I got a call from my mom today saying that my brother wanted some gift ideas for the kids....the only thing is I thought we were doing the same as last year. That is, buying a small gift and just labeling from uncle...he did the same from me.
I really don't have the budget to spend more for Christmas (we had a few emergency expenses this year) ...besides I don't want to go into a mall or discount store because of the crazies out there.
I don't want to hurt my brother's feelings, but I don't want to run a debt for Christmas. So are there any cool presents for under $20 that don't seem like they are under $20? Or should I just be straight with him?
I'd say be straight with
I'd say be straight with him. If you did it last year it seems reasonable for you to have planned to do it again. We'd rather have nothing than something someone gave to their detriment.
But, if you feel you have to have something, the game WHOONU by Cranium is a favorite of my kids (6 and 8 and my sister 33) and it is fun for the whole family (really!) It runs around $12, and might be a good gift for all the kids?!?!? Good luck and Merry Christmas!
Lovemy4 is a discussion leader for North Central Phoenix, tired mother of 4 great kids and wife to one great husband.
did you buy any small gifts
did you buy any small gifts for your kids from you that you could possibly just remove your name and add uncles to? It saves you money on not having to buy more gifts and it also gives your kids something from there uncle. just a thought.
well it may be a better year
well it may be a better year for him finacially and u gotta be glad for him in that way but u need to make your situation known to him and not assume things will go the same because nothing was ever said good luck merry christmas
"dont pee on my leg and tell me its raining"
I'd just call him and ask
I'd just call him and ask him what he was planning, and then be honest about your thoughts on the situation....maybe he just had a good year, and know's you are struggling.....and he wants to be extra generous....not to embarass you, but just because he wants to give.....in any case, if you get it all out in the open, at least you'll both know where the other is coming from.
thanks for all the kind
thanks for all the kind words and suggestions. He has two girls, so switching tags wasn't going to work. So I called and let him know I had been planning the same as last year. Mom sorta explained my financial situation, so it's all worked out.
Honesty is definitely best - especially when you only see each other twice a year. :)
Merry Christmas to all!!!!
Great! Merry Christmas!
Great! Merry Christmas!
Lovemy4 is a discussion leader for North Central Phoenix, tired mother of 4 great kids and wife to one great husband.
well thank goodness merry
well thank goodness merry christmas
"dont pee on my leg and tell me its raining"
I am glad it worked out and
I am glad it worked out and a good lesson to remember to boot!! Honesty is the best policy huh?? I bet you felt better getting it out in the open. Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and financially better New Year.
KarilouMomof2 is a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com living in Tempe. Her daughters are 9 and 6.
You definately did the right
You definately did the right thing - and there's absolutely no reason to be in debt over Christmas presents. Your brother wouldn't want that anymore than you would.
Susie is a discussion leader in the east valley for arizonamoms.com. She has two sons, ages 7 and 3.