Christmas Gifts on a Budget

Christmas is a depressing issue and holiday. The commercialization of the Holiday's are disheartening and disappointing. If you are a member of a dysfunctional family you might be able to relate to me on this issue. Christmas with my family is a huge deal. It is the only time of year we all get together aside from Thanksgiving. My mother stresses herself out trying to accommodate people she secretly does not like. My dad retreats to watch TV, and my family take over and make everyone on edge.

It is easy to understand why so much violence occurs at Christmas time. People are pushed over the edge with chores of a holiday that has lost its meaning. We rush around trying to buy the perfect gifts. We spend hours facing crowds, and knowing your gift probably will not be appreciated.

I learned several years ago that Christmas is annoying and unpleasant. Every year a rude relative exclaims, " You, got me this? It is obviously not my size" or " Oh, uh, thanks." I have learned to do myself a few favors. I indulge myself with Christmas cartoons, and special treats for myself and my cherished loved ones.

First of all, don't go overboard shopping. I used to spend two months salary on gifts. Now I make thoughtful gift baskets for my relatives. Last year I bought mugs and filled them with tea, cocoa and apple cider. I added a lovely and easy to make chocolate covered spoon, and a few pieces of candy. I put these gift mugs in a cellophane bag and passed one out to each relative. My inexpensive and easy to assemble gifts were a hit! I spent less than twenty dollars and created twelve gifts. I used a variety of flavors and mixed them up. I included ten drink packets per mug, and this was a generous amount that overflowed from the mugs. If you bake, you could also add a few Christmas cookies to the mugs.

For the children in my family I purchased a set of twelve books. One set for older kids, one for young ones. I passed out books to the kids and spent about thirty dollars. I was satisfied with my thriftiness, and everyone was satisfied with my thoughtfulness.