At the risk of sounding like a Scrooge, I have to say I don't enjoy Christmas gift giving or gift receiving. It feels like an obligation. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy giving gifts when it isn't expected.
Until recently, I didn't enjoy receiving gifts as an adult from family members. Their choices in clothing or books or whatever indicated that they really didn't know much about me. About four years ago, they decided to give me gift cards so I could pick out my own gift from fine establishments like Eddie Bauer, Drucker & Sons or Best Buy.
I had begun that practice as well, so now, we are just shuffling money around in the form of merchant's cards. This is no different than giving envelopes of cash to each other (Godfather wedding style).
I always come out on the short end. My sisters have families, so each nephew and neice get a gift card, whereas I get one gift card from the whole lot.
Last Christmas I did a tally. I spent $475 on gift cards and recieved $190 worth of gift cards. Was it worth it to see their faces light up when they opened their gift card? In a word, NO. They showed no emotion, though they did thank me.
This year will be different. I am going to buy or create some thoughtful gifts and do so in frugal fashion.
First up, a gift from my Mom.
Robin and I stopped by Goodwill on our lunch hour yesterday. I had some old clothing I wanted to donate and she wanted to poke around inside. She's a compulsive shopper.
I tagged along as she was going through some of the women's clothing and saw some pants that I thought would be perfect for my Mom. Robin is the same size as my Mom, so I had her try them on.
PEFECT FIT.
PEFECT FIT.
And check out the savings. That's $280 off retail!!
I am already feeling better about this Christmas.
