. I make some gifts, buy on Etsy, or buy American made gifts. And we always do something for a needy family or children -- make it a family affair. I'd rather spend money on someone in need than on frivilous things that our family does not need. I think we generally spend about $500.00 on our family/extended family. Then spend another $150-$200 on a needy family or a few needy children.
For those who are interested in do it yourself ideas, here's some websites:
http://homemade.tipjunkie.com/ -- love this one! Scroll down to the bottom to find a category.
www.chickensintheroad.com -- she has some ideas for baking, canning, and crafting. Click on her cooking, crafting, or gardening archives at the top right of the page.
www.tammysrecipes.com -- she has some canning recipes (salsa is awesome!) and recipes for making pepperoni, salami (I think), or bologna (and not at all like what we think of as bologna).
If crafting or sewing sign up at JoAnn's or Michaels to receive coupons. On the Michaels website, I think you can just print coupons without having to sign up.
